I'm in a similar boat - just got my first payment approved two days ago and anxiously waiting for the card! Reading through everyone's experiences here is really reassuring. It sounds like 7-10 business days is pretty standard, so I'm trying to be patient. I also reached out to my landlord proactively after seeing that suggestion here. One question though - for those who set up direct deposit after getting the card, how long did that take to go into effect? I'd love to avoid the card waiting game for future payments if possible. Thanks for starting this thread, it's exactly what I needed to read right now!

I went through this same waiting period about 3 months ago and totally understand the anxiety! My card took 9 days to arrive in the Bay Area, so Sacramento should be similar. One thing that really helped me was downloading the Money Network mobile app ahead of time and creating an account with just my SSN - that way when the card arrives, you can activate it and start using it immediately without having to wait for website setup. Also, most major grocery stores (Safeway, Target, etc.) will let you get cash back when you use the card for purchases, which can be super helpful if you need cash right away and want to avoid ATM fees. The hardest part really is just the waiting - but you're almost there!

If you must keep trying manually, avoid calling after 4pm any day. They seem to stop accepting new calls even though they're supposedly open until 5pm.

Reading through all these responses, it's clear the manual calling method is completely broken. I'm seeing success stories from multiple people who used Claimyr - getting through in 18-35 minutes versus the weeks we're all wasting with manual attempts. At this point I think I need to just accept that $20 is worth more than my sanity and the dozens of hours I've already lost. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, especially the timing tips about avoiding lunch hours and after 4pm. Going to try the automated service today.

My benefits ran out last year and I had to wait until my benefit year ended before I could file again. During that time I picked up gig work doing DoorDash and Instacart - not great money but it helped bridge the gap. Just something to consider while you're waiting to qualify for a new claim.

I'm in a similar boat and just wanted to share what I learned after calling EDD multiple times. If your benefit year hasn't ended yet (sounds like yours runs until October), you generally can't file a new claim even if you have some recent work history. The 3 months you worked might help you qualify for a new claim once your benefit year expires, but EDD will need to calculate if those wages meet the minimum requirements. In the meantime, definitely apply for CalFresh and look into local emergency assistance programs - many counties have utility assistance and food programs that can help bridge the gap. Also check if your local workforce development office has any emergency financial assistance for job seekers. Hang in there!

UPDATE: Finally got my card today! Exactly 15 business days after my first payment was issued. For anyone else in this situation - hang in there! Calling Money Network directly was definitely more helpful than trying to reach EDD. They confirmed it had been mailed and gave me the exact date. Thanks everyone for your advice!

So glad you got your card! I'm actually in a similar situation right now - it's been 12 business days since my first payment was issued and still no card. Your post gives me hope that it's probably just the normal delays everyone's experiencing. Did you end up calling Money Network before it arrived, or did you just wait it out? I'm debating whether to call now or give it a few more days.

UPDATE: Finally got through to EDD this morning after using the Claimyr service someone recommended. The EDD rep was actually super helpful once I reached them! They've put a special flag on my account to revert to paper checks immediately AND they're sending an emergency payment for the disputed amount that should arrive in 5 days. I still have to deal with Money Network for the fraud investigation, but at least I won't be waiting weeks for rent money. Also filed all the complaints recommended and my assemblyperson's office called me back - they're sending an official inquiry to EDD's executive office about my case. Thanks everyone for all the advice - this community has been way more helpful than any official channels!

So glad to hear you got some resolution! This is exactly why I always tell people not to give up - EDD can actually be helpful when you finally reach the right person. The emergency payment option is something a lot of people don't know about. For anyone else reading this dealing with similar issues, Zainab's experience shows that persistence pays off. The combination of using multiple channels (Claimyr for EDD contact, assemblyperson involvement, CFPB complaints, and specific terminology with Money Network) is really the way to go. Keep us updated on how the final resolution goes with Money Network. Your case could help others who are going through this nightmare. Really hoping EDD finally switches to a more secure payment vendor - this has gone on way too long.