EDD disability check problems - banks refusing to cash them after fraud alert

yes omg this happened to me too!! my bank said something about verification and put a 10 day hold on my checks. so annoying when ur trying to pay rent and stuff. i finally got a manager to help me at BoA but took FOREVER

This is unfortunately becoming more common with EDD checks due to increased fraud prevention measures. Here's what you need to do: (1) Go to your bank in person with TWO forms of ID (2) Ask to speak with a branch manager directly (3) Have them call the EDD verification number while you're there (4) Request they place only a 2-day hold instead of their standard hold. If Wells Fargo continues to be difficult, consider opening an account at a credit union. Several local credit unions have established better processes for handling EDD checks specifically because of these issues.

hav u tried cashing it at walmart? they took mine but charged like $8 fee or something

The EXACT same thing happened to me!!! First they said my card had fraud, then sent checks, then nobody would cash them. After THREE WEEKS of getting nowhere with my bank and calling EDD constantly (always busy), I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual EDD agent in about 20 minutes. The agent was able to verify my identity and send a verification to my bank that released my funds in 48 hours. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Saved me from missing another rent payment after dealing with this nightmare situation.

I work at a credit union and we see this ALL THE TIME with EDD checks. The problem is that fraudsters have been creating fake EDD checks, so banks are being extra cautious. What most people don't realize is that even though the money is from the state, each bank sets their own policies on check holds. Your best options are: 1. Mobile deposit the check if your bank allows it (sometimes has fewer restrictions) 2. Try a check cashing service that specializes in government checks 3. Contact EDD directly to switch back to the debit card method If you're having trouble reaching EDD, call right when they open at 8:00 AM. That's when wait times are shortest.

The EDD system is COMPLETELY BROKEN!! I was on disability for 3 months last year after my surgery and had check problems constantly. First they sent them to my old address, then when I finally got them my bank put a 14-DAY HOLD on them!!! By the time I got my money I was already late on utilities and car payment. They do this on purpose to make claiming benefits as difficult as possible. And good luck trying to call them - I spent hours upon hours just trying to get through!!

Just wanted to follow up - make sure you bring your award letter like you mentioned and also your photo ID. When you speak with the bank manager, specifically use the phrase "known payee verification" and ask them to call EDD's financial institution verification line. Many branch employees aren't familiar with the special procedures for government checks, but the managers should be. Let us know how it goes!

cant u just sign up for direct deposit with EDD? thats what i did for my pregnancy disability and never had any check problems

UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what ended up working for me! I took all your advice and tried multiple approaches. First, I tried calling EDD at 8am sharp but couldn't get through. Then I went to my bank with my ID and award letter, asked for the manager, and used that "known payee verification" phrase that was suggested. The manager was actually really helpful once I mentioned that, but said they still needed to hear from EDD directly. I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned, and it actually got me connected to an EDD representative within about 25 minutes. The rep confirmed there was a fraud alert on my account (from when I moved and my address changed), but they removed it and sent a verification to my bank. Wells Fargo released the funds the next day! Thanks everyone for all your help during this stressful situation!

So glad you got it resolved! This is such a common problem and your experience will definitely help others dealing with the same issue. The combination of speaking with a bank manager using the right terminology AND getting EDD to directly verify with the bank seems to be the key. Thanks for posting the update - it's really helpful to know what actually worked in the end!

This is exactly why I always recommend people keep detailed records of their EDD communications! I went through something similar last year and what really helped was having screenshots of my online account showing the approved payments. When banks see official documentation from multiple sources (award letter + account screenshots + calling EDD verification), they're much more likely to release holds quickly. Also, pro tip: if you're still having issues, try smaller community banks - they often have more flexibility with government checks than the big national chains.

This entire thread is incredibly helpful! I'm new to dealing with EDD disability benefits and honestly had no idea these check cashing issues were so common. Reading through everyone's experiences and solutions gives me hope that if I run into similar problems, there are actual steps I can take. The specific advice about using "known payee verification" terminology and bringing multiple forms of documentation seems really valuable. It's also good to know about alternative options like community banks and check cashing services if the big banks don't cooperate. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - this kind of real-world advice is exactly what people need when navigating these frustrating situations!

As someone who's been through the EDD disability system multiple times, I can't stress enough how important it is to document EVERYTHING! Take photos of your checks, keep copies of all correspondence, and screenshot your online account regularly. The fraud prevention measures have gotten so strict that even legitimate claimants get caught up in it constantly. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you're still having trouble after trying the bank manager route, contact your state assembly member's office. They have caseworkers specifically for EDD issues and can sometimes cut through the red tape faster than calling EDD directly. I had to use this option once when my payments were frozen for weeks, and they got it resolved in 3 days. It shouldn't have to come to that, but sometimes you need to escalate beyond the normal channels when you're dealing with basic survival needs like rent and food.