First EDD payment much lower than expected - normal or problem?

Unfortunately, that's probably correct. California EDD has a maximum weekly benefit amount of $450 (going up to $550 in 2025), regardless of how much you were earning before. The system is designed to provide basic support, not to match your previous income. The calculation is roughly 50% of your earnings up to that maximum. Your $350/week sounds about right based on your previous earnings, though you might want to double-check their calculation using your base period earnings.

first time is always less!! they hold back $ the first week its called a 'waiting period' check ur next payment should be more

I WENT THROUGH THE EXACT SAME THING!!! It's ridiculous how little they give you compared to what you were making before. I was bringing home $5200/month in tech and my EDD payments were barely enough to cover my rent. The whole system is designed to force you to take ANY job even if it's way below your skill level. I ended up having to drain my savings while looking for something decent. The max benefit amount is a JOKE in California with our cost of living!!!

I know it's frustrating, but here's some clarification on how EDD calculates your benefits: 1. They look at your highest-earning quarter during your base period (usually the 12 months before the quarter you filed) 2. Your weekly benefit amount is approximately 50% of your average weekly earnings up to the maximum 3. The current maximum is $450/week, which will increase to $550 in 2025 One thing to check: Make sure all your wages were properly reported. You can view your claim details in UI Online to see what quarterly earnings EDD has on file. If there's a discrepancy, you can contact EDD to have it corrected. Also, while the base unemployment amount is fixed, you might qualify for other assistance programs like CalFresh (food assistance) or rental assistance programs through your county.

Have you certified for both weeks yet? Sometimes the first payment only includes one week if you certified late or something. Just a thought.

After trying for DAYS to get through to EDD to ask about my payment amounts (kept getting the "we're experiencing high call volume" message), I finally used Claimyr.com to connect with an EDD rep in under 20 minutes. They actually explained my benefit calculation and fixed an issue with my quarterly wages that weren't being counted properly. Ended up getting my weekly amount adjusted and backpay for the difference. Worth checking out if you need to speak with someone - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km that shows how it works. Seriously saved my sanity.

Update: I checked my UI Online account and all my wages seem to be reported correctly. It looks like $350/week is just what I qualify for based on the calculation. I'm definitely going to look into CalFresh and other assistance programs. Thanks everyone for the advice and commiseration. The reality check hurts, but at least I understand the system better now.

I feel your pain! I'm going through something similar right now. Was making $5,400/month as a software engineer and my weekly benefit is only $420. It's such a rude awakening when you realize how little unemployment actually covers compared to your living expenses. One thing that's helped me is creating a bare-bones budget and reaching out to creditors/landlord to explain the situation - some are willing to work with you temporarily. Also check if your county has emergency rental assistance programs. The job market is tough right now but we'll get through this. Stay strong and keep applying!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the sticker shock is real! I went through the same thing when I first got laid off from my admin job. One thing that really helped me was applying for the CalFresh program (food stamps) right away - it freed up some of my limited unemployment money for rent and utilities. Also, many utility companies have hardship programs where they'll reduce or defer payments temporarily if you call and explain your situation. Don't be too proud to use food banks either - they're there for exactly this kind of situation and can really stretch your budget. The 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1) is amazing for finding local resources and assistance programs you might not know about. Hang in there - this phase won't last forever even though it feels overwhelming right now!

I'm going through the exact same situation right now! Just got my first EDD payment and it was $315/week when I was making $4,200/month before getting laid off from my graphic design job. The math is so depressing when you realize unemployment barely covers basic survival expenses, let alone maintaining your previous standard of living. What's really helped me so far is immediately cutting all non-essential subscriptions and expenses, and I've started driving for DoorDash on weekends to supplement the unemployment income (you can earn up to $25/week without it affecting your benefits). Also seconding what others said about CalFresh - I qualified and it's been a lifesaver for grocery costs. The whole system definitely feels like it's designed to push you into taking any job ASAP rather than actually supporting you while you find something at your skill level. Hang in there and know you're definitely not alone in feeling frustrated by how little these payments actually help!

I'm in a very similar situation and can totally relate to the shock! I was making $4,500/month as a project coordinator before my layoff and my weekly benefit is only $380. It's such a harsh reality check when you realize unemployment payments are really just meant to keep you from being completely destitute rather than maintain your lifestyle. What's helped me cope is thinking of this as temporary survival mode - I've had to completely restructure my budget and priorities. I've been applying for jobs aggressively while also looking into every assistance program mentioned in this thread. The silver lining is that it's forced me to really examine my spending and find creative ways to stretch every dollar. Still frustrating though - California's cost of living and the benefit caps just don't match up at all. Keep your head up and remember this is just a chapter, not the whole story!

I'm experiencing the exact same shock right now! Just got my first payment of $365/week after making $5,100/month as a data analyst before my company's "restructuring" last month. The reality hit me like a ton of bricks when I realized this barely covers half my rent, let alone utilities, groceries, and other essentials. What's really helping me mentally is what someone mentioned about viewing this as temporary survival mode rather than trying to maintain my previous lifestyle. I've already applied for CalFresh based on recommendations here, and I'm looking into that 211 helpline for additional local resources. One thing I discovered is that my local library has free career counseling services and resume workshops, which has been invaluable since I'm spending most of my time job hunting anyway. Also found out some grocery stores have special discount days for people receiving government assistance. The whole system definitely feels designed to push you into taking any job quickly rather than providing actual living support, especially with California's insane cost of living. But reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel less alone in this struggle. We'll get through this!

I'm going through this exact situation too and the frustration is so real! I was making $4,600/month as a UX designer before getting laid off three weeks ago, and my weekly benefit amount is $385. Like everyone else here, I had no idea about the maximum benefit caps and how little unemployment actually covers in California. What's been helping me so far: I immediately signed up for CalFresh after reading about it in this thread (got approved within a week!), called my utility companies about hardship programs (PG&E actually has a pretty decent temporary assistance program), and I've been using the 211 helpline which connected me to a local food bank and rental assistance program I never knew existed. The mental shift to "survival mode" that others mentioned is crucial - I had to completely let go of my previous lifestyle and focus on absolute essentials. It's humbling but also clarifying in a weird way. I'm also doing some freelance design work on the side, being careful to stay under that $25/week limit so it doesn't affect my benefits. The job market feels brutal right now, but reading everyone's stories here reminds me this is temporary even when it doesn't feel that way. We're all going to get through this, and hopefully with some valuable perspective on the other side. Stay strong everyone!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this shock - I just went through the exact same thing! Was making $4,900/month as a marketing manager and got my first EDD payment of $340/week last month. The reality check was brutal. What really helped me was immediately calling 211 (as others mentioned) - they connected me to programs I had no idea existed, including emergency utility assistance and a local food pantry that delivers groceries. I also found out my city has a temporary rental assistance program specifically for people on unemployment. One tip that's been a game-changer: I started meal prepping with ingredients from the food bank and buying generic everything. My grocery bill went from $400/month to under $100. Also, if you have any skills you can freelance (writing, tutoring, pet sitting), you can earn up to $25/week without it affecting your benefits - every little bit helps. The hardest part mentally was accepting this is just temporary survival mode, not permanent. Focus all your energy on the job search while utilizing every resource available. You're definitely not alone in this struggle - California's benefit system is completely out of touch with actual living costs here. Hang in there!