Lost my SDI debit card - quickest way to reach EDD for replacement?
I've been receiving SDI benefits since February but misplaced my BofA debit card last weekend. I've been trying to call EDD for 3 days straight to request a replacement but keep getting disconnected or stuck in endless hold cycles. It's driving me crazy because I have over $2,800 sitting in that account that I desperately need for medical bills! Has anyone successfully reached a rep recently? Would going to my local EDD office help with a replacement card, or is that a waste of time? I'm about ready to camp outside their building if that's what it takes! 😩
24 comments

Brian Downey
BofA actually handles the debit cards, not EDD. Call Bank of America EDD customer service at 1-866-692-9374. They'll cancel your old card and send a new one.
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Myles Regis
AuthorOMG thank you! I didn't realize I needed to call BofA directly. No wonder I couldn't get anywhere with EDD.
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Jacinda Yu
Like the other person said, you need to contact Bank of America directly for card issues. EDD has nothing to do with the cards themselves. I had to replace mine last month and it took about 7-10 business days to arrive. You might want to request expedited shipping if you need the funds urgently, though they might charge a fee for that service.
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Myles Regis
AuthorThanks for the confirmation! Did you have to verify a lot of information with them? I'm worried because I can't remember if I have the same phone number registered that I had when I first applied for benefits.
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Landon Flounder
Going to the county office won't help - they're completely separate from EDD and have no access to their systems. And EDD offices rarely take walk-ins anymore for any issues since COVID. Everything is phone or online now.
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Myles Regis
AuthorThat's disappointing but thank you for saving me a trip! Seems like everything is designed to make things as difficult as possible.
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Callum Savage
When I lost my card last year i tried the BofA number but kept getting stuck in their stupid automated system!!! Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me thru to someone at EDD who connected me to the right BofA department. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Saved me HOURS of frustration.
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Ally Tailer
Is that service legit?? Never heard of it but at this point I'd try anything to avoid the EDD phone nightmare
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Callum Savage
Totally legit. They basically just hold your place in line and call you when they get a rep. Way better than listening to that stupid hold music for hours only to get disconnected!
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Aliyah Debovski
Just to clarify some information here: 1. Bank of America handles all EDD debit cards (including UI, SDI, and PFL benefits) 2. Their dedicated EDD cardholder number is 1-866-692-9374 3. They'll ask for your SSN and other identifying information 4. Standard replacement takes 7-10 business days 5. Expedited shipping is available for $10 (deducted from your balance) If you absolutely can't reach BofA through their direct line, then yes, contacting EDD can sometimes help as they can connect you to a dedicated BofA representative line, but that's usually unnecessary.
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Myles Regis
AuthorThank you for the clear explanation! I was able to get through to BofA and they're sending me a replacement card with expedited shipping. Should have it by Tuesday next week.
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Miranda Singer
Duuude I went through this exact nightmare scenario in January!! The BofA call system is almost as bad as EDD's. If the automated system isn't working for you, try calling right when they open at 8am. That's how I finally got a human. And FYI they're closed on weekends so don't waste your time like I did lol
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Cass Green
This happened to me to! I also found that if you keep pressing 0 repeatedly it sometimes kicks you to a human faster. Not sure if thats still working but worth trying.
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Jacinda Yu
One more tip: while waiting for your new card, if you have immediate financial needs, you can contact your disability office and explain the situation. In some cases, they can help arrange an emergency payment alternative if you're in a financial hardship situation. Not guaranteed, but worth asking if you're in a bind.
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Myles Regis
AuthorThat's really helpful to know. Fortunately, I have just enough savings to cover me until the new card arrives, but it's good to know there are options in true emergencies.
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Landon Flounder
For future reference, you can also set up direct deposit to your regular bank account instead of using the BofA card. That's what I did after my card got compromised last year. One less thing to worry about!
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Myles Regis
AuthorI'm definitely going to do that once I get this sorted out! Didn't even realize that was an option when I first applied.
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Jacinda Yu
Absolutely do this! The direct deposit option is much more convenient. Just log into your SDI Online account, go to 'Account Options' and then 'Payment Method' to set it up. You'll need your account and routing numbers.
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Connor Byrne
Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble with the BofA automated system, you can also try calling early in the morning (around 6-7 AM) when call volumes are typically lower. I've found that timing can make a huge difference in actually getting through to a human representative without getting stuck in endless loops. Also, make sure you have your SSN and the last 4 digits of your card ready (if you remember them) as they'll ask for this right away to verify your identity.
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Ellie Simpson
Another tip that worked for me when I lost my EDD card - if you're still having trouble getting through to BofA, try using their online chat feature through their website. I found it was actually faster than calling during peak hours. You'll still need to verify your identity, but I was able to get my replacement card ordered in about 15 minutes without dealing with hold music. Just go to bankofamerica.com and look for the chat option. They can handle card replacements through chat just like over the phone.
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CosmicVoyager
That's a brilliant suggestion! I didn't even think to try the online chat option. I've been so focused on calling that I completely overlooked their website features. Will definitely try this if I run into any issues with my replacement card or need help with anything else in the future. Thanks for sharing this alternative - could save a lot of people from the phone hell!
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Jasmine Quinn
I actually had a similar situation happen to me a few months back, and what saved me was creating an online account with Bank of America first before calling. If you go to bankofamerica.com and register using your SSN and card details (even though the physical card is lost, you might still have the number written down somewhere), you can often manage some things online including requesting a replacement. This sometimes bypasses the phone system entirely. Also, if you do need to call, try using the automated system to say "lost or stolen card" - it usually routes you to a different queue that tends to be faster than general customer service. And definitely keep receipts or screenshots of any expedited shipping fees they charge you, as sometimes EDD will reimburse those if you file a request explaining the hardship situation. Hope this helps and you get it sorted soon!
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StarStrider
This is really helpful advice! I actually do have my card number saved in my phone from when I first set up mobile banking alerts, so I should be able to create the online account. I had no idea about potentially getting reimbursed for expedited shipping fees either - that's definitely something I'll look into if I end up having to pay for faster delivery. The tip about saying "lost or stolen card" to get routed to a different queue is brilliant too. Thanks for taking the time to share all these detailed suggestions - it's giving me several backup options to try!
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Elizabeth Banta
Lost disabilities money card and ent card
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