California Unemployment
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EDD Money Network card activation - does old BofA balance transfer automatically?
Hey everyone, I'm super confused about this whole transition from Bank of America to Money Network for EDD payments. I just received my new Money Network card in the mail yesterday (finally!!), but I still have about $2,800 on my old BofA EDD card from my last certification. When I activated the Money Network card, there was nothing mentioned about transferring my existing balance. Does anyone know if the system automatically moves my remaining funds over to the new card once it's activated? Or do I need to do something to transfer it myself? I'm certifying again this Sunday and I'm worried about where that money will go - will it still deposit to my old BofA card or go to the new Money Network one? Help please!!
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UPDATE: Thanks everyone for the help! My certification from Sunday just processed and the payment DID go straight to my Money Network card automatically. Now I'm working on transferring the remaining balance from my BofA card to my checking account. The whole transition was definitely confusing but at least it's working now!
Glad it worked out! If you haven't already, make sure to download the Money Network mobile app - it makes managing the card much easier than the website.
Great to hear it all worked out for you! This thread is going to be so helpful for other people going through the same transition. I'm still waiting for my Money Network card to arrive - EDD said it could take up to 10 business days. Did you have to do anything special to activate it or was it pretty straightforward? Also, how long did the bank transfer take from your BofA card to your checking account? I want to have everything ready to go when my card finally shows up!
Best phone number to reach actual SDI representative + menu prompts
I've been trying for DAYS to speak with someone about my State Disability Insurance claim. My doctor submitted everything correctly but my payment is delayed and online account just shows 'pending review' with no explanation. I can't afford to wait much longer. Does anyone know the direct number to reach an actual human at SDI (not the general EDD line)? And if you've successfully gotten through, what menu options did you select? I've tried calling the main SDI number at 8am when they open but keep getting sent to voicemail after 45 minutes on hold.
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Update: I FINALLY got through this morning! For anyone else struggling, here's what worked: Called at 8:17am (after the 8am rush), used the prompt sequence 1-1-7-1-7 as suggested, and got connected to a real person after about 30 mins on hold. Turns out my employer hadn't responded to EDD's wage verification request, which was holding up my claim. The rep put a note on my file and is expediting the process. They said payment should process within 5-7 days. Thanks everyone for your help!
Great news! Thanks for reporting back with what worked. This will help others in the same situation.
Congrats on finally getting through! This is such a helpful update. It's crazy that employer wage verification delays are so common but they don't tell you that's what's holding things up. I'm dealing with a similar "pending review" status right now and this gives me hope. Going to try calling tomorrow morning around 8:15-8:20 using those same prompts. Did the rep give you any way to follow up if it takes longer than the 5-7 days they quoted?
First-time EDD claim filed - can I limit job search to my specialty career or must I apply to ANY job?
After 24 years working as a mechanical systems analyst for the same aerospace company, I was laid off last week due to department restructuring. Filed my first-ever unemployment claim yesterday and feeling completely lost about what happens next. My biggest concern is the job search requirements - do I have to apply for literally ANY job out there or can I focus my search on positions in my specialized field? I have very specific expertise in analyzing thermal regulation systems that's not easily transferable to other industries. Really don't want to mess up my claim by misunderstanding the work search requirements. Also, should I expect a phone interview? The confirmation page mentioned something about possibly being contacted, but wasn't clear about timeframes.
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As someone who works in HR, I can tell you that EDD generally allows claimants with specialized skills to focus their job search within their field, especially during the early months of unemployment. They understand that career professionals can't immediately pivot to entirely different industries. However, here's what many people don't realize: while you're searching for jobs in your specialty, you should still document your efforts to be somewhat flexible. For example, note that you're considering related positions that might use your transferable skills, or slightly lower-level positions within your industry. This demonstrates good faith effort while still honoring your expertise. Also, be prepared for the first certification to be delayed. It's extremely common for first-time claimants, especially those with long-term previous employment, to have their first payment held pending review. Don't panic if this happens - it's standard procedure.
Wish I'd known about that first payment delay! I freaked out and called EDD like 50 times when mine was "pending" for 3 weeks. Nobody mentioned it was normal procedure 🙄
Welcome to the EDD journey! As someone who went through this process about 18 months ago after a similar long-term employment situation, I can relate to feeling overwhelmed. The good news is that with your specialized background and long work history, EDD will likely be reasonable about your job search requirements. A few additional tips from my experience: - Download the EDD mobile app once you get your UI Online account set up - makes certifying much easier - Consider reaching out to aerospace industry recruiters early on, even if you're not ready to interview yet. They often have insights about market conditions and can keep you in mind for future openings - LinkedIn Premium might be worth the cost during your job search - the InMail credits and expanded search features can be valuable for someone in a specialized field Also, don't underestimate the emotional side of this transition. After 24 years with one company, job searching feels completely foreign. Be patient with yourself as you learn the process. The community here is really supportive, so don't hesitate to ask questions as they come up!
EDD payment suddenly stuck on pending after 4 months of normal payments - anyone else?
I've been on UI benefits since January (about 4 months now) and everything has been going smoothly until yesterday. I certified on Sunday as usual, but my payment is still showing 'PENDING' today! Normally the money hits my account by Monday morning like clockwork. I still have over $6,500 in my claim balance, nothing has changed with my situation, and I answered all questions the same way I always do. My heart is racing because I have rent due next week and was counting on this payment. Has anyone else experienced their payment suddenly getting stuck on pending after months of no issues? Is EDD doing some kind of random review? Should I call them or just wait a bit longer? This is seriously stressing me out.
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UPDATE: My payment status just changed from pending to paid about an hour ago! It's not in my account yet but at least it's moving forward. Thanks everyone for your help and sharing your experiences - it really helped keep me from panicking too much!
lucky!! mine is still pending :( guess ill try calling tomorrow
Don't lose hope! Since @Noland Curtis just got his cleared, yours might be in the same batch and could update soon too. But yeah, if it s'still pending by tomorrow morning definitely give them a call. The fact that his moved is a good sign that they re'processing the backlog.
Tom Maxon
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
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Andre Dupont
I'm going through something very similar! Applied for about 6 weeks ago and only received the notice of computation. My claim also shows as "active" but no yet. After reading everyone's comments here, it sounds like the new requirements are causing major delays. I'm going to try calling using one of the services mentioned here since I haven't been able to get through on my own. Has anyone had luck getting their released after completing the identity process? Really hoping this gets resolved soon as I'm also on a time-sensitive leave situation.
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