I've been through this nightmare multiple times unfortunately. Here's what I learned that might help: if you have online banking with your regular bank, try calling them to see if they can do a "hardship advance" against your pending EDD deposit. Some banks will do this if you can show proof of the pending payment. Also, local food banks and community assistance programs can help with immediate needs while you wait - don't be too proud to ask for help when you need it. The waiting game is brutal but you'll get through this. Keep calling Money Network every day until you get someone who will expedite that card!

I went through this exact same situation a few months ago and it's absolutely maddening! One thing that worked for me was downloading the Money Network mobile app and trying to create an account using just your SSN and the claim information you have. Sometimes the app will let you set up a temporary PIN even without the physical card, especially if your account was created recently. It's worth a shot! Also, if you have any family or friends who could help with immediate expenses, don't hesitate to ask - I had to swallow my pride and borrow $100 from my sister just to buy groceries while waiting. The system really fails people when they need help most. Hang in there, and definitely switch to direct deposit once you get this resolved!

To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

I had the same issue with form DE 731! The mailing address should be: Employment Development Department, P.O. Box 826880, Sacramento, CA 94280-0001. You can also try calling EDD at 1-800-300-5616 to confirm the correct address or ask them to send you a replacement envelope. Make sure to include your Social Security Number on the form before mailing it back. Hope this helps!

Just wanted to add another perspective here - I work in HR and see this situation more often than you'd think. Employers pushing back start dates last minute is unfortunately becoming more common, especially with budget cycles and project delays. From an unemployment perspective, you're absolutely in the right to apply. One thing I'd suggest is also documenting any communication you have with your new employer about the delay. If they provide any additional explanations or updates, save those emails/texts. Sometimes EDD likes to see that you made reasonable attempts to understand the situation and that the delay was truly beyond your control. Also, when you do start your new job in October, make sure to stop certifying for benefits immediately - even if it means losing a few days of potential payments. It's much easier to under-claim than to deal with overpayment issues later. Good luck!

I went through almost the exact same situation about 6 months ago! My new employer pushed back my start date by 5 weeks right after I'd already given notice at my previous job. It was so stressful, but I did get approved for unemployment benefits. Here's what worked for me: When I filed, I was very specific in the application that I quit "due to definite assurance of other employment" (those are basically the magic words EDD looks for). During my eligibility interview, I had all my documents ready - the original offer letter, my resignation notice, and the delay email. The whole interview took maybe 15 minutes and was pretty straightforward. One thing I wish I'd known earlier - apply ASAP because even though benefits can be backdated to your application date, they can't be backdated to when you actually stopped working. So the sooner you apply, the better. Also, make sure you keep doing your weekly certifications even while waiting for the eligibility decision - you can't get payments for weeks you didn't certify for. The waiting is definitely the hardest part, but your situation sounds like a textbook case for "good cause quit" approval. Hang in there!

Has anyone tried going to an actual EDD office in person? wondering if thats faster

@Dylan Cooper - I went through the exact same thing a few months ago! The key is persistence and having multiple backup plans. Here's what finally worked for me: 1. Try the ID.me verification if you haven't already - sometimes it works better than EDD's own system 2. If that fails, gather EVERYTHING: driver's license, passport, utility bills, bank statements, tax returns - the more official docs the better 3. Call the technical support line (not the general number) - they're more equipped to handle verification issues specifically 4. Document everything - screenshot error messages, keep notes of who you talk to and when The whole process took me about 3 weeks, but I did get it resolved. Don't panic - this is unfortunately super common right now. You've got this! 💪

oh thank god. i was about to freak out lol. this whole system is so confusing

Same thing happened to me during Labor Day weekend! I was panicking because I had never experienced a holiday delay before. It's actually pretty common - any federal holiday will push EDD payments to the next business day. The system shows "paid" status but the actual money transfer waits for banks to reopen. I've learned to always check the federal holiday calendar now so I can plan my budget accordingly. At least now you know for future holidays!