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EDD portal won't let me file new claim, benefit amount discrepancy - help needed

I'm having trouble filing a new unemployment claim online. I've been working for over a year and just got laid off, but the EDD portal won't let me submit anything. Has anyone else run into this? I'm also confused about the benefit amount. A worker told me I'd get $900 a week, but the website calculator says only $340. What gives? Any advice on how to handle this when I finally get through to someone?

Tom Maxon

I found a way to solve EDD unemployment claim filing issues, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWispMlyAeY

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Rudy Cenizo

lmao welcome to the club 🎉 edd is a clown show 🤡 good luck getting any real help

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Natalie Khan

It's sad how common this frustration is. Hopefully, improvements are made soon.

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Statiia Aarssizan

I had the same issue! The portal is so frustrating. I ended up having to call them directly. Be prepared to wait on hold for hours tho. 😫

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Reginald Blackwell

Hours? Try days! I swear I grew a beard waiting for them to pick up 🧔

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Aria Khan

Pro tip: call right when they open. I got through in only 45 mins last week!

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Daryl Bright

I'm in the same boat, been trying to file for 3 weeks now. The system is so broken, it's ridiculous. Has anyone tried contacting their local representative? I heard they can sometimes help push things through.

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Sienna Gomez

I tried that! My rep's office was actually super helpful. They can't fix everything, but they did help me get unstuck. Definitely worth a shot.

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Kirsuktow DarkBlade

How do you even find out who your local rep is? 🤔

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Everett Tutum

Okay, let me break this down for you because I've been through this rodeo before: 1. Portal Issues: The EDD website is notoriously glitchy. Sometimes it's just overloaded, other times there might be a flag on your account preventing you from filing. Either way, you'll need to speak to a human. 2. Benefit Discrepancy: The $900 vs $340 difference is huge. Here's what could be happening: - The $900 might include the extra federal benefits (if they're still active) - The worker might have calculated based on your highest earning quarter - The online calculator might be using outdated info or not factoring in all your wages 3. What to do: - Keep trying the online portal at off-peak hours (like early morning) - Call EDD directly. Be persistent. It sucks, but it's necessary. - Have all your employment info ready: dates, wages, reason for layoff - Ask specifically about the benefit calculation when you get through 4. Key factors for max benefits: - Your earnings during the base period (usually the last 4 completed quarters) - Your highest quarter earnings - State maximum benefit amount Hang in there. It's a frustrating process, but you'll get it sorted out. Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself!

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Sophia Gabriel

Wow, thank you so much for this detailed response! This really helps me understand what's going on. I'll definitely ask about the benefit calculation when I call.

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Sunny Wang

This guy EDDs 👆

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Hugh Intensity

Don't forget to mention your layoff date! That can affect when your claim starts.

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Romeo Quest

I found a method to get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. (https://claimyr.com

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Val Rossi

Sounds sketchy. Is this legit? Has anyone else tried it?

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Eve Freeman

$20 to talk to EDD? That's highway robbery! 🤬

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Romeo Quest

I know it sounds weird, but I swear it's legit. Saved me hours of frustration. Worth every penny imo.

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Clarissa Flair

How does it work exactly? Do they give you a specific time to be ready for the call?

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Caden Turner

Claimyr is a legit service that has helped many avoid long wait times, but it might not be the ideal solution for everyone due to the cost. Some people prefer traditional methods despite the wait times.

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McKenzie Shade

Have you checked if you have a claim balance from a previous unemployment period? Sometimes that can block you from filing a new claim online. You might need to reopen an old claim instead of filing a new one.

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Harmony Love

Good point! Many forget about lingering issues from previous claims that can complicate new filings.

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Effie Alexander

ugh the edd is the WORST!!! i've been trying to file for weeks and keep getting error messages. anyone know if theres a secret phone number or something??

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Melissa Lin

There's no secret number, but I heard if you press 2 instead of 1 at the first prompt, you might get through faster. Worth a shot! 🤷‍♂️

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Lydia Santiago

Have you tried filing at like 3am? Sometimes the system works better when less people are on it.

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Toot-n-Mighty

To address your original concerns: Filing for unemployment can be a complex process, especially when navigating the EDD's online portal. It's not uncommon to encounter technical issues or discrepancies in expected benefit amounts. The $900 vs. $340 difference is likely due to a miscalculation or misunderstanding about current benefits. Federal programs, like the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), once offered additional funds, which might explain the higher amount mentioned by a worker. For accurate benefit calculations, ensure all your employment data, including wages and layoff reasons, are current and complete. The EDD often calculates benefits based on the highest quarter of earnings within a base period. If you're experiencing portal issues, trying at off-peak hours or using services like Claimyr can be helpful. While Claimyr is a legitimate service, it's important to consider its cost. Always document every interaction with the EDD, and don't hesitate to reach out to your local representative for additional support. They can sometimes expedite the process, especially in cases involving interstate employment flags. Remember, persistence is key when dealing with bureaucratic systems like EDD.

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Lena Kowalski

Great summary! It's important to be informed and prepared when dealing with bureaucractic processes.

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Sophia Gabriel

Update: I finally got through to someone! They said there was a flag on my account because I had worked in another state recently. They're sorting it out now. Thanks everyone for the advice!

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Anderson Prospero

Congrats on breaking through! 🎉 Did they give you any timeline for when it'll be fixed?

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Tyrone Hill

Glad you got some answers! Keep us posted on how it goes.

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Abigail bergen

Pro tip: document EVERYTHING. Every call, every error message, every piece of info you submit. You never know when you'll need to prove you've been trying to file. CYA always with the EDD.

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Ahooker-Equator

This is crucial advice! Having detailed records can save you a lot of trouble later on.

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Tobias Lancaster

Welcome to EDD hell, my friend. You're not alone in this boat. The online system is a joke - it's like trying to sail through a storm with a leaky rowboat. 🚣‍♂️💦

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Ezra Beard

Totally agree! It's frustrating that such an important service has so many technical issues.

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