Good choice switching to direct deposit! I went through the same thing a few months ago and it was definitely the right move. The Money Network cards seem to have delivery issues pretty regularly - mine took almost 6 weeks to arrive. One thing that helped me feel more confident about the switch was checking my Payment History page in UI Online obsessively for the first week after making the change. You can see exactly when each payment gets processed and which method it's going to. Really takes the guesswork out of it. Also, when your Money Network card does eventually show up (it probably will), make sure to activate it and check the balance even if you're getting direct deposits by then. Like others said, there might be payments on there from before you switched.

I'm in almost the exact same situation right now! Requested my Money Network card about a month ago and still nothing. Reading through all these responses is making me feel so much better about switching to direct deposit. One question though - for those who switched, did you get any kind of confirmation email or notification when the change went through? Or do you just have to keep checking UI Online to see when it takes effect? I'm probably going to make the switch tonight but want to know what to look for to confirm it worked. Also super grateful for the tip about checking any funds that might end up on the card when it eventually arrives - definitely would have overlooked that!

To answer your earlier question about the burden of proof: While the employer does have the burden of proving misconduct at the hearing, the initial determination is often made based primarily on the employer's statement during the claims process. That's why approximately 60% of misconduct disqualifications are overturned on appeal. Regarding contacting your former employer - I generally advise against it during the appeal process. Any conversations could potentially be used against you. Instead, focus on preparing your evidence and timeline for the hearing. Also, while waiting for your appeal, look into whether you qualify for other assistance programs like CalFresh (food stamps) or emergency rental assistance through your county's social services department. These can help bridge the gap while your unemployment appeal is pending.

I went through almost the exact same situation in 2023! Got terminated for "performance issues" but had documentation showing my work met standards. The key things that helped me win my appeal: 1. Organize all your evidence chronologically - those supervisor approval emails are GOLD 2. Write a simple 1-page summary of events with dates for the judge 3. Don't just focus on proving you did good work - focus on proving you didn't willfully violate company policy or deliberately harm the employer's interests My hearing was scheduled about 6 weeks after filing the appeal. The judge was very professional and asked specific questions about the approval process, whether I knew the work was allegedly substandard, and if I had any training on the requirements. Having those emails showing supervisor approval before submission was exactly what won my case. One tip: when they schedule your hearing, you'll get a notice with instructions on how to request documents from your employer. Do this! Sometimes employers submit additional "evidence" at the last minute, and you have the right to see it beforehand. Stay strong - the system is designed to be discouraging, but you have solid evidence. Just make sure you keep certifying every two weeks even though you're getting $0 right now!

If you can't get to a Bank of America branch, you might try calling their customer service line and asking if they can verify your identity over the phone or through their mobile app. Some people have also had success using other forms of ID like a passport, utility bills, or social security card along with your driver's license. You could also check if there are any other banks or credit unions nearby that might be able to help with ID verification for your EDD card. Another option is to contact EDD directly to see if they have alternative verification methods available.

I had a similar issue and found a few workarounds that helped me. First, try calling Bank of America's customer service at 1-866-692-9374 and explain your situation - sometimes they can do identity verification over the phone if you have enough personal information available. Second, if you have a local credit union, many of them can help with basic banking services even if you're not a member. Third, some people have had success going to a notary public (often available at UPS stores or libraries) to get documents notarized as proof of identity, which Bank of America may accept. Lastly, if you're still stuck, contact EDD directly and ask if they can issue a paper check instead of using the debit card - it's slower but might be easier than dealing with ID verification issues. Hope this helps!

This thread has been incredibly informative! I'm actually dealing with a very similar situation right now - lost my job at a tech startup three weeks ago and keep hitting the same wall when trying to file online. The EDD system keeps referencing my old claim from early 2022 and won't let me proceed with a new application, even though I've been employed continuously since August 2022. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like I'm probably dealing with the same "benefit year conflict" issue that seems to be plaguing so many people. My old claim did have some complications at the end - I think there was a question about my final certification that I never fully resolved because I got hired before it mattered. I'm definitely going to try the early morning calling strategy tomorrow and use the specific language people have shared here about asking the rep to "clear any benefit year conflicts and file a new initial claim while I'm on the call." It's such a relief to know this is a known issue with a relatively straightforward fix once you reach the right person. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world advice that makes all the difference when dealing with government bureaucracy!

This entire thread has been so eye-opening! I'm currently going through the exact same nightmare - got laid off from my marketing job two weeks ago and EDD's system keeps blocking me from filing because of some lingering issue from my 2021 pandemic claim. I've been employed steadily since early 2022 and have way more than enough wages to qualify, but their online portal just keeps giving me cryptic error messages about my "previous benefit year." What's really reassuring is seeing how many people have dealt with this same issue and that there's actually a clear path to resolution. I had no idea this was such a widespread problem with their system! I'm definitely going to try the 8:01 AM calling strategy tomorrow morning and come prepared with all the specific language everyone has shared - especially asking them to "clear any benefit year conflicts and file a new initial claim while I'm on the call." It's incredibly frustrating that EDD's system is this broken, but at least now I know I'm not alone and that there's hope for getting this resolved quickly once I reach an actual human being. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and specific tips - this community support is invaluable when dealing with government bureaucracy!

ok ya thats fair... i just meant dont put unnecessary restrictions that could hurt ur claim. like dont say u can only work 9-5 monday-friday if ur actually more flexible

Just wanted to add something I learned the hard way - when you're working reduced hours and applying for partial unemployment, make sure you understand the "earnings allowance" concept. EDD allows you to earn up to a certain amount each week before it affects your benefits (it's usually around $25-30). Anything you earn above that gets deducted from your weekly benefit payment dollar for dollar. So if your weekly benefit amount is $300 and you earn $150 that week, you'd get $150 from EDD ($300 minus the $150 you earned, but you keep the earnings allowance). It's actually explained pretty clearly once you get approved, but I wish I had understood this math before applying. Also, keep ALL your pay stubs - EDD sometimes asks for verification of earnings during audits, even months later.