EDD SDI debit card not received but benefits showing as paid - how to access my money?
I've been checking my EDD SDI online account daily and I see that my disability payments started last week - it shows about $1,900 has been issued so far. The problem is I haven't received the Bank of America EDD debit card yet! This is my first time on disability (herniated disc from work injury) and nobody mentioned I'd need to wait for a separate card. My rent is due in 3 days and I NEED this money. How long after benefits start does the debit card typically arrive? Is there any way to expedite it? Can I pick it up somewhere in person? I'm literally checking my mailbox 5 times a day at this point.
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Keisha Brown
The EDD debit card usually arrives 7-10 business days after your first payment is processed. Unfortunately, you can't pick it up in person as Bank of America mails them directly. If it's been more than 10 business days, you should contact Bank of America EDD customer service at 1-866-692-9374 to request a replacement card with expedited shipping.
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Yara Khalil
AuthorThank you! It's only been 5 business days so far, so I guess I need to be patient. Do you know if there's any way to transfer the funds to my regular bank account once I get the card? I'd rather not have to use a separate debit card for everything.
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Paolo Esposito
mine took almost 3 weeks to come last year!!! its ridiculouse they dont tell u this stuff when u file. had to borrow $ from my sister for rent. u should call edd and complain
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Yara Khalil
Author3 WEEKS?! That's insane. I can't wait that long. I've been trying to call EDD for two days but can't get through - just constant busy signals or it hangs up after the automated messages.
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Amina Toure
I had the same issue when I started SDI for my pregnancy disability last month. Once you get the card, download the Bank of America EDD debit card app and you can set up transfers to your regular bank account. You can also call Bank of America directly at the number on the EDD website to check if your card has been mailed and when. They can tell you the exact date it was sent out so you have a better idea of when to expect it. For future payments, direct deposit is much faster than waiting for the debit card to load.
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Yara Khalil
AuthorThat's good to know about the transfers, thanks! I've been on hold with Bank of America for 45 minutes now... might have to try again tomorrow.
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Oliver Weber
I remember waiting for that stupid card for my disability last year. SO STRESSFUL. Maybe ask a neighbor if they've accidentally gotten your mail? Mine was delivered to the wrong address initially.
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Yara Khalil
AuthorOh no, I hadn't even thought of that! I live in an apartment building with communal mailboxes so that's definitely possible. I'll check with my neighbors today.
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FireflyDreams
The whole system is designed to make it hard to get YOUR MONEY! They hope you'll give up. I waited 12 days for my card and when I called BofA they said it had been mailed 10 days earlier. YEAH RIGHT. Keep calling EDD until you get a real person who can help. That's what I did.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to EDD? I was in the same situation last month and spent days trying to get through with no luck. My cousin told me about claimyr.com and I was able to talk to an EDD agent within 20 minutes. They can check the status of your card and even request an expedited one if needed. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd It was honestly a lifesaver when I was stressing about my rent too.
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Javier Morales
Just to add some clarification about the timing: For first-time SDI claims, the debit card is typically mailed within 1-2 business days after your first payment is processed (not when it shows as "paid" in the system). There can be postal delays too. For future reference, you can actually request direct deposit before your first payment by calling EDD, though getting through on the phone is challenging. When you do get the card, immediately set up the transfer to your bank account as others mentioned, and for your next certification, the money will go directly to your bank.
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Yara Khalil
AuthorThanks for explaining! I wish EDD would make this clearer when you file a claim. I got my approval letter with my weekly benefit amount, but no mention of how I'd actually get the money. I'll definitely set up direct deposit as soon as I can.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
i got my card fasterr by calling bank of america directly... edd cant help with the card itself since BofA handles that part. the edd card customer service can tell u if its been sent or not
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Paolo Esposito
that number never works for me, it just keeps asking for the card # but i dont HAVE the card yet!!!!
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Yara Khalil
UPDATE: Good news! My card finally arrived today. For anyone with the same issue, it took exactly 8 business days from when my first payment showed as issued. I called Bank of America yesterday using the special EDD debit card number (not the regular BofA customer service) and they confirmed it had been mailed 6 days ago. I've already set up the transfer to my regular checking account. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Keisha Brown
Great to hear! For future reference, once you have direct deposit set up, you'll typically see funds in your bank account 1-2 days after your certification is processed. Much faster than waiting for the debit card to be loaded.
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Natasha Petrova
So glad you got your card! This is such a common issue that EDD really should mention during the application process. For anyone else waiting - I had success calling the Bank of America EDD line (1-866-692-9374) early in the morning around 8 AM when call volume is lower. They can at least confirm when your card was mailed so you're not completely in the dark about timing. And definitely set up direct deposit ASAP once you get the card - it makes future payments so much smoother!
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