EDD payments lost when Money Network card was hacked - finally got my PFL benefits back!

I'm so glad you got this resolved! This is unfortunately becoming very common with the Money Network cards. For anyone reading this who's about to start maternity leave or baby bonding PFL, I highly recommend selecting paper checks from the beginning. The EDD debit cards have become major targets for fraudsters lately.\n\nOne important thing to note: when you file your initial claim for pregnancy disability or PFL baby bonding, there's a section where you can select your payment preference. Many people miss this and get defaulted to the debit card. If you've already started receiving payments on a card, you can still switch by submitting the DE 5800 form (Payment Method for Disability Insurance Benefits).

Thank you!!! I wish I'd known about selecting paper checks from the beginning. Would have saved me SO much stress during an already stressful time with a newborn. Is the DE 5800 form available online? I had to really hunt to find it.

omg this same thing happened to my sister!!! she was on maternity leave with her twins and someone took like $2000 from her card!!! money network is THE WORST and edd doesnt even care, they just say to deal with money network directly. so frustrating when ur trying to take care of babies and deal with this!!!!!

Ugh I'm sorry your sister went through this too! It's exactly what my rep said - they're seeing this happen to so many new parents. Did she ever get her money back? The whole system feels designed to make it as hard as possible when we're already sleep deprived with newborns!

I work for an advocacy group that helps parents navigate PFL issues, and these Money Network card hacks have become our #1 complaint in 2025. The frustrating part is that EDD and Money Network keep pointing fingers at each other while parents suffer.\n\nFor anyone dealing with this: \n1. File the dispute immediately with Money Network\n2. Document EVERYTHING (call times, rep names, case numbers)\n3. Contact your Assembly rep as OP did\n4. Submit form DE 5800 to switch to paper checks\n5. Consider reporting to the CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)\n\nAlso worth noting - if you're still waiting on EDD to process your initial claim or having other issues reaching them, try Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that helps you get through to an actual EDD representative instead of waiting for hours. Their video explains it: https://youtu.be/DOLxZQb92wM?si=6N1iCQ3a8Cdb2Ay5 - several of our clients have used it successfully to resolve PFL and maternity leave issues.

I used Claimyr last month when I was stuck in the weird limbo between pregnancy disability ending and baby bonding beginning. My payments just stopped for 3 weeks! Got through to EDD in under 15 minutes with their service and they fixed it that same day. Definitely worth it when you're desperate to talk to an actual person.

The whole EDD system is a JOKE. I had a similar issue with my paid family leave payments disappearing and EDD literally told me

RIGHT?! That's exactly what they told me too! Like how is it not their problem when they're the ones who chose Money Network as their payment processor? So frustrating. I didn't even know direct deposit to your own bank was possible in other states.

Question - did they require you to file a police report for the fraud? When my card was hacked during my maternity leave (different situation but similar problem), Money Network wouldn't process my claim until I filed a police report, which was a whole other headache with a newborn. Just wondering if that's still their policy or if they've changed things.

Yes! They did make me file a police report which was such a pain. Had to go to the station with my 6-week-old because they said they needed to see me in person. Then Money Network wanted the report number, officer's badge number, precinct info... so much paperwork when I'm already sleep-deprived and recovering from childbirth. The whole system seems designed by people who have never had to care for a baby!

Thank you for sharing this experience! I'm an HR specialist who helps employees navigate maternity leave and PFL benefits, and the Money Network card issues have become increasingly common. Here's some additional context that might help others:\n\n1. EDD is rolling out enhanced direct deposit options in late 2025, but until then, paper checks are the safest option for PFL and SDI benefits\n\n2. If you've already been issued a Money Network card, keep minimal funds on it by transferring to your personal bank account as soon as payments arrive\n\n3. Assembly representatives truly are the most effective resource for escalating EDD issues - they have dedicated EDD liaisons who can cut through red tape\n\n4. For those transitioning from Pregnancy Disability to Baby Bonding PFL, submit your baby bonding claim 1-2 weeks before your disability ends to minimize payment gaps\n\nThe good news is EDD is working on system improvements, but until then, being proactive is your best protection.

This is super helpful info! I didn't know EDD was finally working on direct deposit options - that would solve so many problems. I wish I'd known about transferring funds off the card immediately, but they never explain that when they send it to you. Just got my check in the mail yesterday, finally! 3 weeks of stress I didn't need with a new baby.

Wait they seriously put your money back into a CLOSED account?? That's beyond incompetent! I'm due in 3 months and now I'm paranoid about how I'll get my maternity payments. Does anyone know if requesting paper checks from the beginning slows down getting your first payment? I need my disability payments to start ASAP once I stop working...

In my experience (I process about 20-30 PFL claims monthly for a major employer), paper checks do NOT delay initial payments. The first payment timing depends entirely on when your claim is approved, not the payment method. However, make sure you select paper checks when you first apply - changing midstream is what causes delays. Also, file your pregnancy disability claim (DE2501) 1-2 weeks before your last day of work to minimize wait time for first payment.

Thanks so much! I'm filling out my DE2501 this weekend so I'll make sure to check the paper check option. One more question - what happens if I move apartments during my leave period? I'm month-to-month and might need to relocate closer to family once baby arrives.

sooo glad u posted this!!! im literally dealing with THE EXACT SAME THING right now with my pfl payments for taking care of my mom after her surgery!!! gonna call my assembly person today!!!

Good luck!!! It really was like night and day difference between dealing with EDD directly vs having the assembly rep involved. Hope you get it resolved quickly!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm a new parent who just started my baby bonding leave and was considering the Money Network card for convenience, but after reading all these horror stories I'm definitely switching to paper checks ASAP. Does anyone know approximately how long it takes for the DE 5800 form to be processed? I've only received one payment so far on the card, so I'm hoping I can switch before more payments come through. Also, @Juan Moreno - thank you for mentioning the CFPB option, I had no idea we could report these issues there!