Based on everything shared here, I'd recommend you: 1. Apply for the DE 1446W waiver or reduction right away - don't wait for them to start collecting 2. Be prepared for some amount of offset (25% for non-fraud is typical) 3. Contact your local EDD office directly if possible - sometimes in-person visits can get faster results than phone calls 4. Look into local rental assistance programs as a backup plan for your upcoming rent The good news is that they can't take 100% of your benefits unless it was a fraud determination, so you will receive at least some money while this gets sorted out.

I went through something similar last year and want to share what I learned. The offset usually starts with your second or third payment, not the first one, so you might get one full payment before they start taking the deduction. Also, if you're really struggling financially, you can ask for a temporary suspension of collections for up to 60 days while you get back on your feet. You'll need to provide proof of financial hardship (like eviction notice, past due utility bills, etc.) but it can give you some breathing room. The key is to be proactive and contact them BEFORE they start taking money out, not after. Good luck!

I just don't understand why EDD makes EVERYTHING so COMPLICATED!!! The whole system feels designed to trip people up and deny benefits!!!

I'm dealing with something similar right now! My previous employer laid me off in November and I've been on UI since then. Last month I started a temp job that was supposed to be data entry, but now they want me to make cold calls which gives me severe anxiety and wasn't mentioned at all during hiring. I've been reporting all my hours and wages on my certifications too. Reading through these responses is really helpful - it sounds like since this isn't the job that established my original claim, I might be okay if I need to leave. The whole situation is so stressful when you're just trying to get back on your feet financially!

Just to update on my experience - after switching from the Money Network card to paper checks last year, it took about 10 business days for the change to take effect. The EDD rep told me any payments issued during that processing period would still go to the card. So if you do end up with a card temporarily, just know it might take a week or two before the checks start coming.

Hey Javier, I went through this exact same situation a few months ago! I also specifically requested paper checks on my initial application but was worried they'd send the card anyway. Here's what worked for me: I called the 1-800-300-5616 number at exactly 8:00 AM on a Tuesday (seemed to have better luck mid-week) and got through after about 45 minutes of waiting. The key was asking them to check if a "payment instrument" had been issued yet - that's their internal term for the Money Network card. In my case, they caught it just in time and were able to confirm my paper check preference was active. The rep also gave me a confirmation number for the payment method change, which I wrote down just in case. My first check arrived about 7-10 business days after my payment showed as "paid" in UI Online. Good luck - definitely call ASAP since timing is everything with this!

This is absolutely infuriating and I'm so sorry you're going through this! The fact that Money Network initially told you they "can't reverse the transaction" is complete BS - they absolutely can and are required to investigate under federal banking regulations. I went through something similar last year (though not as much money) and had to really push back hard on their customer service reps who kept giving me the runaround. One thing that helped me was keeping a detailed log of every single phone call - date, time, rep name, reference numbers, and exactly what they told me. When I escalated to a supervisor and showed them the inconsistencies in what different reps had told me, they suddenly became much more cooperative. Also, if you haven't already, send them a written dispute letter via certified mail in addition to calling. Sometimes the written paper trail gets routed to a different department that's more responsive than the phone reps. Make sure to include phrases like "unauthorized electronic fund transfer" and reference Regulation E - that usually gets their attention. Really hoping you get this resolved quickly, especially with rent due. This kind of fraud is becoming way too common and it's unacceptable that legitimate claimants have to fight so hard to get their own money back.

This is absolutely terrifying! I've been on EDD for about 6 months now and always assumed the Money Network card was safe since it's the "official" method. Reading your story and all these comments has me checking my account obsessively now. I had no idea that fraudsters could somehow bypass the UI Online system and make changes directly through Money Network - that seems like a massive security flaw! The fact that your UI Online still shows the correct payment method but Money Network sent your funds elsewhere is so concerning. Thank you for sharing this even though you're going through such a stressful situation. I'm definitely going to enable all those email notifications and change my passwords tonight. Also bookmarking that EDD fraud number (1-800-229-6297) just in case. Really hope you get your $1,200 back before rent is due. Keep us updated on how the investigation goes - it sounds like you're doing everything right by being so persistent and documenting everything. This community has given you some amazing advice and it's clear you're not alone in dealing with this type of fraud.

Just to follow up on what others have said: if your UI Online status shows 'paid,' you're good - the money is coming. The transfer to Money Network or direct deposit is a separate step that can sometimes be delayed. EDD batch processes payments, and their system sometimes has hiccups. A one-day delay is common and nothing to worry about. However, if by Wednesday you still don't have it, then you should definitely call. Make sure you're also checking your Money Network balance directly through their app or website, not just looking for bank notifications.

Glad you got your payment sorted out! This is actually a pretty common issue - I've been collecting UI benefits for over 6 months and have seen this delay happen maybe 3-4 times. Usually it's system maintenance or batch processing delays on EDD's end. For anyone else reading this thread who might face the same issue: as long as your UI Online shows "paid" status, the money WILL come through, just maybe 12-24 hours later than usual. The key is not to panic and give it at least 48 hours before calling EDD. Also worth noting that if you have direct deposit to a regular bank account instead of Money Network, the delays tend to be shorter in my experience.