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Just want to add my experience for anyone else waiting - I got my card 9 days after certification, so your 8-day timeline is pretty typical! The Money Network setup was super easy once I got the card, and being able to transfer funds directly to my bank account was a game changer. For your eligibility interview, I had one too and it was honestly no big deal. They just verified my job details and separation reason. Since you were laid off (not fired for cause or quit), you're in good shape. Just have your termination paperwork handy and you'll be fine. The interviewer was professional and the whole thing took maybe 15 minutes max. Don't stress too much about it!
Thanks for adding your timeline - it's really helpful to see that 8-9 days seems to be the normal range! I'm definitely going to set up that Money Network transfer feature right away. It's so reassuring to hear from multiple people that the eligibility interviews are straightforward for layoff situations. This whole thread has been incredibly helpful for managing expectations and reducing anxiety about the process. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences!
Really appreciate you posting this timeline! I just applied last week and have been obsessively checking the mail every day wondering when my card might show up. Knowing that 8 days after certification is pretty normal helps me relax a bit. About the eligibility interview - I haven't gotten one scheduled yet but now I know to expect it might happen. It sounds like as long as you have your layoff documentation ready you should be good to go. The fact that multiple people here had quick, straightforward interviews for similar situations is really reassuring. One question - when you certified, did your payments show as "paid" in your UI Online account before the card arrived, or did it stay pending until you got the physical card?
I'm going through something similar right now - my payment just switched to "paid" status this morning and I'm also waiting for my first Money Network card! Reading through all these responses has been so helpful. I had no idea about the direct deposit option and definitely didn't realize I could transfer money from the card to my bank account for free once it arrives. Paolo, thanks for sharing your experience and for the update about getting through to EDD - it gives me hope that I can reach them too if needed. For anyone else in this situation, this thread is basically a goldmine of practical advice. The community support here is incredible!
Welcome to the community, Chris! It's so great to see how this thread has turned into such a valuable resource for everyone going through the same stressful situation. I'm brand new here myself and stumbled across this discussion while frantically googling about EDD payment delays. Reading Paolo's experience and everyone's helpful responses has been such a relief - it's nice to know we're not alone in this confusing process! I had no idea about any of these tips either, especially the direct deposit option and free bank transfers. Definitely going to set up direct deposit as soon as I can access my UI Online account. Good luck with your payment, and thanks to everyone who's shared their knowledge here!
I just went through this exact same situation a few months ago! The waiting is absolutely nerve-wracking, especially when you have bills due. Here's what I learned: the Money Network card typically takes 7-10 business days to arrive after your first payment shows "paid" status. Once you get it and activate it, the money is available immediately. Since you're cutting it close with rent, definitely reach out to your landlord ASAP - most are understanding when you show them the EDD payment confirmation as proof. Also, as soon as you get that card, set up direct deposit through UI Online for future payments. It'll save you this stress going forward. You can also transfer the full amount from the Money Network card to your bank account online for free once it arrives. Hang in there - you're almost through the worst part!
Just to add one important detail - make sure you activate your card as soon as you receive it by calling the number on the sticker. You'll need to create a PIN. Also, Money Network now has an app you can download to manage your funds, check balances, and set up alerts for deposits. Much easier than their website in my experience.
One thing I don't see mentioned here - once you get your card, you can also set up direct deposit to your regular bank account instead of waiting for the card each time. You just need to log into your UI Online account and go to the "Profile" section to add your bank info. Takes about 1-2 business cycles to take effect, but then your payments go straight to your bank instead of the prepaid card. Much more convenient if you prefer using your own bank!
