EDD application mistake - overstated severance amount by 3x - how to correct?

Don't panic! This happens more often than you'd think. You need to contact EDD to report the mistake ASAP. The severance amount affects when your benefits actually start, so it's important to get it corrected. You can try to call them at 1-800-300-5616, but honestly good luck getting through - their phone lines are completely overwhelmed. You'll likely get the "we're experiencing high call volume" message and get disconnected.

u can also try sending a message thru ur UI Online account. go to Contact EDD section n explain the mistake there. sometimes they respond waaaay faster that way than on phone

OMG SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME!!! I accidentally reported the wrong date of my last day at work (put the 15th instead of the 25th). I tried for TWO WEEKS to get through on the phone. Eventually I just gave up and had to wait for my phone interview where I explained the mistake to the interviewer. It delayed everything by almost a month and I almost couldn't pay rent. The EDD system is such a joke!!!

I've been helping people with EDD issues for a while now, and here's the correct approach: First, document the error in writing through your UI Online account messages as someone suggested. Second, you absolutely NEED to speak with a representative to get this fixed properly. The severance amount is important because it can affect when you start receiving benefits. Reporting too much severance might push back your benefit start date unnecessarily. Calling at exactly 8:01 AM when they open can sometimes help, but that's hit or miss. Keep detailed notes of when you're attempting to contact them and what you're trying to correct - this creates a paper trail showing you're making good faith efforts to fix the mistake.

After struggling to get through to EDD for weeks about an issue with my claim, I finally tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it actually worked! They have this system that basically holds your place in line and calls you when an EDD rep is available. Saved me so much frustration. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km For an issue like yours with the severance amount, you definitely need to talk to a human at EDD directly. The sooner you get it fixed, the less chance of your payments being delayed.

I think people are overcomplicating this. Just wait until they call you for your eligibility phone interview. They always call new applicants anyway to verify details. Just tell them about the mistake then. That's what I did when I messed up my employer's address.

Update: I was finally able to get through to EDD this morning! Called at exactly 8:00am and only had to wait about 45 minutes. The representative was actually really nice and said this happens frequently. She updated my severance amount in the system and explained that I'll still need to report the severance when I actually receive it during certification, but now the system has the correct expected amount. She said this won't delay my benefits as long as the correction is made before they process my claim. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

for future reference, any1 filing for unemployment should know that severance does affect when u can start getting benefits. EDD considers severance as wages for the period it covers, so they won't pay benefits until after that period ends. thats why its super important to report it right.