I'm having this exact same problem! Started yesterday when I tried to transfer my benefits and the Money Network app just kept giving me error messages. Tried calling customer service this morning and after waiting 40 minutes, they told me it's a "system-wide issue" but couldn't give me any timeframe for when it'll be fixed. I have rent due this weekend and I'm really starting to panic. Thank you everyone for sharing these workarounds - I had no idea about trying the website instead of the app! Going to try that right now. It's honestly ridiculous that we have to figure out these solutions ourselves when their own customer service can't even give us basic information. This whole system feels so unreliable for something we depend on for basic needs.

I'm also experiencing this Money Network card issue right now! Been trying to transfer my unemployment benefits for the past 3 days with no success. The app keeps showing error messages and when I tried using ATMs, my card got declined every time. I called Money Network customer service yesterday and after waiting over an hour, they just gave me the same vague "system maintenance" excuse without any real timeline for when it'll be fixed. I have my electric bill due tomorrow and I'm getting really anxious about this situation. Thank you so much to everyone who shared workarounds here - I had no idea that the website might work differently than the app! Going to try that method right now along with the grocery store cash back option if needed. It's honestly shocking how unreliable this system is when people depend on these benefits for essential expenses. We shouldn't have to become tech troubleshooters just to access our own money!

I'm a freelance photographer who went through almost the exact same situation last year - lost my biggest corporate client and two smaller ones within 6 weeks, income dropped by about 75%. Like you, I'd been purely 1099 for years and figured I was out of luck with UI. But here's what happened: I applied anyway (honestly about being self-employed) and got the expected denial. However, when I called to ask about the appeal process, the EDD rep found some W-2 wages from a retail job I'd worked during the holidays about 17 months prior - just seasonal work for 6 weeks that I'd completely forgotten about since it seemed so insignificant compared to my photography income. Those wages qualified me for minimal benefits (around $140/week) but it was enough to help with rent while I hustled to rebuild my client base. The whole process took about 3 weeks from application to first payment. Even if you don't qualify, applying creates a paper trail that can help with other assistance programs. And definitely look into your local arts council or creative professional organizations - many have emergency relief funds that aren't widely advertised. I got a $750 emergency grant from my city's arts commission just by filling out a simple application. Document everything about how you lost these clients and keep detailed records of your job search efforts. This documentation helps with any assistance applications and keeps you organized for follow-ups. The creative services market has been brutal this year, but I'm seeing more opportunities starting to open up. You've got this - just cast a wide net and don't give up!

I'm a freelance marketing consultant who faced this exact situation about 4 months ago when I lost my two biggest retainer clients in the same week. My income dropped 85% overnight and I was panicking about how to pay rent. Here's what I learned from my experience: definitely apply for UI even though you think you won't qualify. I was shocked when EDD found some W-2 wages from a consulting firm I'd done project work through about 15 months earlier. I thought it was all 1099 work, but apparently the firm had processed me as a temporary employee for that specific 3-week project. While those wages only got me about $160/week in benefits, it was a lifeline while I rebuilt my client base. The application process also forced me to really examine my work relationships - I realized one of my "clients" had been treating me more like an employee (setting my schedule, requiring weekly check-ins, providing equipment) which could be grounds for misclassification. Also, don't overlook your professional associations. I'm part of the American Marketing Association and they had an emergency relief fund I never knew existed - got a $500 grant that helped cover utilities for two months. Many industry organizations have similar programs that aren't well publicized. One practical tip: start applying for CalFresh immediately. The process takes 2-3 weeks and food assistance really helps stretch your savings. Also create a detailed job search log - even if you don't qualify for UI, having organized records helps with other assistance applications and keeps you accountable to your networking efforts. The market is slowly improving for consultants and creatives. You'll get through this - just cast a wide net and don't be afraid to ask for help!

Glad you got it sorted out! Just wanted to add for anyone else dealing with this - when you get your replacement card, make sure to update any automatic payments or subscriptions that were linked to your old card number. I forgot to do this after my fraud incident and had a few payments bounce before I realized. Also, keep that paper check in a safe place until your new card arrives and is working properly, just in case there are any issues with the replacement card activation.

