ESD UI weekly benefit amount inconsistent with actual payments - what's going on?
I've been claiming unemployment for about 5 weeks now, and I just noticed something weird. When I log into my eServices account and look at my claim summary, it says my weekly benefit amount should be $618, but I've only been receiving $542 each week. That's a $76 difference! I double-checked my payment history and every single payment has been the lower amount. I haven't had any earnings to report or other deductions that I'm aware of. Has anyone else experienced this discrepancy? Should I be concerned? I'm worried about calling ESD because I don't want them to think I'm complaining and then somehow lose my benefits altogether.
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Santiago Martinez
This is probably taxes. The amount shown is your GROSS benefit amount, but what you receive is your NET amount after taxes are withheld. Check if you elected to have taxes withheld when you set up your claim. Federal tax withholding is 10% which would explain most of the difference you're seeing.
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Natalie Chen
•Omg I think you're right. I totally forgot I checked the box to withhold taxes! That would explain it. I feel kinda dumb now for not realizing. Thank you!!
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Samantha Johnson
samee thing happend 2 me last month. freaked out thinking i was getting shorted but it was just taxes + the health insurance deduction i chose. check ur paperwork
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Nick Kravitz
You might also have health insurance premiums being deducted if you opted into that. When I filed my claim, I kept the health insurance option and it took like $38 from each payment. The system really should make this clearer on the payment screen! But yeah, like others said, federal tax withholding + any insurance could easily be your $76 difference.
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Hannah White
•THIS!!! The ESD system is SO CONFUSING about deductions! My claim summary shows the full amount but the actual payments are always less and nowhere does it clearly itemize what they're taking out. I got so frustrated about this exact issue I spent THREE DAYS trying to reach someone at ESD. Kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours.
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Michael Green
Here's a breakdown of what's probably happening: 1. Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) shown on your claim: $618 (this is your GROSS amount) 2. Federal Income Tax Withholding: -$61.80 (if you elected the standard 10% withholding) 3. Possible health insurance premium: varies, but could explain the remaining ~$14.20 You can check this by looking at your payment details in eServices. There should be a section that shows deductions from your payment. If you click on an individual payment, it might give you the breakdown. And don't worry about calling ESD to ask questions - that's literally what they're there for. They won't penalize you for asking for clarification on your benefits.
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Natalie Chen
•Thank you for this detailed breakdown! I checked my payment details like you suggested, and you were absolutely right. I see the tax withholding and a small health insurance premium deduction. Mystery solved! I feel much better knowing there's not a mistake with my claim.
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Mateo Silva
The ESD system is completely broken!!!! I had the EXACT same issue but in my case they were actually UNDERPAYING me by $112 each week for TWO MONTHS before I realized it!!! When I finally got thru to someone they admitted it was THEIR ERROR and had to issue backpay. CHECK EVERYTHING THEY DO!!!
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Santiago Martinez
•While errors can happen, in most cases the difference between the weekly benefit amount and what you receive is due to authorized deductions like taxes or insurance premiums. It's important to check those first before assuming it's an error. The system design could certainly be clearer though.
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Victoria Jones
just wondering... does anyone know if we can change the tax withholding option after we've already started the claim? i selected it too but really need the full amount right now
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Nick Kravitz
•Yes, you can change your tax withholding preference. Go to your eServices account, select your current claim, and look for the option to update your payment preferences or tax withholding. The change should take effect on your next payment. Just remember you'll still owe those taxes when you file next year.
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Natalie Chen
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! You all were right - it was the tax withholding plus a small health insurance premium. I found where it shows the breakdown in eServices after clicking on individual payments. I feel much better knowing there's no issue with my claim. Really appreciate this community!
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