Yes, they are now checking and asking for proof of income of 2019.
Yes, it is based on net income. And yes, it was definitely noted in the application. This article, PUA: Guide to Applying, was written May 14 with screenshots from the application.
Yes, there were EDD people on the phones who told claimants that it was based on gross, which is now causing this headache for many PUA claimants to figure out how much they might owe.
But no, you are not alone in this. Many people are worried about having to pay back benefits which is understandable. It's not your fault you were misinformed - many asked EDD themselves and they had said gross over the phone.
This is going to be another fault of EDD that we will have to navigate through. This article is to help you understand how much you should have actually received as your weekly benefit amount.
I earned more than 17,368 last year -- what does that mean for me?
EDD will automatically increase your weekly benefit payments and you will have to prove your income for 2019
What is the maximum I need to earn to qualify for 450/week?
Your net income for 2019 needs to be more than 46,696
How does EDD calculate my benefit and how much am I supposed to be receiving?
Take your net income for 2019 and divide it by 4 to get the quarters. Use this table to see how much you would qualify for.
Example:
You made 40,000 in 2019 in net income.
40,000 divided by 4 = 10,000
Based on the chart, your benefit amount should be 385
What if I earned LESS than 17,368 last year?
If you were approved for PUA, you qualify for the minimum amount of 167
I definitely owe EDD!!! What do i do?
EDD states you have to repay the difference, so yes you have to do the math of what that difference to know what to expect
I definitely cannot pay this amount back. i've spent it on rent, living expenses, and things just to survive. What do I do?
Unfortunately, the only thing you can do for now is save up the benefits you are now receiving to pay it back. You can also write to your government officials to address the inefficiencies of EDD or demand a plan that isn't so harsh as "paying it all back at once" while we're still in the middle of a pandemic.
I was working so I calculated and made the bare minimum so I could still receive the FPUC (additional $600). With my WBA decreasing, it will put me at excessive earnings. Does that mean I have to pay the $600 back?
To be honest, there is no verbiage of how to address this situation, but it's probably best to assume yes. As I mentioned earlier, you're not alone in this so hopefully there is an alternative solution. You can also write to your government officials to address the inefficiencies of EDD or demand a plan that isn't so harsh as "paying it all back at once" while we're still in the middle of a pandemic.
For example, let's say you had a 450/week benefit. Let's say you earned $500/week. After doing the math, the difference would be $75 awarded to you from state benefits. If you are paid out from EDD, you get the additional $600.
Now let's say, this 450 was a mistake and in reality, your weekly benefit amount is $200/week. By earning $500 you definitely have "excessive earnings" and should have not been paid out at all that week. Which also means, you should not have been awarded the additional $600 either (relevant weeks are week ending 4/5 - 7/25)
If you were not earning money at all during this time, this does not apply to you. You would have received the $167/week minimum, therefore qualifying you for the $600
What are acceptable documents to submit?
Federal tax return (IRS Form 1040, Schedule C or F).
State tax return (CA Form 540).
W-2.
Paycheck stubs.
Payroll history.
Bank receipts.
Business records.
Contracts.
Invoices and corresponding documents.
Any other documents to prove your 2019 income.
What if I don't have any documents due to lack of work history?
In UI Online, select No the question, “Do You Have Documents to Upload?”
If you received a notice in the mail, write “No income documents for 2019” above the signature line before you sign, date, and mail the notice back to the EDD.
After receiving your response, EDD will review your claim and make a decision regarding your award amount. EDD will contact you if there are any changes to your weekly benefit amount.
Where do I submit these documents?
The fastest way is to upload documents online.
If you want to do it by mail:
Write your 10-digit EDD Customer Account Number (EDDCAN) clearly at the top of each page. Your EDDCAN was mailed to you on the Employment Development Department Customer Account Number Notification (DE 5614).
Then mail your documents to:
Employment Development Department PUA 2019 Income Verification PO Box 989726 West Sacramento, CA 95798-9726
Do not submit online AND mail -- DO NOT DO BOTH!! Just pick one option.
More on PUA here
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Additional Tools & Resources
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How much will I get if I work?
What is my standard base period?
Do I qualify for LWA?
Am I eligible for UI?
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