I went through this exact same nightmare back in February and totally understand your panic about rent! Here's what finally worked for me after 4 weeks of stress: **Call Money Network at 1-888-323-7735 at exactly 7:30am** (they sometimes answer a few minutes before their official 8am start time). When you get through, immediately ask for a "card fulfillment specialist" - don't waste time with general customer service who can only see basic info. **Key things to ask the specialist:** 1. Read back my EXACT address including formatting (apartment #, street vs st, etc.) 2. Confirm if my card was actually mailed or still in processing 3. If mailed, provide tracking number 4. If not mailed, expedite a new card due to the delay My issue was that EDD had "Apt 5A" but Money Network expected "#5A" - this tiny difference kept my card in limbo for a month! Once the specialist fixed the formatting, I had my expedited card in 48 hours. **Backup plan:** While waiting, immediately switch to direct deposit in UI Online under "Payment Methods." It takes 2 business days to activate and your future payments will go straight to your bank. Don't panic - your money IS safe and you WILL get it! The system is just painfully slow but the right specialist can fix it in minutes. Take screenshots of your "Paid" status in UI Online as proof when you call. You've got this! 💪
This is exactly the kind of detailed, actionable advice I was hoping to find! The apartment formatting issue you described (Apt vs #) is so frustrating but makes perfect sense - these systems are probably really picky about exact formatting matches. I'm definitely going to try your 7:30am strategy tomorrow and ask specifically for a card fulfillment specialist right away. Having those specific questions ready is super helpful too, especially asking for the tracking number if they claim it was mailed. I'm also going to start the direct deposit switch process today as backup like you suggested. It's such a relief to hear from someone who had the exact same problem and got it resolved quickly once they reached the right person. Really appreciate you sharing the specific timing and approach that worked! 🙏
I just went through this exact same situation a few weeks ago and wanted to share what worked for me! The frustration is SO real when you need that money for rent. Here's my step-by-step approach that got results: **Step 1:** Called Money Network at 1-888-323-7735 at 7:45am sharp (before the rush hits) **Step 2:** When the automated system asks why you're calling, I said "lost or stolen card" - this routes you faster to a human than "general questions" **Step 3:** Once connected, I immediately asked to speak with a "card fulfillment specialist" rather than staying with general customer service **Step 4:** Had them verify my EXACT address formatting - turns out EDD had "Unit 12" but Money Network expected "#12" which caused a 3-week delay! **The specialist was able to:** - Fix the address formatting issue instantly - Expedite a replacement card at no charge (since it was their system error) - Give me a tracking number for the new card I had my card in 2 business days after that call! **Pro tip:** While you're dealing with this, also switch to direct deposit in UI Online as backup. It only affects future payments, but gives you peace of mind. Your money is definitely safe - it's just trapped by a silly formatting glitch that the right person can fix in minutes. Don't give up! The early morning calling strategy really makes all the difference. 🙌
Charlie Yang
Same thing happened to me last month during their "system maintenance" - payment was delayed by about 36 hours but eventually came through. For anyone still waiting, you can also check the Money Network app or website directly sometimes the balance updates there before you get the text notification. Also pro tip: if you're really tight on cash and need to access funds immediately once they hit, you can do a fee-free withdrawal at any MoneyPass ATM (there's a locator on the Money Network site). Hang in there everyone!
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Oliver Wagner
•Thanks for the MoneyPass ATM tip! I had no idea about the fee-free withdrawals. That's super helpful for situations like this when you need cash right away. I'm still waiting for mine to hit but feeling way less anxious after reading everyone's experiences. It's reassuring to know this delay thing has happened before and resolved itself.
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Bruno Simmons
Just wanted to update everyone - my payment finally came through about an hour ago! Took almost 2 full days but it's there. For anyone still waiting, definitely don't panic if your UI Online shows 'paid' status. The Money Network delays seem to be random but they do eventually process. I was stressing so hard about rent but everything worked out. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it really helped knowing I wasn't the only one dealing with this!
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Zainab Ali
•So glad yours came through! I'm new here and was getting really worried reading about all these delays. My certification just got approved yesterday and I'm supposed to get my first payment soon. It's reassuring to hear that even when there are delays, the money does eventually show up. Thanks for updating us - it really helps newcomers like me know what to expect!
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