btw did u try calling the identity verification department directly instead of the main edd number? sometimes they can help faster with these specific issues. their number is different from the regular edd line

Update from original poster? For anyone else facing this issue in the future, here's the correct process: 1. Identity verification is handled through ID.me and then processed by EDD 2. Once identity is verified, EDD must send a separate "release authorization" to Money Network 3. This release must be processed by a Tier 2 specialist at EDD 4. Money Network then takes 3-5 business days to process the release 5. You should receive an email notification when your card is unfrozen The most common mistake people make is assuming that once ID verification is complete, the card will automatically be unfrozen. These are actually two separate processes that must both be completed.

I just wanted to share my recent experience to give you some reassurance! I got my EDD claim approved 2 weeks ago and was in the exact same panic mode about when my Money Network card would arrive. Mine ended up taking exactly 8 business days from when my payment showed "paid" status. I'm in the Bay Area for reference. The envelope really is super plain looking - almost threw it away thinking it was some random bank marketing mail! Once I activated it online, all my back payments were available immediately. The worst part is definitely the waiting and not knowing, but based on everyone's experiences here, you should be getting yours any day now. Hang in there!

I'm literally going through this exact same situation right now! Got approved 6 days ago and have been refreshing my UI Online account constantly to see if anything changes. It's such a relief to read everyone's experiences here - sounds like most people get their cards within 7-10 business days, so I'm trying to stay patient. Already signed up for that USPS Informed Delivery service someone mentioned, which is brilliant! At least now I can see what's coming in my mail each day instead of just hoping. The anxiety is so real when you have rent and bills coming up. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines - it really helps to know this waiting period is totally normal even though it feels endless when you're living it!

To summarize the correct information for anyone else who finds this thread: 1) Report jury duty pay during the week you perform the service 2) Only the daily stipend ($15/day typically) counts as income - NOT mileage reimbursement 3) The amount will reduce your weekly benefit by whatever you earn over $25 4) Report it even if you're just there for selection and don't get picked 5) Keep documentation of your jury service dates in case EDD asks for verification later

One thing I wanted to add that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you end up serving on a longer trial (like a week or more), some courts pay a higher daily rate after the first few days. For example, in some CA counties it goes up to $40/day after day 10. Just make sure to report whatever amount you actually receive each day. Also, if your jury service gets you dismissed early in the day, you're still entitled to the full daily payment, so report the full amount even if you only served a few hours that day.

Yes I won the appeal but it took 11 weeks to get a hearing date and then another 3 weeks to get the judge's decision. The whole time I wasn't receiving any benefits. It was a nightmare. Just make sure you document EVERYTHING.

I went through something very similar last year! My advice: when you certify, definitely select "voluntarily quit" but use the explanation box to write something like "Quit retail job on [date] to accept office position with [company name]. New employer delayed start date from [original date] to January 15, 2025 due to budget constraints." The key is being upfront about everything. EDD will likely schedule an eligibility interview, but having documentation of your job offer and the delay notice will work in your favor. I had my interview about 3 weeks after my first certification and was approved because I could prove I quit for legitimate employment that fell through due to circumstances beyond my control. One tip: start your job search now and keep records of where you apply. EDD likes to see you're actively looking for work during the gap. Good luck!

Wow, this thread has become an incredible resource for anyone dealing with ID.me/EDD issues! As someone who went through a similar nightmare about 6 months ago, I can confirm that almost everything mentioned here is spot-on advice. Just wanted to add one more tip that saved me: if you end up getting your ID.me account restored but then run into issues during the actual verification process (like webcam problems or document upload failures), there's a "selfie + document" verification option that's often more reliable than the live video verification. Look for it under "Alternative verification methods" once you're back in your account. Also, Giovanni - seeing your updates about making progress is so encouraging! For anyone else following this thread, definitely save it or bookmark it. The step-by-step approach everyone laid out here (EDD exception form + early morning ID.me calls + 211 backup plan) is like a masterclass in navigating broken bureaucratic systems. Really hope everyone gets their situations resolved soon. It's frustrating that we have to become experts in workarounds just to access benefits we're entitled to, but at least we can help each other figure it out!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now and this thread has been absolutely invaluable! My ID.me account got suspended about a week ago while trying to file for unemployment after my company had layoffs. I was feeling completely lost until I found all this advice. I wanted to share one additional resource that helped me: if you're struggling to get through to ID.me or EDD by phone, try reaching out to your state assemblyperson's office. Many of them have constituent services staff who can help escalate issues with state agencies. I contacted mine yesterday and they said they'd submit an inquiry to EDD on my behalf within 48 hours. Also, for anyone dealing with the stress of this situation - don't forget to take care of your mental health too. The financial anxiety combined with the bureaucratic runaround can be overwhelming. Most counties have free counseling services through their health departments if you need someone to talk to while navigating all this. Giovanni, really hoping your Account Recovery Team review comes back positive soon! Your experience posting about this has created such a helpful resource for all of us going through the same nightmare.