EDD drastically reduced my weekly benefit from $450 to $150 despite same union wages - what happened?

This happened to me last year - turns out they were missing wages from one of my employers in their system. Check your award letter to see which quarters they're using as your base period and what wages they show for each quarter. If the numbers look way off from what you earned, you need to file a wage protest with EDD. There should be instructions on how to do this right on your award letter.

dude the EDD system is completely broken lol. my girlfriend works in tv production and they messed up her claim THREE TIMES. she had to wait like 2 months to get it fixed and we almost got evicted

You need to file a Request for Reconsideration of Computation (DE 1326C). This form is specifically for when you believe EDD calculated your benefit amount incorrectly based on missing wages. You'll need to submit proof of those missing wages - W2s, paystubs, or earnings statements from those other studios. The most likely explanation is that those other studios didn't properly report your wages to EDD. This happens frequently in the entertainment industry with multiple short-term employers. The good news is that once you submit documentation proving those wages, EDD will recalculate your WBA and pay you the difference retroactively for any weeks you certified at the lower amount. The form should be available on UI Online under Forms and Publications, or you can call and request they mail it to you.

im in the film industry 2 and this happens ALL THE TIME!! the studios are terrible about reporting the right wages to edd specially if u work for differnt production companies under the same parent studio they mess it up everytime. dont stress ur not alone!!

If you need to actually speak to someone at EDD rather than waiting weeks for them to respond to your online messages, try Claimyr. I was in exactly your situation last year with missing wages from multiple VFX houses. I spent two weeks trying to get through on the phones with no luck, then used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got a callback from EDD within an hour. You can see how it works in their video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km They were able to fix my WBA that same day over the phone once I explained the issue and told them which employers were missing. Saved me weeks of going back and forth with paperwork.

I went through this exact situation in January. For animation/VFX workers, this issue is incredibly common. The problem is that EDD's system doesn't handle our industry's employment structure well. Here's exactly what you need to do: 1. Complete the DE 1326C form with all missing wages 2. Include copies (not originals) of pay stubs from ALL missing studios 3. Write a cover letter explaining you work in the animation industry with multiple employers 4. Send it all certified mail so you have proof of delivery 5. Follow up by phone in exactly 10 business days Most importantly - keep certifying every two weeks at the lower amount! When they fix it (they will), you'll get retroactive payments for the difference. In my case, it took 3 weeks to process and I got a lump sum payment of the difference.

Pro tip: While you're waiting for the recalculation, keep certifying for benefits at the lower amount. When your benefit amount is corrected, EDD will automatically issue retro payments for the difference between what you received and what you should have received for all weeks you certified. Don't miss certifications thinking it's not worth it for the lower amount!

anyone else notice that EDD always messes up claims for entertainment workers?? its like they dont understand we work for 5-6 different companies a year lol

UPDATE: I finally spoke with an EDD rep! I used Claimyr as suggested and got a callback within 40 minutes. The rep confirmed that two studios didn't report my wages correctly. I'm submitting the reconsideration form tomorrow with all my pay stubs. She said I should continue certifying at the lower benefit amount, and once they process my documentation (estimated 2-3 weeks), they'll issue retroactive payments for the difference. For anyone in the animation/film industry reading this thread later - ALWAYS check your award notice carefully to make sure all your employers are listed correctly! Thank you all for your help!