This whole thread is like reading my own nightmare documented by dozens of other people. I've been stuck in EDD hell for 4 weeks now - calling every single day, multiple times per day, following every "pro tip" mentioned here, and I've gotten through to hold exactly TWICE, only to have both calls drop after 90+ minutes. The psychological toll of this is unreal. I'm starting to develop anxiety just thinking about making the calls, but I can't stop because my benefits are frozen and I'm running out of savings. The fact that we're all here sharing war stories and call statistics like survivors of some bureaucratic disaster zone shows how completely this system has failed us. After reading everyone's experiences with Claimyr and similar services, I think I need to just accept reality and pay for what should be free government access. It goes against everything I believe about how this should work, but I can't afford to keep playing a rigged game while my life falls apart. Thank you to everyone sharing their stories - knowing I'm not alone in this insanity is literally the only thing keeping me functional right now.

I'm completely devastated reading through all of these experiences because it's exactly what I've been going through for the past month. I've made over 150 call attempts, documented every single one with timestamps, and I've gotten through to an actual human being exactly zero times. ZERO. The closest I got was sitting on hold for 3 hours and 20 minutes before the call just died. I'm behind on my car payment, my credit cards are maxed out, and I'm eating ramen noodles for every meal because I can't access my own benefits. The worst part is that my issue is probably something that could be resolved in 5 minutes if I could just talk to someone. After reading everyone's success stories with Claimyr and similar services, I'm swallowing my pride and trying it tomorrow. I hate that I have to pay a private company to reach my own government, but I literally cannot continue living like this. To everyone else stuck in this nightmare - you are not crazy, you are not alone, and this system is deliberately designed to break us. We deserve so much better than this.

I'm in the exact same boat as you! Just got my Money Network card a few days ago and was shocked when I could only withdraw $300 at the CVS ATM near my place. Really glad you asked this question because these responses are super helpful. Sounds like the key is finding a major bank ATM (Chase, Wells Fargo, etc.) during business hours rather than those convenience store ones. The $1,000 daily limit should definitely cover rent, but it's frustrating that individual ATMs have their own lower caps. I'm definitely downloading that Money Network app everyone keeps mentioning - seems like the ATM locator feature is essential for avoiding fees and finding machines that actually let you withdraw decent amounts. Thanks for starting this thread, really saved me from a lot of trial and error!

I've been using the Money Network card for about 8 months now and can definitely confirm the $1,000 daily ATM withdrawal limit. Here's what I've learned that might help you get your rent money without multiple trips: **Best ATM locations for higher withdrawals:** - Major bank branches (Chase, Wells Fargo, BofA) during business hours - these consistently allow $800-1000 per transaction - Credit union ATMs often have good limits and lower fees - Avoid convenience store/gas station ATMs - they usually cap at $300-400 **Alternative options if you need more flexibility:** - Bank teller withdrawal with ID: up to $10,000 per transaction - Cash back at grocery stores: $100-200 extra without counting against ATM limit - Online rent payment directly from card if your landlord accepts it **Essential tip:** Download the Money Network mobile app ASAP - the ATM locator shows fee-free locations and will save you tons in surcharge fees. I probably would have paid hundreds in unnecessary fees without it. For your immediate rent situation, I'd suggest heading to a Chase or Wells Fargo branch ATM during business hours. You should be able to get most or all of what you need in one transaction. Good luck!

One thing I'd add - if you're using tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block, they usually have an option to import your 1099G directly from EDD once it's available online. This can save time and reduce errors from manually entering the numbers. Just look for the "Import from EDD" or "Import Tax Documents" feature in your tax software. However, make sure the amounts match what you see on your actual 1099G form before submitting, since these automated imports can sometimes have glitches.

Just a heads up for everyone - I've been on unemployment for about 8 months now and I noticed that if you receive any overpayment notices or have to pay back benefits during the year, that can affect your 1099G amounts too. My friend had to repay some benefits from early 2024 due to an eligibility issue, and her 1099G showed the net amount (what she actually kept) rather than the gross amount initially paid out. So if you've had any overpayment situations, don't be surprised if your 1099G doesn't match your mental math of all the payments you received throughout the year. Just something to keep in mind when you're reviewing the form!

For anyone still waiting on their card, I wanted to share what worked for me when I was in the same anxious situation a few weeks ago. Besides all the great advice already mentioned here (USPS Informed Delivery, calling Money Network for mail date, etc.), I found it really helpful to create a backup plan just in case. I talked to my landlord early about the potential delay and also reached out to family to see if anyone could help with a short-term loan if needed. Having that safety net in place actually reduced my stress a lot while waiting for the card to arrive. My card ended up coming in 8 business days, so right in that typical window everyone mentions. Also, pro tip: when you do get your card, take a photo of it (front and back) and store it securely in case you ever need the card details before the physical card arrives for future situations. The whole process is definitely nerve-wracking but this community has such good advice - you'll get through it!

I applied and had a phone call on 12/02 and was approved. My first payment was issued on 12/03, today is the 16th and I still have yet to receive my card. I'm praying it arrives today because I have some bills I need to cover. I'm thinking it's taken so long because of the volume of people applying as well as the USPS being busy during this season. I hope you get yours asap but just so you have reference , it will be 12 business days as of today that I've waited. Please Lord 😭

I'm so sorry you're going through this - I know exactly how terrifying it is to see that zero balance! I was in the same position about 4 months ago and the stress was overwhelming. Everyone here has given you fantastic advice about filing a new claim. I just wanted to add that when you do file, make sure you have your Social Security card and ID ready if they ask for verification. Sometimes the system flags new claims for identity verification, especially if there's been a gap or if you're filing based on limited part-time work. Also, while you're waiting to hear back on your new claim, check if your local community colleges offer free job placement services. Many have partnerships with employers and can help you identify transferable skills you might not have considered. My local college's career center helped me realize my restaurant management experience qualified me for supply chain coordination roles, which I never would have thought to apply for. One more resource - if you're struggling with that $2,300 rent, see if your city has a tenant rights organization. Some offer emergency rental assistance or can connect you with landlord mediation services if you need to negotiate payment plans. You're taking all the right steps by reaching out here and planning to file that new claim. This situation sucks, but it's temporary and you WILL get through it. Your management experience is valuable - don't underestimate what you bring to the table!

I just wanted to chime in with some encouragement - you're handling this really well by reaching out and getting advice before panicking! I went through benefit exhaustion about a year ago and it's honestly one of the most stressful things I've ever dealt with. Everyone here has covered the main points perfectly - file that new claim even if you're unsure about qualifying, apply for CalFresh, and definitely call 211. But I wanted to add one thing that really helped me: when I was calculating my part-time earnings to see if I'd qualify for a new claim, I initially forgot to include tips that I'd reported. If you received any tips at the coffee shop that you reported to EDD, make sure to include those in your calculations too. Also, regarding your restaurant management background - grocery stores are actually hiring a lot of management-level positions right now, and the skills translate really well. Scheduling, inventory management, customer service, team leadership - it's all the same stuff. Plus many grocery chains offer better benefits and more predictable hours than restaurants. The fact that you've been consistently working part-time while on UI shows you have a strong work ethic, and that 10 hours a week over several months might add up to more than you think. File that claim with confidence - you've earned those wages and deserve to have them count toward your eligibility. You've got a solid plan now and this community has your back. Take it one step at a time and don't hesitate to come back here if you need more support!