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I'm completely confused. Just received a brand new Money Network debit card in the mail yesterday from EDD, but I haven't had an active claim since March 2025 when I went back to teaching full-time. I never requested a new card (still have my old one in a drawer somewhere) and there's been absolutely no communication from EDD about this. When I log into UI Online, it still shows my claim as inactive. Called the automated line but couldn't get any info because my claim is closed. Is this some kind of error or should I be worried about identity theft? Anyone else had this happen?
Super frustrated right now. I injured my back at the construction site in February and had to file for workers' comp. Before that happened, I'd applied for regular unemployment because work was slow after the holidays (only got a few shifts in January). EDD calculated my weekly benefit at $127 due to reduced hours last year when our company had that 2-month project delay. Here's where it gets annoying - I literally NEVER collected a single unemployment payment because I started working again briefly before my injury. Since being on workers' comp (getting about $675/week), I've diligently reported this income to EDD every certification period even though I'm not receiving UI benefits. Just got a notice that EDD wants an eligibility interview next week. For what??? They haven't paid me anything! I've reported everything correctly. Is this normal procedure when someone goes from potential unemployment to workers' comp? Has anyone dealt with this bureaucratic nightmare before? I'm already stressed dealing with my medical appointments and now I have to worry about this pointless interview.
My brother in law works for EDD (don't tell him I said this lol) but he says they're required to do interviews for ANY change in status even if it seems pointless. Something about fraud prevention. Just do the interview, answer honestly, and you'll be fine.
One important thing I forgot to mention: make sure you clearly understand the difference between workers' compensation and State Disability Insurance (SDI). They're separate programs with different eligibility requirements and payment structures. Workers' comp is for work-related injuries and is administered through your employer's insurance. SDI is for non-work related disabilities and is administered by EDD. Some people can be eligible for both in certain circumstances, which might be why EDD wants to interview you - to ensure proper coordination of benefits and prevent overlapping payments. Just be clear about which program you're receiving benefits from during your interview.
I usually get my EDD payment deposited around 11:00pm on Tuesday nights, but noticed today is Presidents' Day. My rent is due tomorrow and I'm starting to stress out. Will the Money Network card still process deposits on holidays or should I expect a delay until tomorrow? Has anyone received their payment today despite the holiday? I'm on regular UI benefits, not disability.
this is why i always try to keep at least 1 weeks expenses saved even while on unemployment i kno its hard but these delays happen ALL the time with edd. theyve delayed my payments for like verification issues and holidays and "system maintenance" and all kinds of random stuff. cant trust them to be consistent
Wait I'm confused - are we talking about direct deposit or the Bank of America EDD debit cards? Because those are different systems. I think the old B of A cards sometimes processed on holidays but the new Money Network cards follow stricter banking hours. My brother has direct deposit to his credit union and I have the Money Network card and our payments always come at different times.
I'm getting really frustrated with this Money Network transition. My previous BofA card stopped working last month, and EDD supposedly sent my new Money Network card on February 5th according to the rep I finally reached. It's been almost a month now and still nothing in my mailbox! I've got bills piling up and can't access any of my unemployment funds. The customer service rep said it should take 7-10 business days, but we're WAY past that timeline now. Has anyone else experienced super long delays with their Money Network card delivery? Should I request a replacement card already or keep waiting? Beginning to wonder if it got lost in the mail or sent to an old address somehow.
When I was on unemployment last year, my sister and I both had claims and lived at the same address. Her card came a whole 2.5 weeks before mine even though we certified on the same days. The Money Network distribution seems really random. Have you tried checking your balance on the Money Network website? Sometimes you can access funds through direct deposit options before the physical card arrives.
I didn't even know I could check my balance without the card! Do you happen to know the website where I can try to set that up? Maybe I can at least transfer some money while waiting for this card situation to resolve.
Try https://www.moneynetwork.com/login and use the "First Time User" option. You'll need your claim info and SSN. I think you can set up direct deposit transfers to your personal bank after verification, but not 100% sure since the system has changed since I used it.
UPDATE: Just wanted to follow up based on some information I received today. EDD is now aware of significant delivery delays with a batch of Money Network cards processed in early February. They're working with Money Network to resolve the issue. If your card was supposedly shipped around February 5th, you're likely part of this affected group. The official recommendation now is to request a replacement card if it's been more than 20 business days since the initial mail date. The replacement cards are being expedited and should arrive within 5-7 business days.
I just checked my EDD claim status and noticed they've somehow transferred my unemployment benefits to an EBT card instead of my usual direct deposit! I never requested this change and don't even have an EBT card. My last certification was processed 5 days ago, and the payment status shows 'paid' but nothing has hit my bank account. When I called the automated system, it confirmed the payment was issued but said something about 'alternative payment method.' Has anyone experienced this? How do I fix this mess and get my $847 benefit payment to my regular bank account where it belongs? I have bills due next week and can't afford this delay!
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.
That's good to know! I've been calling all morning and keep getting the 'we're experiencing high call volume' message. I might try Claimyr if I can't get through today. Did they charge a lot for the service?
It was worth it for me since I was able to get my payment method fixed for future payments. Their site shows exactly how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km
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!
Glad you got it resolved! Just a tip: when the card arrives, make sure to activate it right away and set up your PIN. Even if you switch back to direct deposit, keep the card in a safe place - it's valid for three years and can be useful if you ever have issues with direct deposit in the future.
Isabella Costa
The automatic card replacement is standard procedure, but it's always good to verify there's no unauthorized activity on your account. Here's what you should do: 1) Check your UI Online account for any recent claim activity 2) Look at your State Tax Account for any 1099-G forms that might indicate benefits were paid 3) Check your credit report for any suspicious activity If everything looks normal, then it's just the standard card replacement process. Money Network debit cards are typically issued with a 3-year validity period, and the replacement is automatic regardless of claim status. The EDD doesn't always communicate this clearly.
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Malik Jenkins
Why would they waste money sending new cards to people who don't have active claims?? Just another example of government inefficiency. They should save those resources for people actually trying to get their benefits! I've been waiting 6 weeks for my disability claim to process and they're over here sending cards to people who don't need them.
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Javier Morales
Update: I finally got through to EDD this morning. The rep confirmed what several of you said - it's just an automatic replacement because my old card was expiring. She verified there's no new claim activity on my account. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Natasha Petrov
So glad to hear it wasn't fraud!!! The EDD really should include some kind of note explaining this with the new cards. Would save everyone a lot of stress!!!
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