I just went through this exact same issue a few weeks ago! The frustration is real when you can see the money but can't touch it. Here's what finally worked for me: Since you already confirmed with Money Network that no card was issued, you're ahead of where I was. I also switched to paper checks using the DE 5800 form and it was the right call. My first check arrived exactly 9 days after EDD updated my payment preference. A couple things that helped me: - When you call EDD (or use Claimyr), ask them to check for any "payment holds" or "address verification flags" on your account. Sometimes there are hidden issues blocking the payment setup - Request they send you the confirmation letter about your payment preference change via both mail AND email if possible - Get a reference number for the call and ask them to put detailed notes about what they changed The paper check system is honestly more reliable than the debit card mess. You can always switch back to the card later once you know everything is working properly. Don't feel bad about using a paid service to get through - I wasted weeks trying the free route and wish I'd just paid to talk to someone sooner. You're so close to getting this resolved! Keep us posted on how the Claimyr call goes.

Wow, reading through all these responses is both helpful and infuriating - it's clear this payment preference issue is a widespread problem with EDD's system! I'm dealing with something similar right now where my claim shows approved but I've been waiting 3 weeks for any kind of payment method to be set up. Isabella, your situation sounds exactly like what happened to my sister earlier this year. She also had the automated system showing thousands available but no actual way to access it. The advice about calling Money Network directly at 1-866-320-8699 is golden - I had no idea you could do that to check if a card was actually issued. Based on everyone's experiences here, it seems like going with paper checks is definitely the way to go for now. The debit card system sounds like a nightmare with all the third-party confusion between EDD and Money Network. At least with checks you know exactly when they're sent and when to expect them. I'm also really interested in hearing how the Claimyr service works out for you. The regular EDD phone lines are absolutely useless - I've been trying for weeks with no luck. If a small fee can actually get me connected to someone who can fix this mess, it seems worth it at this point. Keep us posted on your progress! This thread has been incredibly helpful for understanding what's actually going wrong with these payment systems.

One more thing I should mention - if you do choose paper checks, make sure your mailing address is always current with EDD. Unlike the debit card (which is issued once) or direct deposit, each check needs to be physically mailed to you. If you move during your claim period, update your address immediately in UI Online under the Contact Information section.

I've been collecting unemployment for about 8 months now and went with paper checks from the beginning after hearing all the horror stories about Money Network. Just wanted to share my experience - yes, they do take longer (usually get mine about 7-10 days after certifying), but I've never had a single issue. No frozen accounts, no fees, no customer service nightmares. The peace of mind is totally worth the extra wait time. One tip: I always deposit my checks via mobile app as soon as they arrive rather than going to the bank, just to get the funds available faster. Good luck with your claim!

I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm currently dealing with what sounds like the exact same citizenship error - the system suddenly has me marked as needing work authorization even though I've been a US citizen my whole life and have successfully filed UI claims before. It's beyond frustrating that their system can just randomly decide you're not a citizen anymore! Reading through everyone's experiences, it's clear this is a widespread issue with their January 2025 system update. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service since calling directly has been completely useless - I've tried over 20 times this week and either get disconnected or stuck in endless hold loops. One thing I'm wondering - for those who got this resolved, did the citizenship error affect your ability to certify for benefits while waiting for the fix? I'm worried I'm going to miss certification deadlines while dealing with this mess. The whole situation is making me incredibly anxious about losing weeks of benefits over their technical screw-up.

This thread has been incredibly helpful for everyone dealing with these citizenship errors! Just wanted to add another data point - I experienced this exact same issue 2 weeks ago and can confirm that Claimyr is definitely worth the cost. Got connected to an EDD rep in under 30 minutes after weeks of failed calling attempts. One thing I'd add for anyone going through this process: when you do get connected to the Tier 2 specialist, ask them to put a note in your file about the citizenship correction. My rep told me this helps prevent the error from happening again during future system updates. Also, save confirmation numbers for EVERYTHING - the citizenship correction, document uploads, even the call itself if they give you one. The whole situation is ridiculous that we have to pay a third party service just to access the government agency that's supposed to help us, but honestly it's the only reliable way to get through right now. Their January system "upgrade" has been a complete disaster for so many people.

@profile6 I only had to upload documents. No video call needed. Everything went through the automated system.

Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - if you're a renter and don't have utilities in your name, you can also use a renters insurance policy or even a medical bill as proof of address. I had to use my Kaiser medical statement when I first applied because my roommate had all the utilities under their name. Also, if you have a PO Box, make sure you're using your physical address, not the PO Box address - ID.me requires your residential address specifically.

Hey Dylan, I just went through this exact situation about 6 months ago and know how stressful it is. A couple of things that helped me: First, definitely try the America's Job Center suggestion - I went to the one in Sacramento and they were able to confirm my appeal status immediately, which gave me peace of mind. Second, while you're waiting, start gathering EVERYTHING related to your address. I made copies of my lease, utility bills, bank statements, voter registration, car registration, and even Amazon delivery confirmations - basically anything with my name and address. The judge was impressed with how organized I was and it definitely helped my case. Also, if you're facing eviction, document that too because it can help with the hardship request. The whole process sucks but hang in there - most people who appeal address verification issues do win if they have proper documentation. You've got this!

I'm in a very similar boat and this thread has been incredibly helpful! Filed my claim in late November 2023 and got the same address verification denial. I'm currently at about 8 weeks since filing my appeal and the uncertainty is killing me financially. Based on everyone's advice here, I'm going to try multiple approaches: calling the America's Job Center, reaching out to my Assembly member's constituent services, and maybe even trying that Claimyr service someone mentioned. I've also started organizing all my address documentation into categories like others suggested. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - I discovered that if you have any medical appointments or prescriptions filled at your current address, those can be really strong evidence since medical records are heavily regulated and verified. I had completely forgotten about those until I was going through everything. Dylan, I hope you get some clarity soon! The waiting is absolutely brutal but it sounds like most people with legitimate address issues do win their appeals. We just have to stay organized and persistent. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - it makes this nightmare process feel a little less isolating when you realize how many others are going through the exact same thing.