EDD saying I 'didn't earn enough' to file new claim after teacher layoff - can't get through by phone!

same thing hapnd to me in april!!! sooooo annoying. think its bcuz teachrs get paid differently or something? took me forever to fix

This is a common issue for educators. The problem is likely that your wages are being classified incorrectly in the EDD system - teachers often have their wages reported quarterly which can trigger this error. Another possibility is that your school district hasn't properly reported your wages to EDD (happens more than you'd think). You'll need to speak with an EDD rep who can verify your wages and manually override this in their system. Unfortunately, the phone system is completely overwhelmed right now due to recent tech layoffs. Here's what worked for me: 1. File a paper application AND include copies of your last 4 paystubs 2. Mail it certified so you have proof it was received 3. Request a wage investigation in your application Alternatively, if you need this resolved faster, try Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they have a service that helps get you through to an EDD rep without the endless redial game. Watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km) and it worked for me when I was in a similar situation with wage reporting issues.

Ran into this EXACT problem 2 months ago!! It's beyond frustrating!! The system is SO broken for teachers and other education employees. I called for 3 weeks straight and literally couldn't get through once. I was about to give up when someone told me to try calling exactly at 8:01am (not 8:00 when everyone calls). Finally got through and the rep explained that school employees are subject to different rules and sometimes the system automatically flags our claims even when we qualify. Something about "reasonable assurance" of returning to work - which clearly doesn't apply if you were LAID OFF! When you do eventually reach someone, make sure they understand you were LAID OFF not just on summer break. You may need to provide termination paperwork. Good luck!!!!!

Education employee claims are handled differently based on Education Code section 1253.3. The "not enough wages" message usually appears when: 1. Your wages were reported as "educational" rather than regular wages 2. Your last employer was a school district and the system automatically applies the "reasonable assurance" provision 3. There's a lag in wage reporting from your district to EDD You'll need to speak with a Tier 2 representative who can override this. They may require a letter from your former employer confirming the layoff was not seasonal/temporary but permanent due to budget cuts. As for reaching EDD by phone, the trick is persistence and timing. Call at 8:01am or 1:01pm (right after lunch) for best results. Be prepared to provide your last day worked, reason for separation, and have your termination letter ready.

I tried calling for weeks last year and it was impossible. Ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through in about 20 minutes. Their video demo shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Worked perfectly and saved me weeks of frustration. The rep I spoke with was able to fix my wage issue right away once I explained I was laid off permanently, not just on summer break.

@skeptical person - Yep, it actually works! You don't give them your SSN or anything like that - they basically just automate the calling process and connect you when they get through. Saved me days of redialing. Totally worth it when you're desperate.

oh also!! make sure ur certification answers are diff from last claim! i think they flag u as trying 2 double dip or whatever if ur answers look 2 similar 2 ur old claim. so weird

Update for anyone with this same issue: EDD finally published new guidance specifically for education employees. You need to request a "Reasonable Assurance Determination" if you were laid off. This requires documentation showing your separation was not due to typical summer/break periods but actual job elimination. The paper application route works best for this since you can attach documentation. Include a statement explicitly asking for the Reasonable Assurance review.

@originalPoster The guidance document is on the EDD website under "Information for School Employees" - it's not very prominently displayed. If you search "EDD Reasonable Assurance" it should come up. One more thing - when you do reach a representative, ask them to check if your previous benefit year is causing any issues. Sometimes there's a glitch where the system thinks you're still in your previous benefit year even though it's been years.

I finally got my issue fixed! For anyone else with similar problems: 1. Called at 8:12am exactly (right after the initial rush) 2. Explained I was laid off from teaching position (permanent separation) 3. Rep transferred me to claims specialist who manually verified my wages 4. Had to submit layoff documentation by fax (yes, fax in 2025 🙄) 5. Took about 10 days for everything to process The key was getting to the right department - regular reps can't override the system for education employees.