I just went through this exact same process last month when I got laid off from my warehouse job! Your husband will automatically get a new Money Network card, but here's the important part everyone's touched on - it ONLY gets sent after his first certification processes and shows "PAID" not just "pending." Since he certifies this Sunday, watch his UI Online account closely. The payment usually takes 1-3 business days to switch from pending to paid, then the card ships and takes another 7-10 business days to arrive. So realistically you're looking at about 2 weeks from when he certifies. Two critical things: 1) Definitely verify your current address in UI Online TODAY before he certifies - that's where 90% of card delays come from, and 2) The card comes in the most boring white envelope you've ever seen. Seriously looks like a scam letter. I watched my neighbor throw theirs in the trash thinking it was junk mail! Also pro tip - once you get the card, immediately set up the Money Network online account at moneynetwork.com/edd. You can transfer money to your regular bank for free, unlike those old BofA cards that nickel and dimed you with fees. The whole system is actually way better now!

I just went through this exact situation 3 months ago when I got laid off from my manufacturing job! Your husband will definitely get a new Money Network card automatically, but timing is everything. The card only ships AFTER his first certification is processed AND shows "paid" status in UI Online - not just approved or pending. Here's what to expect: He'll certify this Sunday, then watch for the payment status to change from "pending" to "paid" (usually 2-3 business days). Once it shows paid, the card typically arrives 7-10 business days later. So you're looking at roughly 10-14 days total from certification to card in mailbox. SUPER important tips: 1) Double-check your address in UI Online RIGHT NOW before he certifies - incorrect addresses cause most delays, 2) The card comes in the most generic white envelope imaginable - seriously looks like a credit card scam. I almost tossed mine! Look for tiny "Money Network" text on the return address. Once you get it, immediately set up the online account at moneynetwork.com/edd - you can transfer funds to your bank for FREE (way better than those old BofA cards with their fees). Also enable text notifications in UI Online so you get alerts when payment statuses change. Makes tracking everything so much easier! The whole Money Network system is actually a huge improvement over the old Bank of America setup. Just be patient with the initial timing and watch that mail like a hawk!

Same thing happened to me during Labor Day weekend! I was panicking because I had never experienced a holiday delay before. It's actually pretty common - any federal holiday will push EDD payments to the next business day. The system shows "paid" status but the actual money transfer waits for banks to reopen. I've learned to always check the federal holiday calendar now so I can plan my budget accordingly. At least now you know for future holidays!

This is exactly what I needed to see! I'm in the same boat - certified Sunday and was getting worried when nothing showed up today. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences with holiday delays. Now I know to expect this every time there's a federal holiday. Going to set up those calendar reminders like Victoria suggested so I can plan better for next time. Thanks for posting this question and for the update that your payment came through!

Great thread everyone! I'm actually an EDD caseworker and wanted to clarify a few things. Drew, your GED program at 6 hours/week is absolutely fine as long as you maintain availability for work. The key distinction is that part-time education (generally under 20 hours/week) allows you to continue regular UI benefits while full-time programs typically require CTB approval. One important tip: when you certify and answer YES to school/training, there's a follow-up question about whether the training affects your availability - make sure to answer NO since your schedule is flexible. Also, keep a simple log of when you're available for work each day (even if it's just "available 9am-5pm except Tues/Thurs 6-9pm classes"). This documentation can be invaluable if any questions arise later. Your GED is exactly the type of skills improvement EDD wants to see - it shows you're working toward better employment prospects. Just stay consistent with your work search efforts and honest on certifications!

Just want to echo what Emma said - having an actual EDD caseworker confirm this is gold! I went through a similar situation with my welding certification classes (8 hours/week) and everything worked out fine. The key really is that availability documentation. I kept a simple note in my phone showing my available hours each day and it gave me peace of mind. Drew, your GED is going to open so many doors - stick with it! And thanks Emma for the insider perspective, this kind of official guidance is exactly what this community needs.

Hi John! The CalJobs registration requirement is part of the work search requirements that have been reinstated. It doesn't necessarily mean your benefits are coming soon - it's more about demonstrating that you're actively looking for work, which is a condition for continuing to receive unemployment benefits. The letter you mentioned about not receiving payments might be a separate issue that needs to be addressed directly with EDD. I'd recommend calling them using one of the methods Tom shared above to get clarity on your specific case and payment status.

I went through the same confusion with CalJobs registration! From my experience, it's definitely part of the work search requirements that came back after the pandemic pause. The registration itself won't speed up your benefits, but it's required to keep them coming. What really helped me was keeping detailed records of all my job search activities in CalJobs - EDD can ask for proof at any time. If you're having payment issues on top of this, definitely use those phone tricks Tom shared. The combination of registration requirements AND payment problems can be overwhelming, but they're usually separate issues that need to be handled individually.

Good luck with your class! Just wanted to add that if you do get flagged for an interview, don't stress too much about it. I went through the same thing last year with a weekend photography workshop (much shorter than your programming class) and the interview was pretty straightforward. The EDD rep basically just wanted to confirm that I understood I'd need to prioritize work over the class if a job opportunity came up. The whole call took maybe 10 minutes. Since you're being proactive about answering honestly and your class is only one evening per week, you should be fine. Programming skills will definitely help your job search too!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been through this process twice! The first time I took a Spanish class at community college while on unemployment, I panicked and marked "no" on the school question because I was terrified they'd cut my benefits. Big mistake - when they eventually found out (through some cross-referencing system), I had to pay back two months of benefits plus penalties. It was a nightmare. The second time around, I was honest from the start about taking a web design course. Yes, they scheduled an interview, but it was really just to verify that I could still work full-time if offered a job. Since it was only two evenings per week, they continued my benefits without any issues. My advice: Always be truthful on your certifications, even if it seems scary. The temporary stress of a potential interview is way better than dealing with overpayment issues later. Plus, EDD generally supports people improving their job skills as long as it doesn't interfere with work availability. One programming class in the evening should be totally fine!