EDD system showing 'not enough wages' but I worked last quarter - can't file new claim online
I'm hitting a wall with filing my new unemployment claim and desperately need advice! My previous benefit year ended this Monday, and I need to file a new claim. I only worked October-December last year (about 3 months in the last quarter). Here's the crazy part - an EDD rep actually called ME yesterday about something related to my old claim, and while I had them on the phone, I asked about filing a new claim. The rep confirmed they could see my wages from last quarter in their system and told me to just file a new claim online (not manage my existing one), saying it would process quickly and I could certify this week. But when I tried to file online, a red error message appeared saying I didn't earn enough wages last year to qualify - which contradicts exactly what the EDD rep just told me! The system is only giving me options to either call (impossible to get through) or mail in a paper application. I'm completely lost now. Do I need to create an entirely new account to file this claim? Will that mess things up? Or is there some way to override this error and still file online with my existing account? Really don't want to delay benefits over a system error when the EDD can clearly see my wages in their system!
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Emma Morales
You don't need to create a new account! That would definitely cause more problems. What's happening is that the online system doesn't always have access to the most recently reported wages. The EDD rep could see your last quarter wages because they have access to more updated information than the automated system. Your best option is to submit a paper application by mail (I know, it's annoying) and include a note explaining that an EDD rep confirmed your wages are in the system. Mark the envelope "Attention: New Claims" to help it get routed properly. While waiting for the paper claim to process, keep trying to reach someone by phone to see if they can override the online system's block.
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Declan Ramirez
•Thanks so much! That makes sense about the system lag. I really don't want to mail anything though... the last time I mailed something to EDD it literally took 6 weeks to process. Would filing through the phone be better than mail? And should I mention the rep I already spoke with when I eventually get through?
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Katherine Hunter
same thing happened 2 me last month!! super frustrating. the online system is GARBAGE. i worked january-march but system said i didnt have enough wages. ended up having to call like 50 times b4 getting thru to someone
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Declan Ramirez
•Ugh, 50 calls?! Did you eventually get it sorted out? I'm wondering if I should just keep trying to call instead of mailing in the application.
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Katherine Hunter
•yea they fixed it when i got thru! rep had to override something in there system. took like 30 min but they got it done n i could certify next day!
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Lucas Parker
This is a common issue with the EDD system. Their online portal doesn't always reflect the most recent quarter of wages due to reporting delays from employers. Since you have confirmation that your wages ARE in their system (from the rep who called you), you have a few options: 1. Mail in a paper application (slowest but guaranteed to work) 2. Keep trying the phones (fastest if you can get through) 3. Visit an EDD office in person if you're near one (often overlooked option) DO NOT create a new account - that will definitely flag your claim and cause delays. What you're experiencing is just a disconnect between what the reps can see in their complete system versus what the automated online portal can access. When you do talk to someone, be sure to mention that another rep already confirmed your wages are in the system. Ask them to check your "base period wages" specifically for the last quarter of 2024.
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Declan Ramirez
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! I think I'll try calling first before resorting to mail. There is an EDD office about 30 miles from me - is it worth the drive or will they just tell me to call anyway? I'm worried about wasting a day driving there only to be turned away.
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Lucas Parker
•In my experience, an in-person visit can be worth it for issues like this. They can access the same systems as phone reps. However, call the office first to confirm they're taking walk-ins and ask if they can help with filing a new claim when the online system shows insufficient wages. Some offices require appointments now, while others take walk-ins with potentially long wait times. If you do go, bring ID, your Social Security card, and any documentation of your employment from that last quarter (paystubs, W-2, etc).
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Donna Cline
The EDD system is so broken it's ridiculous!! I had the EXACT SAME ISSUE last year. Worked just one quarter and the online system kept rejecting me even though a rep told me I qualified. Wasted THREE WEEKS trying to call before I finally got through. Then guess what? They had to transfer me to ANOTHER department and I got disconnected! Started all over again. The state needs to fix this garbage system - it's designed to make people give up!!
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Katherine Hunter
•omg that sucks!! did u ever get it fixed??
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Donna Cline
•Eventually, but only after I complained to my state assembly member's office. Suddenly EDD found my application and processed it within 48 hours. FUNNY HOW THAT WORKS!! 🙄
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Harper Collins
I had luck using Claimyr to get through to EDD when I had a similar issue with my claim being rejected online. They connect you with an EDD rep quickly instead of you having to call 100+ times. Was able to explain my situation and get it sorted in one call. Saved me days of frustration! They have a video demo of how it works at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Definitely worth it for cases like yours where you NEED to talk to someone but can't get through on your own.
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Declan Ramirez
•I've never heard of this service before. How long did it take for you to get connected to someone? I'm getting desperate since I can't afford to wait weeks for a paper application to process.
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Harper Collins
•For me it took about 25 minutes total - much better than the hundreds of calls I was making before. Just make sure you're ready with all your info when they connect you. Have your ID number, SSN, and employment details all written down so you don't waste time once you're connected. The rep was able to see my wages in their system (like yours) and override the online denial right there during the call.
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Kelsey Hawkins
Has anyone considered that maybe there's a minimum earning requirement? Just because you worked for 3 months doesn't automatically qualify you. You need to have earned a certain amount within your base period. The rep might have seen your wages but not calculated whether they meet the minimum threshold. You should check the EDD website for the minimum qualifying wages - I think it's around $1,300 in your highest quarter plus total base period of 1.25x your highest quarter.
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Declan Ramirez
•That's a good point, but the EDD rep specifically told me I qualified based on my wages. She could see the exact amounts and confirmed I was eligible. That's why I'm so confused about the online system rejecting me - it's like the left hand doesn't know what the right is doing at EDD!
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Kelsey Hawkins
•Ah, got it. In that case it's definitely a system issue. Their online portal probably hasn't updated with your most recent quarter wages. Unfortunately you're in the situation where only a human can override this - either by phone or in person. The paper application would work too but takes forever to process.
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Dylan Fisher
When u talk to EDD make sure u ask them about the "alternate base period" - that lets them use ur most recent quarter instead of the standard base period. sometimes the online system doesn't check for that automatically but a rep can do it. my brother had same issue and that's what fixed it
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Lucas Parker
•This is excellent advice! The alternate base period is exactly what's needed in this situation. The standard base period doesn't include the most recently completed quarter, but the alternate base period does. When you get through to EDD, specifically ask them to apply the alternate base period to your claim. They'll need to do this manually since the online system doesn't automatically check for alternate base period eligibility.
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Emma Morales
Just to follow up on what others have said - this is a perfect example of when you NEED to speak to an actual EDD representative. The online system has limitations, especially when it comes to claims that need special handling like yours with recent wages or alternate base period considerations. Your best options in order of likely effectiveness: 1. Get through on the phone (using a service or persistent calling) 2. Visit an EDD office in person 3. Mail the paper application as a last resort When you do get through, be very specific about mentioning that another rep confirmed your wages are in the system, and ask them to check your eligibility using the alternate base period. Keep notes about who you speak with (name, ID number if they'll give it) and what they tell you in case you need to reference the conversation later.
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Declan Ramirez
•I think I'm definitely going to focus on getting through by phone first. If I have no luck by the end of the week, I'll try visiting an office next Monday. Really appreciate all the helpful advice from everyone - I was totally lost before posting this!
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