Shocked that EDD benefits only cover 40% of my salary - can't afford rent with 2 kids

Welcome to the wonderful world of EDD 🙄 max benefit is $450/week no matter what you were making before. thats how the system works and yes it SUCKS for high earners

I understand your frustration. The maximum weekly benefit amount in California is currently $450, regardless of your previous income. While this hasn't changed in years despite inflation, there are supplemental resources you might qualify for: 1. CalFresh (food assistance) 2. California's LifeLine (phone/internet discounts) 3. CARE/FERA programs for utility bill reductions 4. Local rental assistance programs Have you certified for your first two weeks? If pending issues delay additional payments, that's a separate problem to solve.

ya its almost like they WANT us to fail! i lost my job 3 months ago and im still lookin. the whole system is designed to keep us down while the rich keep gettin richer!!!

The EDD system definitely has limitations that make it challenging for professionals with higher previous earnings. In your situation with children, you should immediately apply for CalFresh and the California Earned Income Tax Credit when you file taxes this year. Also, many Bay Area counties have emergency rental assistance for families - contact your local Housing Authority or 211 for specific programs. For the job hunt, have you tried connecting with recruiters who specialize in your industry? They often know about positions that haven't been publicly posted yet, which means less competition.

Have you thought about part-time work while job hunting? You can still collect partial unemployment if you report earnings under a certain threshold. I did this last year and it helped bridge the gap. EDD subtracts 75% of your earnings from your weekly benefit amount, so you can actually come out ahead.

I went through this exact situation last year and was in a complete panic about supporting my kids on EDD benefits. One thing that saved me was finally getting through to an EDD rep who helped resolve some issues with my claim that were preventing me from getting all the benefits I was entitled to. I spent DAYS trying to call but couldn't get through until I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this system that gets you into the EDD phone queue when there's an opening. Saved me hours of redial hell. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Also, don't be afraid to tap into your professional network. A former colleague actually referred me to a contract position that turned into my current job.

Something else to consider: The base period for calculating your benefit amount might not reflect your most recent earnings. EDD typically uses earnings from 5-18 months before your claim. If your income increased significantly within the past year, you might not be seeing that reflected in your benefit calculation. It's worth confirming with an EDD representative that they're using the correct earnings history for your claim.

idk if this helps but some daycares offer discounts if your unemployed, my sisters did when she lost her job. maybe check with your daycare?

One more thing to consider: make sure you're meeting all work search requirements to avoid any interruptions in your benefits. Currently, you need to document at least 3 work search activities per week. These can include job applications, networking, updating resumes, attending job fairs, etc. Keep detailed records of all your job search efforts including company names, positions, dates, and contact information. This documentation will protect your benefits if you're selected for an eligibility interview.