Money Network card from UI not receiving SDI payments - need new card?
So frustrated right now! I just transitioned from Unemployment to State Disability last month due to a back injury that's keeping me from working. I received notification that my first SDI payment was approved on 3/29/2025, and when I called EDD to confirm, the rep assured me funds would be loaded to my existing Money Network card (the same one I'd been using for UI) within 24 hours. It's now April 1st, three days later, and my Money Network account still shows ZERO balance! I called Money Network customer service this morning and they told me they don't see ANY pending transactions coming through for my account. I'm starting to panic because rent is due and I was counting on this payment. Does SDI issue a completely different Money Network card than Unemployment? Do I need to wait for a new card in the mail even though nobody mentioned this during my application process? Has anyone else switched from UI to SDI and had this issue with payments? The EDD website is zero help on this specific situation.
18 comments


Dmitry Petrov
Yes, SDI and UI use different payment systems even though they both use Money Network cards. You'll receive a new Money Network debit card specifically for your SDI benefits within 7-10 business days after your first payment is processed. The card will arrive in a plain white envelope that's easy to miss, so watch your mail carefully. Your payment has likely already been processed (as confirmed on 3/29), but it's waiting for the new card to be issued. Once you receive and activate the new card, your payment should be immediately available.
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Sofia Gutierrez
•Thank you so much for this info! No one at EDD mentioned I'd be getting a separate card. Is there any way to expedite this process? My rent is already late and I'm getting anxious.
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StarSurfer
had the same thing happen to me in January!! sooo annoying they dont tell u this stuff upfront
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Sofia Gutierrez
•Did you eventually get a new card? How long did it take?
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Ava Martinez
I went through this exact situation last year. The system is ridiculous - they never clearly explain that UI and SDI use separate Money Network cards even though they're both EDD programs! I called EDD about 5 times before getting a straight answer about this. When I finally reached someone knowledgeable, they told me they could expedite my SDI Money Network card, which arrived in 3 business days instead of 7-10. Worth asking if you're in a tight spot financially.
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Sofia Gutierrez
•I've been trying to call them all day but can't get through. Just endless hold times and then disconnections. How did you manage to reach a real person?
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Miguel Castro
try using Claimyr to reach EDD faster!! it worked for me when i had this exact problem. they get you through to a real agent usually within an hour instead of days of trying. its at claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd once i got thru they explained about the separate cards and even expedited mine
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Sofia Gutierrez
•Thank you! I'm desperate at this point so I'll check this out. Anything is better than constantly getting disconnected after waiting on hold.
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Zainab Abdulrahman
•does this actually work? seems sketchy to me
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Miguel Castro
@profile8 yes it works! i was skeptical too but was desperate after trying to call edd for 3 days straight with no luck
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Connor Byrne
It's important to understand that while both UI and SDI are administered by EDD, they operate as completely separate benefit systems with different funding sources, eligibility requirements, and payment processing systems. This is why you receive separate Money Network cards. For future reference, here's what happens when you transition between benefit types: 1. UI to SDI: New card issued for SDI benefits 2. SDI to UI: New card issued for UI benefits 3. SDI to PFL (Paid Family Leave): Same card continues to work (both are disability programs) 4. PFL to SDI: Same card continues to work (both are disability programs) During transitions between program types, there's often a 7-10 day waiting period for the new card to arrive. Unfortunately, this timing gap isn't well-communicated by EDD representatives who often assume claimants already know this information.
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Sofia Gutierrez
•This is incredibly helpful information that should be on their website! Thank you for breaking it down so clearly. I wish EDD would explain this during the application process.
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Yara Elias
The WHOLE SYSTEM is designed to MAKE YOU WAIT and hope you just give up!!! I had to wait 12 days for my card when switching from UI to SDI and nearly got EVICTED because of it!!! And guess what? After all that, they UNDERPAID me by $1,200 and I've been fighting for 3 months to get the difference!!!! The EDD is COMPLETELY BROKEN!!!!!
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QuantumQuasar
•this is why i always keep at least 2 months of expenses saved up. you cant rely on the government
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Sofia Gutierrez
UPDATE: I used Claimyr this morning and actually got through to an EDD rep in about 40 minutes! They confirmed my payment was processed but waiting for the new Money Network card to be mailed. The rep was able to expedite my card and said I should receive it within 3 business days. They also noted in my account that I've been approved for benefits so I was able to use that confirmation to get a short extension on my rent payment. Thank you all for the helpful advice!
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Dmitry Petrov
•Glad you got it resolved! Just remember to activate the card immediately when it arrives, and set up direct deposit for future payments if you want to avoid the card entirely.
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Val Rossi
Great to see this worked out for you! For anyone else facing this situation, here are a few additional tips that might help: 1. Keep screenshots of your payment approval notices - they can be useful when talking to landlords or creditors about delays 2. Once you get your new SDI card, consider setting up direct deposit through your online EDD account to avoid future card delays 3. The Money Network mobile app lets you check your balance and transaction history once your card is active 4. If you're transitioning between benefit types again in the future, call EDD proactively to ask about new card timing before your current benefits end The system definitely isn't user-friendly, but knowing what to expect can save a lot of stress. Glad Claimyr worked for getting through to a real person - that seems to be half the battle with EDD these days!
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Javier Mendoza
•This is such valuable advice! I wish I had known about keeping screenshots of approval notices - that's brilliant for dealing with landlords during payment delays. The direct deposit tip is especially helpful since it sounds like these card delays happen pretty regularly when switching between programs. Thanks for sharing these practical tips!
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