California Unemployment Guide: Navigating the EDD If you've been laid off in California, you are dealing with the Employment Development Department (EDD). The system is notorious for being bureaucratic and slow, but California offers some of the highest weekly benefit amounts in the country. Here is the technical breakdown of what you are entitled to and how to get it. The Math: Max Benefits and Duration California's unemployment math is based on your "base period"—a 12-month period before you filed your claim. Maximum Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA): $450 per week. Minimum Weekly Benefit Amount: $40 per week. Maximum Duration: Up to 26 weeks of regular UI benefits within a one-year benefit period. Total Maximum Payout: $11,700 (26 weeks x $450). To hit the max of $450/week, you must have earned at least $11,674.01 in your highest-earning quarter of your base period.…