whatever u do DON'T STOP CERTIFYING during ur contract work!!!! just report ur earnings. if u stop certifying completely u might have to file a whole new claim instead of reopening!!!

I went through this exact situation last year! Just to add to what others have said - make sure you understand the "substantial earnings" threshold. If your weekly 1099 earnings exceed 1.25 times your weekly benefit amount, you'll get $0 for that week but your claim stays active. If you earn less than that, you might still get partial benefits. Also, keep in mind that 1099 work can sometimes take longer to get paid, so plan your budget accordingly. The good news is that once your contract ends, you should be able to reopen without too much hassle as long as you've been reporting everything correctly. Good luck with the contract opportunity!

Update for anyone finding this thread later: The standard processing time for a first-time Money Network card is: • 1-2 days for payment processing after certification • 1-2 days for EDD to transfer funds to Money Network • 7-10 business days for card production and delivery So you're looking at approximately 9-14 days total from certification to having the card in hand. This only applies to the first payment. After that, funds are available on the card within 24-48 hours after certification is processed. Also worth noting: The card is sent from Money Network in a plain white envelope with an Ohio return address. Many people mistake it for junk mail and throw it away, so check your mail carefully.

Just wanted to add another perspective - I'm currently going through this exact same situation! Got my "payment issued" text 8 days ago and still waiting for the card. Reading through all these comments is super reassuring that this is totally normal. One thing I learned from calling EDD yesterday (after waiting 2 hours on hold) is that they've had some delays with Money Network card deliveries in March due to higher than usual volume of new claims. The agent said to expect up to 15 business days for first-time cards right now instead of the usual 7-10 days. Also, if anyone is wondering - you CAN check if your card has been mailed by calling Money Network at 866-320-8699 and following the prompts for "card status." You'll need your SSN and the phone number on your EDD account. They can tell you if it's been sent and give you a general timeframe for delivery. Hang in there @Nora Bennett - yours should definitely arrive soon!

Quick update for everyone: As of July 2025, new claimants who provide banking information during their initial application CAN receive their first payment via direct deposit. This changed last month. However, if you didn't provide bank info during your initial application (like the original poster), then you'll still receive the Money Network card for your first payment, and can set up direct deposit after that. OP - if tomorrow is day 15 since the payment was marked 'paid,' you should definitely call. The card should arrive within 10 business days maximum.

Hey Elijah! I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago. The waiting is super stressful, especially when rent is due! A few tips from my experience: 1) Check with your mail carrier or apartment office if you live in a complex - sometimes these cards get misdelivered or held up, 2) The Money Network customer service line (1-866-544-7681) can sometimes tell you if a card was issued and the date it was mailed, even before calling EDD, and 3) If you're really in a bind financially, some local food banks and community organizations have emergency assistance programs while you wait. Don't be afraid to ask for help - that's what these programs are for! The card will come, it's just a matter of when.

To all those having trouble reaching a human at California Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/Ize0EkN4HDI

Thanks for asking this question! I was looking for the same information. Based on what Katie shared, it looks like the San Jose EDD UI Center PO Box is: P.O. BOX 49004 San Jose, California 95161 Just wanted to confirm - are you trying to mail in documentation or correspondence? I've found that different types of forms sometimes need to go to different addresses, so it's always good to double-check on the specific form or document you're sending. Also, if you need to speak with someone directly, the videos that Tom shared might be helpful for getting through to a representative faster than the usual wait times.

wait if i already have the money network card and then i set up direct deposit later will they automatically switch my payments over or do i have to call them??

Just wanted to add some helpful info for anyone still waiting for direct deposit access - you can actually check if your account is eligible by looking for any recent updates in your UI Online message center. EDD has been sending out notifications about 2-3 days before the direct deposit option actually appears in your account. Also, make sure your contact info (especially email) is up to date in your profile so you don't miss the notification when it's your turn. I've heard from some people that they missed their notification because their email wasn't current. In the meantime, if you do get the Money Network card, you can avoid most ATM fees by using it at Bank of America ATMs since that's their partner bank. Just a tip to save a few bucks while we're all waiting for direct deposit!