Wow, reading through this entire thread has been both enlightening and infuriating! I'm a newcomer to this community but unfortunately not new to EDD headaches. I've been dealing with my second identity verification request in just 5 weeks, and like so many of you, my payments are stuck in limbo while bills keep coming. What really gets me is that I've been paying into this system for over a decade with zero issues until they rolled out MyEDD. It's clear this isn't user error - it's a systemic problem with their migration process. I'm grateful for all the detailed solutions everyone has shared here. The strategy of using multiple approaches simultaneously (technical complaint, Claimyr, assembly member contact, in-person visit) seems like the smartest way to tackle this broken system. I'm particularly interested in the assembly member route since that seems to have the highest success rate for permanent resolution. It's absolutely ridiculous that we need a whole playbook just to access benefits we've earned, but I appreciate this community for creating one. Going to start implementing these strategies tomorrow and will definitely report back with results to help others. Thank you all for turning what felt like an impossible situation into something actionable!

I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare, Mateo! I just joined this community because I'm experiencing the exact same issue - currently on my third identity verification request since February. The MyEDD system rollout has been an absolute disaster for so many of us. Reading through all these responses gives me hope that there are actual solutions, even though we shouldn't have to jump through all these hoops just to access benefits we've rightfully earned. I'm planning to try the assembly member route first since that seems to have the highest success rate for permanent fixes, then follow up with the technical complaint form and possibly Claimyr if needed. It's incredibly frustrating that a system upgrade has made things so much worse, but I'm grateful for this community sharing real strategies that actually work. Hang in there - it sounds like persistence and hitting the problem from multiple angles is the key to getting through EDD's broken verification loop!

UPDATE: I just spoke with an EDD supervisor about this issue. They confirmed there is indeed a significant backlog with Money Network cards, especially for new claims. The current estimated timeline they're giving is: - 2-3 weeks for new claims in Northern California - 3-4 weeks for new claims in Southern California - 4-5 weeks for replacement cards statewide The supervisor also mentioned that if it's been more than 4 weeks, you should request a replacement card, and they can sometimes expedite in hardship situations. They're aware of the problems and supposedly working on solutions, including potentially offering direct deposit options directly from EDD without requiring the card first, but that's still in development.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Been waiting 25 days since my claim was approved and still no card. Called Money Network yesterday using that 1-888-392-0373 number someone mentioned and they confirmed my card was mailed on March 10th, but it's now March 29th and still nothing. I'm in the LA area so maybe that's part of the Southern California delay everyone's talking about. The Money Network rep said they can't do anything until it's been 30 days from the mail date, then I can request a replacement. So frustrating because I can see my funds just sitting there in UI Online but can't access them! At least knowing it was actually mailed gives me some peace of mind that it wasn't just lost in the system somewhere. Keep checking your mail for that plain white envelope - apparently that's caught a lot of people off guard. Fingers crossed both our cards show up soon!

Did you get this resolved? I'm curious if any of the suggestions worked for you. The Money Network card system has been a disaster for so many people during my time on unemployment.

Wow, what a nightmare you're going through! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my first card never showed up and I'm on day 8 waiting for the replacement. Reading through all these comments, it sounds like the Claimyr service might be worth trying to actually get through to someone at EDD who can help. The fact that your cards were returned to Money Network is really weird - makes me wonder if there's some issue with how they're addressing the mail. At least you got some answers though! Hopefully that third card with expedited shipping actually makes it to you. Keep us posted on how it goes - there are clearly a lot of people dealing with this same mess.

UPDATE: I wanted to follow up in case anyone else runs into this problem. I used the Claimyr service mentioned above and actually got through to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes (after trying for 2 days on my own with no luck). The representative confirmed my payment was processed and requested expedited delivery for my Money Network card for a $15 fee. They said I should receive it within 3 business days. They also helped me set up direct deposit for future payments. Just wanted to share what worked for me - thanks everyone for your help!

That's awesome that you got it resolved! For anyone else dealing with this situation, I just want to add that I went through the same thing a few months ago and here are a couple additional tips: 1) You can track your Money Network card shipment once it's sent out by creating an account on the Money Network website - they'll give you a tracking number, 2) If you're really desperate for funds, some food banks and utility companies have emergency assistance programs specifically for people waiting on unemployment payments, and 3) Once you get your card, download the Money Network app immediately because it lets you check your balance instantly when payments hit (usually around 1-2 AM on payment days). The whole transition has been rough but at least the Money Network system seems more reliable than the old BofA setup once you actually get the card.

Just want to add another resource that helped me when I was dealing with EDD appeals last year - your local State Assembly member's district office can sometimes expedite things faster than you'd expect. I know Joshua mentioned they said it could take weeks, but if you emphasize that you're facing imminent eviction/hardship, they often have a direct line to EDD supervisors. Also, for anyone reading this thread in the future: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Keep a log of every call you make, every voicemail you leave, every email you send. Include dates, times, and any reference numbers. If your case gets escalated or if there are issues with your hearing, having that paper trail can be crucial. The system is definitely broken, but persistence does pay off. I ended up winning my appeal after they initially said I was "fired for cause" when I was actually laid off due to budget cuts. The ALJ saw right through their BS once I had all my documentation organized properly.

This entire thread is incredibly helpful - I'm saving it for reference! Just wanted to add that if you're dealing with appeals, make sure to also request your complete claim file from EDD (form DE 8714). Sometimes there are notes or documents in your file that contradict what they told you during the interview, and having that full record can be crucial evidence for your hearing. Also, for anyone struggling with the phone system - I've found that calling on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 8:30-9:00am tends to have slightly better success rates than other days. Mondays and Fridays are usually impossible. The fact that Joshua's hearing was scheduled but no notice was sent is unfortunately becoming more common. I work in legal aid and we're seeing this happen to clients regularly - they're clearly overwhelmed and behind on their administrative tasks. Always assume your hearing might be scheduled even if you haven't gotten official notice yet.