EDD calculated my benefit amount overnight - seems way too low based on my high quarter earnings

The initial benefit calculation is indeed automated based on wage information your employer(s) reported to EDD. Your weekly benefit amount is determined by your highest quarter earnings in your base period, and there's a specific formula they use. If you earned $1,200/week consistently, your quarterly earnings would be around $15,600, which should qualify you for more than $340/week. It's possible your employer reported different wage information than what you're expecting. I'd recommend requesting a wage investigation. You'll need to provide proof of your earnings (W-2, paystubs, etc.) that contradict what EDD has on record. Don't wait - call them ASAP to start this process, as benefit recalculations can take time to process.

ya this happened to me 2 its crazy fast right?? mine was also way off but turns out my employer didnt report all my wages right. definetly call them cause the computer just goes off whatever info is in there system. took me 3 weeks to get it fixed but they did backpay the difference

The EDD system is COMPLETELY broken. I spent TWO MONTHS trying to get my benefit amount fixed last year. They kept saying my highest quarter was only $8k when I made over $24k that quarter. I had to call EVERY SINGLE DAY for weeks, only to be told they couldn't help me or the queue was full. When I finally got through, the rep told me my employer had misreported my wages. They had me fax (yes, FAX in 2025!!!) my paystubs and W-2, then made me wait ANOTHER 3 weeks for processing. The whole system is designed to frustrate you into giving up!!

I've been trying to reach EDD for three days about my benefit amount calculation and keep hitting dead ends with the phone system. Finally tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) yesterday after another Reddit user suggested it, and they actually got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. The rep was able to start my wage investigation right away after I explained the discrepancy. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Saved me so much frustration after days of failed calling.

did u check if they used standard base period or alternative base period? sometimes they use older quarters if ur using standard which could b y ur amount is low. they shud tell u which quarters they used somewhere in ur paperwork or online account

To directly answer your questions: 1) Yes, the initial benefit calculation is automated based on quarterly wage data in their system 2) No, it doesn't typically change unless you request a wage investigation 3) Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) is calculated as approximately 1/23rd to 1/26th of your highest quarter earnings, up to the maximum benefit of $550/week in 2025 If your highest quarter earnings were truly $15,600 (assuming $1,200/week for 13 weeks), your WBA should be around $450-$500, not $340. Possible issues: - Only some of your wages were reported by your employer - Your wages were reported under an incorrect SSN - You worked for multiple employers and not all were included - They're using quarters where you earned less Call EDD immediately and request a "wage investigation" - be prepared with your paystubs from the past 18 months. Also check your "Claim History" section on UI Online to see which quarters they used to calculate your benefit.

wait are you certifying while this gets sorted out? you should keep certifying every 2 weeks even if the amount is wrong

And while you're waiting for them to fix it MAKE SURE you keep detailed records of EVERY conversation you have with EDD! I didn't do this and ended up having to restart my entire wage investigation because the rep I spoke with didn't properly note my account. Write down the date, time, rep name/ID number, and what they told you EVERY SINGLE TIME. Their system is designed to lose your information!!

my benfit amount was wrong 2 and i gave up fixing it cuz it was 2 much hassle tbh. ended up just accepting the lower amount cuz i cudnt deal with calling them 50 times