EDD PFL Debit Card Delay After Approval - Do I Need to Request a New One?

They should automatically send you a new card! But heads up - it can take 7-10 business days after approval. I just went through this in February. Bank of America handles the EDD debit cards, and they're notoriously slow. If you had a previous card from 2021, they'll definitely send you a new one since it's expired. They don't reuse expired cards even for the same person. Check your online EDD account - if it shows payment issued, that means they've processed it and the card is on its way.

did u check ur online account status? sumtimes the card comes after the payment already hits. my wife's PFL got approved but the notice came a week after the payment was already issued. u could have $ waiting for u rite now

The bank sends new cards automatically for expired ones, but in my experience with 2 different PFL claims, it takes EXACTLY 10 business days after the first payment is issued. Never 9, never 11. It's actually pretty consistent. You might want to set up direct deposit for future payments though - it's much faster than waiting for the card!

You should call EDD to confirm they have your correct mailing address. When I did baby bonding last year, they had my old address from a previous claim even though I'd updated it in the system. The first card got sent to my old address and I had to wait another 2 weeks for a replacement. Don't assume everything is working correctly in their system! Also, once you get the card, you can transfer the money to your regular bank account using the B of A prepaid card website.

im confused... isn't baby bonding for moms? why is a guy getting this benefit? not judging just never heard of men getting this before

I went through this EXACT situation in January! So frustrating!!! If your online account shows payment was issued and it's been more than 10 business days, I'd recommend using Claimyr to get through to an actual EDD agent. I spent FOUR DAYS trying to reach someone before I found them. It's a service that connects you with EDD without the endless busy signals and disconnects. Cost me a bit but saved me weeks of waiting - I found out they had sent my card to the wrong address! Check out their video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 or their website claimyr.com - much better than pulling your hair out hitting redial all day!

One important thing to know: Bank of America and EDD are separate entities. If there's an issue with your card specifically (like it got lost in the mail or you need a replacement), you need to call B of A at 1-866-692-9374, not EDD. But if there's an issue with your claim or payments not being issued, that's an EDD matter. People often waste time calling the wrong department!

This system is so incredibly broken. I had to wait THREE WEEKS for my card after approval. THREE WEEKS of calling and begging to find out where my money was while bills piled up. And don't even get me started on the ridiculous fees Bank of America charges if you don't use their ATMs. The whole debit card system is designed to extract fees from desperate parents who just want their benefits. Why can't California join the modern world and use direct deposit for everyone like regular employers do????

congrats on the new baby! when my husband did his baby bonding last year it took exactly 8 days for the card to arrive. we were so relieved because daycare payment was coming up. hope yours comes soon!

Update: Card finally arrived today! 12 business days after approval. Thanks everyone for your help and advice. For anyone reading this later with the same problem, just be patient (though it's hard). Once I got the card, I was able to transfer the funds to my regular bank account right away through the Bank of America prepaid website.

Glad to hear your card finally arrived! I'm actually going through something similar right now - my PFL claim was approved 6 days ago and I'm anxiously waiting for my card too. It's so stressful when you have bills coming up and no access to the money that's supposedly already been issued. Your timeline of 12 business days gives me hope that mine should arrive soon. Did you end up calling to check on it, or did you just wait it out? Also, how easy was it to transfer the funds to your regular bank once you got the card?

I'm currently waiting for my PFL card too - claim approved 5 days ago for baby bonding. Reading through all these experiences is really helpful! Question for those who've been through this: once you get the card, do you need to call to activate it or can you activate it online? Also, are there any fees for transferring money from the EDD card to your regular bank account? Trying to plan ahead so I can access my funds as quickly as possible when it arrives.