Just want to emphasize what others have said about being proactive with fraud protection going forward. I work in banking and see this stuff daily - EDD cards are unfortunately prime targets because scammers know they have guaranteed monthly deposits. A few tips: never use your card at standalone ATMs (especially at gas stations or convenience stores), cover your PIN when entering it, and check your balance frequently through the app or by calling the automated line. If you notice ANY transaction you don't recognize, even small ones like $1-2, report it immediately - fraudsters often test cards with tiny amounts first before draining the account. Stay vigilant!

I'm new to filing for unemployment and this thread has been such a lifesaver! I've been on reduced hours for about 2 months now and was dreading the possibility of having to deal with this exact question. Reading everyone's real experiences has made me feel so much more prepared and confident about how to handle it if I do get sick or need to miss a day. What really stands out to me from all these responses is how consistent everyone's advice is - mark YES, specify the single day, and don't stress about it because the system handles partial weeks routinely. I had no idea that employer quarterly reports could create mismatches if we don't report accurately - that's such crucial information that I never would have known otherwise. It's also really comforting to see that people have dealt with this for various reasons (illness, medical appointments, car troubles, dental emergencies) and it's always worked out fine. The system seems much more flexible and understanding than I initially thought. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experiences - this community is amazing for helping newcomers like me navigate these confusing situations!

I just wanted to thank everyone who contributed to this thread! I was in the exact same boat as the original poster - had to miss one day due to a minor injury and was completely confused about how to handle Question #1. After reading through all these detailed responses and real experiences, I feel so much more confident about marking YES and specifying just that single day. What really helped me understand was learning that this is actually a common situation that the EDD system handles routinely. I was imagining all sorts of worst-case scenarios, but it's clear from everyone's experiences that being honest about even one sick day is the right approach and won't jeopardize your benefits for the whole week. The point about employer quarterly reports potentially creating mismatches was completely new information for me - I never would have considered that angle on my own. It really drives home why accuracy is so important, even for what seems like a minor one-day absence. This community is incredible for providing real-world guidance that you just can't find in the official documentation. Thanks again to everyone who shared their experiences!

Reading through all these responses as someone who just started collecting unemployment benefits - this is both terrifying and incredibly helpful! The fact that so many people have dealt with this exact same work search disqualification issue really shows there's a systemic problem with how the EDD certification process works. @Alicia Stern - I'm so glad you got it resolved! Your situation with rent coming up would have had me in full panic mode. The tips everyone shared here are invaluable, especially the screenshots during certification and keeping detailed work search records. I'm definitely going to implement that Google Sheets tracking system before my next certification. One thing I'm curious about - for those who've had to call EDD multiple times, do you find that different representatives give different information? I've heard horror stories about getting conflicting answers depending on who you talk to, which adds another layer of stress to an already difficult situation. It seems like having everything documented (work searches, confirmation numbers, etc.) is the only way to protect yourself in this system. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - this thread is going to save so many people from going through the same nightmare!

This entire thread is like a masterclass in navigating EDD's broken system! As someone who works in tech support, I can tell you that what @Alicia Stern experienced is a classic case of poor form validation - the system probably accepted her "Yes" response but then failed to properly save or validate the subsequent work search details due to session timeouts, browser issues, or just plain bad code. The advice everyone's given here is spot-on, especially the documentation strategies. I'd add one more tip: if you're using Chrome or Firefox, you can actually save the entire webpage (Ctrl+S) during each step of certification, not just screenshots. This saves all the form data and can serve as proof of what you actually entered if there's ever a dispute. Also, for anyone dealing with this in the future - if you get the dreaded "disqualified" status, try submitting a message through the UI Online portal BEFORE calling. Sometimes this creates a paper trail that speeds up the phone resolution process. Include your work search details in that message so it's already in their system when you do get through to a rep. The fact that we need these workarounds for a basic government service is ridiculous, but at least this community exists to help each other navigate the maze!