EDD login asks for previous benefit amount but can't remember my COVID payment - how to recover?

Same thing happened to me last month!!! The EDD system is deliberately designed to lock us out, I swear. I ended up trying like 5 different amounts that I thought it might be before getting locked out completely. Then had to wait on hold for 3 HOURS to talk to someone who could reset my account. The whole system is broken!!!!

try checking ur bank statements from that time if u still have access. thats how i figured mine out

You have a few options here that should help you recover that information: 1. Log into your UI Online account through a different method. There should be an option that says "Forgot Security Question Answers" which will direct you to verify your identity another way. 2. If that doesn't work, you can request your EDD payment history by submitting form DE 8714 (Request for Unemployment Insurance Payment History). You can download this from the EDD website. 3. Check any tax documents from that period. Your 1099-G form would show the total unemployment benefits you received for that tax year. 4. As a last resort, call the EDD directly at 1-800-300-5616 to speak with a representative who can help verify your identity and possibly reset your security questions. The benefit amount they're asking for is your weekly benefit amount (WBA) before deductions, not the actual deposit amount.

I had this exact same issue trying to log in last month! I was receiving benefits during covid too but couldn't remember the exact amount. I tried calling the main EDD number for days but kept getting the "we're experiencing high call volume" message and they would hang up. Super frustrating!

I had this issue a few weeks ago and found a solution! First, check if you have the original award letter in your email (search for "EDD" and "award"). If not, try accessing your UI Online account through ID.me verification instead of answering the security question. If those don't work, you'll need to call EDD. I was struggling to get through for days using the regular number, but then I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me get through to an EDD agent within 20 minutes. They have a service that basically calls EDD for you and then connects you once they get through. They even have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Once I got through, the agent was able to verify my identity using other information and reset my security questions. Good luck!

Just wanted to add that the amount they're asking for is your weekly benefit amount (WBA), not your bi-weekly payment that you received. A lot of people get confused because the deposits were always for two weeks combined. Also, if you had taxes withheld, they want the BEFORE tax amount, not what was actually deposited in your account. Hope that helps narrow it down!

btw during covid there was that extra $300 federal money on top of regular benefits so dont include that part when ur trying to remember

UPDATE: I found my old tax records and located my 1099-G from 2021! My weekly benefit amount was $372. I was able to log in successfully. Thanks everyone for your help! For anyone with the same issue in the future, definitely check your tax documents first.

So glad you figured it out! This is such a common issue and your post will definitely help others who run into the same problem. The 1099-G tip is golden - I wish EDD would make it more obvious that's where people should look first instead of making us guess our benefit amounts. Hope your new claim goes smoothly and you get approved quickly!

Welcome to the community Ellie! I totally understand that dread about dealing with EDD again - the system can be really overwhelming, especially when you're already stressed about losing your job. This thread is a perfect example of how helpful this community can be though. Don't hesitate to post if you run into any issues with your claim - there are a lot of experienced people here who've been through the process multiple times and are always willing to help. Also, definitely save this thread for reference since the 1099-G tip and other advice here could come in handy. Good luck with your claim!