This whole thread is a perfect example of how broken the EDD communication system is. I went through this exact same nightmare 3 months ago and it's clear nothing has changed. The fact that so many people are confused about the PIN creation process shows that EDD needs to completely rewrite their instructions. It shouldn't take a Reddit-style community thread to figure out basic card activation! For anyone still struggling: call Money Network customer service at 1-866-320-8699, tell them you're trying to activate your EDD card and need help creating your PIN. Don't waste time with the automated system - go straight to a human. And definitely set up direct deposit ASAP so you never have to deal with this card nonsense again.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this same ordeal a few weeks ago. The PIN creation process is definitely the most confusing part of getting your EDD benefits card working. What helped me was calling the Money Network customer service line during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) when wait times are shorter. The rep I spoke with explained that the "enter your PIN" prompt during activation is actually asking you to CREATE a new 4-digit PIN right then and there - it's not looking for an existing one. Once I understood that, the whole process took about 5 minutes. Also, pro tip: write down your PIN immediately and store it somewhere safe! I almost forgot mine the next day when I went to use the card. The direct deposit suggestion from others here is spot on too - I switched to that for my next payment and it's so much faster than waiting for the card to be loaded.

I went through this exact same process about 6 months ago and completely understand your anxiety! When I got that "something that can make you ineligible" message after reporting my $4,800 severance, I was convinced I'd somehow messed up my claim. But it really is just standard procedure when any severance is reported - their system automatically triggers the interview requirement. During my phone interview, the EDD representative was actually pretty straightforward and professional. They asked: 1) Why I was separated from work (layoff vs. firing vs. quitting), 2) Whether my severance was paid as a lump sum or ongoing payments, 3) If there were any work restrictions in my severance agreement, and 4) Whether I was available for full-time work and actively job searching. The whole interview took about 20 minutes, and I had my benefits approved within 2 business days afterward. My biggest advice is to have your termination letter and severance agreement documents ready to reference, and keep your answers clear and direct. Since you were laid off due to position elimination and received a lump sum payment, you should be in good shape. The fact that you reported everything honestly from the start definitely works in your favor!

I'm a former EDD claims specialist and can confirm that reporting severance automatically triggers an eligibility interview - it's completely normal and doesn't mean you did anything wrong. The interview is mainly to distinguish between severance that counts as "wages" (which could delay benefits) versus a lump sum payment for past service (which typically doesn't affect eligibility). Since you mentioned your position was eliminated and you received a one-time payment, you should be fine. The key things they'll verify: your separation was involuntary, the severance structure, and that you're available for work. Have your layoff documentation ready and answer their questions directly without over-explaining. Most people in your situation get approved within a few days after the interview. You did the right thing by reporting everything honestly!

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

I've had this exact issue before! Usually when you get the "technical issue" message at a BOA ATM, it's either the machine is temporarily out of cash or there's a connection problem with the card network. Since there's only one BOA in your town, I'd suggest trying a different bank's ATM that accepts your card (most unemployment debit cards work at multiple ATM networks). You can also try going inside the bank branch when they're open - the tellers can usually do a manual withdrawal even when the ATM is having issues. If it keeps happening, definitely call the customer service number on the back of your card to make sure there aren't any holds or restrictions on your account.

i heard theres a new program for restaurant workers who lost jobs bc of minimum wage increases but my cousin applied and never got approved so maybe its not real

Just wanted to add that while the COVID programs are definitely gone, there are still some other resources that might help supplement your unemployment benefits. Look into CalFresh (food stamps) and your local food banks - many don't have strict income requirements right now. Also check if your county has emergency rental assistance programs. I know LA County and some others still have funds available for people who recently became unemployed. It won't replace those pandemic benefit amounts, but every little bit helps when you're trying to cover $2,100 rent on regular UI. Hang in there!

Hey Sergio! I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago and totally understand the stress. Here's what helped me: EDD certifications always open at midnight on Sundays for the two-week period that just ended. Since you're starting work Wednesday, you'll certify that following Sunday for the week that includes Wed-Sat of work. The key thing is to report your GROSS earnings (before taxes) for those 4 days even if you haven't gotten your first paycheck yet. You can estimate based on your hourly rate x hours worked. EDD will reduce your weekly benefit by (earnings - $25), so if your weekly benefit is $400 and you earn $200 that week, you'd get $400 - ($200 - $25) = $225. Set a reminder for Sunday morning to certify right away - I always did mine around 6am to avoid any system issues. And seriously, be super accurate with your reporting. EDD's computers eventually catch everything through wage crosschecks, so honesty is the best policy. You've got this!

Welcome to the community! I see you're getting great advice here already. Just to echo what others have said - definitely report those Wed-Sat earnings when you certify on Sunday, even without a paycheck yet. One tip that really helped me when I was in a similar situation: if you're unsure about your exact gross daily rate, it's better to slightly overestimate than underestimate. EDD will adjust things later when they get your actual wage reports from your employer, but underreporting can trigger penalties. Also, keep good records of your hours and pay calculations - screenshot or write down exactly what you reported each week. This saved me during a later audit when EDD questioned some of my partial week certifications. The transition period is always nerve-wracking but you'll get through it!