EDD SDI switched from Money Network card to paper checks - my alarming experience

omg this EXACT same thing happened to me last month!!! i tried to pay my car loan with westlake financial and money network LOCKED my account too!! they kept telling me to go to different atms but nothing worked. so frustrating. took like 3 weeks to get my money

I had a similar experience but with a twist - they flagged my account after I tried to transfer money to my checking account. Then when I called, they claimed I was trying to access my account from a 'suspicious location' (my home, where I've been recovering from disability!). It's absolutely absurd that EDD partners with this company. What's worse is that they hold your money hostage while claiming it's for 'security' reasons. File a complaint with the CFPB and your state's banking commission. That's what finally got movement on my case.

This is unfortunately a common issue with Money Network and EDD disability payments. The key problem is that Money Network uses extremely aggressive fraud detection algorithms that flag normal transactions. The fact that they won't let you speak with their fraud department is particularly troubling from a consumer rights perspective. Some important facts for anyone reading this: 1. Money Network CAN freeze your account without warning 2. Many banks actually refuse ACH transfers from Money Network due to their poor rating 3. You have the right to request paper checks from EDD instead 4. File complaints with CFPB, FDIC, and your state's banking regulator I work with disability cases and have seen this pattern repeatedly. Money Network earns interest on funds they hold, creating a perverse incentive to freeze accounts on flimsy pretexts.

have you tried calling EDD direclty? sometimes they can help resolve card issues faster than dealing with Money Network

I went through this exact nightmare last year with my PFL benefits after having my baby. Couldn't access my funds for nearly a month! After countless failed attempts calling Money Network directly (always 1+ hour waits only to get disconnected), I discovered Claimyr.com which connected me to an actual EDD representative in minutes. They helped escalate my case and got my funds released within 48 hours. They have a video demo of how it works at https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd that shows the process. Was literally the only way I could get through to someone with actual authority to help. Might be worth trying if you have any ongoing issues with Money Network or need to switch payment methods.

Money Network is THE WORST!!! I had disability for 6 months after my surgery and had constant problems with that stupid card. One time they declined my pharmacy purchase for my pain meds which I NEEDED. another time they shut off my card when I was traveling to a medical appointment in another city!! like we disabled people never leave our houses?? paper checks are definitely the way to go, i switched after the third "fraud alert" and never looked back

I'm dealing with a similar issue right now, but I'm confused about something - is this problem specific to SDI or does it affect all EDD benefits? I'm on Paid Family Leave to care for my mother, and I've been using the Money Network card without problems for 3 weeks, but now I'm worried it might suddenly get frozen. Should I proactively ask to switch to paper checks before something happens?

Just wanted to update everyone - I received my paper check from Money Network for the balance that was on my card. It took about 5 business days to arrive. I've also received my first disability check directly from EDD, and while it's slightly less convenient than direct deposit, at least I know I can access my money! If you're having problems with Money Network, be persistent and don't take no for an answer. And definitely contact your state representatives if you're getting nowhere - that was the turning point for me.

This is absolutely infuriating and unfortunately very common with Money Network. I'm a newcomer here but went through something similar with my UI benefits last year. What really bothers me about your story is how they kept giving you the runaround with excuses like "you're using ATMs wrong" - that's just insulting to people who are already dealing with disabilities and financial stress. The fact that it took your Senator's office getting involved to get any real action is a perfect example of how broken this system is. I'm glad you finally got your money back and switched to paper checks. For anyone else reading this - document EVERYTHING when dealing with Money Network. Keep records of every call, every declined transaction, and every excuse they give you. It might help speed up the complaint process with CFPB or your state representatives. Thanks for sharing your experience - it's helping others avoid this nightmare.