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I just got approved for unemployment benefits last week and I keep hearing conflicting info about these Money Network cards. My neighbor said it took 2 weeks to get hers, but someone at the grocery store told me they're super backed up and taking over a month now! The EDD website just says 'your card will be mailed' but doesn't give any timeframe. Has anyone received one recently? How long should I expect to wait? And do I get any kind of notification when they actually ship it or does it just randomly show up? Kinda stressing because rent is due soon and I was counting on having that money...
I'm at my wits' end trying to reach EDD on the phone! For the past two weeks, I've been calling at 8:01 AM, 10:30 AM, and 2:15 PM, but EVERY SINGLE TIME I get that automated message saying they've hit their max calls for the day. So frustrating! My situation: I had to adjust my return-to-work date from April 22nd to May 5th, 2025 because my new job's start date got pushed back. I updated this in UI Online two weeks ago, but they still haven't processed my certification for that extra week and I'm missing a payment of $520. My rent is due in 5 days and I'm seriously stressing out. Has anyone found a reliable way to actually speak to a human at EDD? I've tried all the phone menu tricks I could find online (pressing 1, then 2, then 4... or whatever) but nothing works. Are there certain days/times that are better? Or is there another way to contact them besides calling? Email? Carrier pigeon?? Smoke signals??? HELP!
Update on your specific issue: For return-to-work date changes, if you're seeing "pending eligibility" on UI Online, that's actually a good sign. It means the system registered your change but needs manual approval. Once you get through to EDD (however you manage it), ask them to look specifically at your "return-to-work date extension request" and the "pending eligibility week" associated with it. Use those exact terms and they'll know exactly what screen to look at. They'll need to remove a flag in their system, and payments typically process within 24-48 hours after that flag is removed. They can also expedite it if you explain your rent situation.
Did you get through yet? Just checking in because I know how stressful this can be when rent is due soon. If you're still having trouble, there's also the option of contacting your state assembly member's office. They have EDD liaisons who can sometimes help move things along. Worth trying if you're still stuck by tomorrow.
I'm trying Claimyr this morning! If that doesn't work, I'll definitely try the assembly member route - didn't even think of that. Will update once I (hopefully) get through. Thanks for checking in, it really is stressful.
I'm seriously stressing out right now. My regular UI benefits ran out last month, and I submitted all my extension paperwork on July 2nd (EDD received it on the 3rd according to tracking). The website says to wait 10-14 business days for processing, but I literally can't wait that long. Rent is due on the 15th, and I've got a car payment that's already 5 days late. Does anyone know if calling EDD might get them to process my extension faster? Has anyone had luck with this? I know their phone lines are a nightmare, but I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. Just worried I'll waste hours on the phone for nothing...
I submitted my extension in April and it took exactly 12 business days to process. So they do sometimes hit their timeline. Make sure you're still certifying for benefits each week during the waiting period - they'll backpay those weeks once your extension is approved. The important thing is to keep certifying even if your portal shows $0 benefits available.
Thank you! I've been certifying but my portal shows $0 available and all weeks say "Not Paid" status. I was worried I was doing something wrong.
i was in your exact situation last september. called for 3 days straight and finally got through. the rep was super nice and processed my extension right then. had money on my card 2 days later. keep trying!!!
That gives me hope! I'm definitely going to try calling tomorrow morning. Did you say anything specific that seemed to help your case?
So I just got my replacement Money Network debit card in the mail after my old one expired. I had set up automatic transfers to my checking account with the previous card about 18 months ago. Now I'm wondering if I need to go through that whole process again or if the transfer settings carry over to the new card? The instructions with the card don't say anything about this. Anyone dealt with this before? I'd really rather not have to call EDD about this if I can avoid it!
just want to remind everyone its not actually EDD that handles the debit cards its money network. different phone numbers and websites to deal with card issues vs claim issues!!
UPDATE: I was able to set up my automatic transfers again. For anyone with the same issue in the future, I can confirm you DO need to set it up again with the new card. It took about 15 minutes total. The Money Network website isn't the most user-friendly but once you find the transfer section it's pretty straightforward. Thanks everyone for your help!
I'm at my breaking point with this pending claim. Filed on March 12, 2025 and it's been PENDING for 6 weeks with no movement. Called EDD literally 40+ times, always get the 'too many callers' message or disconnected. Certified correctly every two weeks but $0 payments. My rent is due next week and I'm completely out of savings. Someone at work mentioned contacting my Assembly representative might help? Has anyone done this? How do I even figure out who my Assembly rep is or what to say to them? Do they actually have power to help with EDD claims or is this just another dead end? Any experience or advice appreciated!
lol good luck assembly person in my district takes FOREVER to respond. i waited 3 weeks and nothin. ended up just having to wait it out til edd finally fixed my claim on their own. system is totally broken
UPDATE: You all were right!! My Assembly rep's office called me this morning (less than 24 hours after submitting the form) and said they'd contact EDD on my behalf. Just checked my UI Online account and all 6 weeks of pending payments switched to PAID about an hour ago! Money should hit my Money Network card in 24-48 hours according to the rep. I'm literally crying with relief right now. THANK YOU to everyone who suggested this route!!
YESSS!!! So happy for you! Exactly how mine went too - it's like magic when they finally fix it. Make sure to set aside some for taxes if you didn't select withholding!
Ava Williams
also once u get the card make sure u setup the online account on moneynetwork website so u can see ur balance and stuff. easier than calling that automated phone system thing
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Zainab Mahmoud
AuthorGood tip about the Money Network website, thanks! I hate those automated phone systems.
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Raj Gupta
Just a follow-up - if you urgently need the funds before your card arrives, you can contact Money Network customer service at 1-866-692-9374 and request expedited delivery of a replacement card. There's usually a fee for this service (around $10), but they can get it to you in 3 business days. You'd need to verify your identity with them first.
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