I tried calling EDD for three days straight for a similar issue and couldn't get through. Finally used Claimyr.com and got connected to a rep in about 20 minutes. They explained that when you change your address, their system automatically defaults to sending a debit card as a security measure. The rep was able to note in my account that I wanted direct deposit for future payments. Still had to wait for the card though.

UPDATE: I called EDD this morning (got through after 45 minutes on hold) and the representative confirmed exactly what others have said here. When you change your address, their system automatically switches you to a debit card for security purposes. They were able to switch me back to direct deposit for future payments, but I'll still need to wait for the Money Network card for my current payment. They said the card should arrive within 7-10 business days, but it could be sooner. Thanks everyone for your help!

I went through something similar last year. Use the last physical work date. And just to add - when certifying for benefits make sure he's still doing the work search requirements. Even though technically his employer hasn't officially let him go, if they're not giving him shifts, EDD will expect him to be looking for other work. He should be applying to at least 2-3 jobs per week and keeping records of all applications in case they audit him. This happened to me and I almost lost benefits because I wasn't looking for other work while waiting for my old employer to give me hours again.

also make sure when he certifies he doesnt claim any workers comp weeks! only claim the weeks after he was cleared to work. i made that mistake once and got hit with an overpayment notice it was a huge headache

wiat i think everyone is making this WAY more complicated than it is lol... they probably just need your paystubs to verify your income. thats it. they do this all the time. upload em and wait. bam problem solved

Quick update on timing expectations: With these verification requests, EDD typically takes 7-10 business days to review the documents you submit. However, during high volume periods, it can take up to 3 weeks. You can check your UI Online account daily for status changes, as they don't always send notifications when they make decisions. Make sure your paystubs clearly show your name, employer name/info, pay period dates, hours worked, and earnings. If your paystubs are from an online portal, that's perfectly fine as long as they contain all that information. Screenshots are acceptable if they're clearly legible. If you worked for multiple employers during that period, yes, submit paystubs from ALL of them. Missing documentation from even one employer could delay your claim further.

Update: We finally got through using the mobile site suggestion and completed the certification! For anyone else having this issue, try using your phone instead of computer, and do it either very early morning or late at night. Thanks everyone for your help!

This reminds me of when I was on unemployment last year during the 4th of July weekend and had the EXACT same problem! I ended up having to go to the library on Monday because my home internet was spotty and I was desperate. By the way, sometimes the site works better if you use Microsoft Edge or Firefox instead of Chrome - something about the way the EDD site is coded.

I went thru a similar card transition with my food stamps account last year and it was a total mess for weeks. Just prepare yourself mentally that there might be hiccups. I'd recommend keeping some emergency money aside if possible just in case there's a delay with your benefits during the switchover.

Here's another tip based on the last EDD card transition: take screenshots of your payment history and account balance before the switch. This gives you documentation if there are any discrepancies after the transition. I've seen cases where payment records weren't properly transferred and having your own records made resolving issues much faster.