The UI Online portal is pretty much useless for tracking identity theft cases. I check mine religiously and it never shows any updates - it just keeps showing the fraudulent claim sitting there, which is super frustrating to see every time I log in. Phone calls are really the only way to get actual status updates, but even then you have to get the right department. Regular customer service reps can only see basic info, but the fraud investigators have access to the real case notes. When you call, specifically ask to be transferred to the "identity theft investigation unit" or "fraud department" - don't just accept talking to whoever picks up first. Document every call with date, time, rep name, and what they told you. It's a pain but it's the only way to stay on top of your case.

I'm going through this nightmare right now too! Reading everyone's experiences here has been both helpful and terrifying. I filed my identity theft report with EDD three weeks ago and I'm already losing my mind with the waiting. One thing I wanted to add that I haven't seen mentioned - if you have an existing EDD account from legitimate past claims, make sure to change your password immediately and enable two-factor authentication if available. The scammer who used my info somehow got into my old account and I didn't realize it until I logged in to check the status of my fraud report. Also, for anyone dealing with this - I found it helpful to create a dedicated email folder and document everything chronologically. I have screenshots of every page, confirmation numbers from every call, and I even started recording the hold music times to track when I'm most likely to get through (seems like Tuesday mornings around 8:15 AM have been best for me). This whole situation has made me paranoid about checking my credit report daily. Has anyone else found other accounts or suspicious activity after discovering the EDD fraud? I'm worried this might just be the tip of the iceberg.

One more thing - when your Money Network card arrives, make sure to activate it immediately AND set up your PIN. I've seen many people delay activation and then face problems when they need to use the card. Also, keep the letter it comes with since it has your account info you'll need for setting up direct deposit later.

Just went through this same situation a few weeks ago! Your old BofA card is definitely dead - EDD completely switched over to Money Network in 2022. The good news is they should automatically mail you the new Money Network card within 5-7 business days after your first payment shows as "paid" (which yours already does). One thing I wish someone had told me - you can actually track your card shipment! Once Money Network processes your card request, they'll send you a text with tracking info if you have your phone number on file with EDD. Also, pro tip: as soon as you get the card, activate it AND immediately set up direct deposit through UI Online. It'll save you so much hassle for future payments. The direct deposit usually kicks in for your next certification cycle, so you won't have to deal with waiting for cards again. Hang in there - I know waiting for that first payment is stressful, especially when you've got rent due!

I just went through the Money Network card activation process last week and it was pretty straightforward! I called the number on the back of the card and they asked for my last 4 SSN digits, full birthdate, and the card number/expiration date. Then I created a 4-digit PIN right on the call. The whole thing took about 3 minutes. One thing I didn't see mentioned yet - they also asked me to verify the zip code associated with my EDD account, so make sure you know what address you have on file with them. The automated system was pretty clear and easy to follow. I was able to use my card at an ATM the same day to check my balance and everything worked perfectly. Definitely stick with calling rather than using the website - I tried the online activation first and it kept timing out like others mentioned. The phone method is much more reliable!

I just activated my Money Network card yesterday and wanted to share my experience since I was in the same boat as you - super nervous about the whole process! I called the number on the back of the card and it was actually really straightforward. They asked for my last 4 SSN digits, full birthdate (MM/DD/YYYY format), the card number and expiration date, and like Diego mentioned, they also asked for the zip code on my EDD account. The whole call took maybe 4-5 minutes and I was able to create my PIN during the same call. No email or text verification codes were needed. I tested it at an ATM about an hour later and it worked perfectly! Definitely go with the phone activation - I heard too many horror stories about the website being glitchy. Good luck with yours!

I'm really sorry this happened to you Maria - the waiting week policy is one of the most frustrating and poorly communicated aspects of the entire EDD system. You're absolutely right to feel blindsided by this! Unfortunately, as others have confirmed, you won't get paid for that first week at any point - it's essentially a permanent deductible. What makes this especially maddening is that EDD could easily add a prominent warning during the application process, but instead people discover it when they're already counting on that money for basic expenses like rent. It's almost like they deliberately hide this information because they know how upset people would be if they knew upfront. For your immediate rent situation, definitely reach out to your landlord today and explain what happened - most are understanding when you're proactive and can show proof of your unemployment claim. Also look into emergency rental assistance through your county's website - many programs can help bridge this exact gap. One small silver lining: once you get past this initial shock, your payments should come regularly every two weeks. Keep all your certification documentation organized and hang in there - this system is broken but you'll make it through!

I'm so frustrated reading through all these experiences because this exact same thing just happened to me! Filed my claim three weeks ago, finally got through the certification process, and was shocked to see only one week's payment when I was expecting two. Like everyone else here, I had no idea about this "waiting week" policy until I saw the missing money. What really gets me angry is that EDD makes this seem like some kind of secret. There's no clear warning during the application process - you have to dig through dense policy documents or discover it the hard way like we all did. When you're already stressed about losing your job and trying to figure out how to pay bills, finding out you're missing an entire week's payment feels like a punch to the gut. The worst part is they still make you certify for that week - answer all the questions, prove you're actively job searching, meet every single requirement - but then give you absolutely nothing for it. It's like working for free when you're already in financial crisis. Thank you to everyone who shared resources about emergency rental assistance and the 2-1-1 hotline. I had no idea these programs existed, and it's honestly ridiculous that we have to learn about them through community forums instead of EDD providing this crucial information when they know people will be blindsided by the waiting week policy. This whole system needs a major overhaul in how they communicate with people who are already vulnerable!

This thread has been absolutely incredible! I was laid off from my retail job 4 weeks ago and have been terrified to pursue the pharmacy technician program I've been wanting to take. Reading through everyone's detailed experiences has completely changed my perspective on what's possible while on UI. @helpful_guidance @skilled_worker @Fatima Al-Farsi - thank you so much for breaking down the CTB program and DE 1906 form requirements! I had absolutely no clue EDD had specific programs to support people upgrading their skills during unemployment. Your practical tips about documentation and being specific with work hours are invaluable. @Miguel Ramos - congratulations on getting hired before finishing your program! Your success story really shows how employers value proactive skill development. The green energy field is so hot right now. @Carmen Ruiz @Hannah Flores @Aisha Khan - seeing so many recent success stories across different fields gives me real confidence. The pattern is so clear - transparency and proper documentation lead to positive outcomes. My pharmacy tech program would be Tuesday/Thursday evenings (6-9pm) plus Saturday mornings, leaving me completely available Monday/Wednesday/Friday during business hours. After reading all this advice, I'm definitely going to report it honestly on my certification and apply for CTB. The healthcare field is recession-proof and pharmacy techs are in high demand, especially with an aging population. Using this unemployment period to get certified feels like the smartest investment in my future. Thanks to everyone who shared - this community has given me the confidence to move forward with both training and properly managing my benefits!

This thread has been such a lifesaver! I got laid off from my accounting job 2 weeks ago and have been considering a cybersecurity bootcamp, but I was absolutely terrified about how it would affect my UI benefits. Reading through everyone's detailed experiences here has given me so much hope and clarity. @helpful_guidance @skilled_worker @Fatima Al-Farsi - the breakdown of the CTB program and DE 1906 form is exactly what I needed! I had no idea EDD actually had programs specifically designed to support people getting training while unemployed. Your tips about being very specific with availability hours and keeping organized documentation are incredibly helpful. @Miguel Ramos @Carmen Ruiz @Justin Chang - seeing all these recent success stories across different industries is so encouraging! The fact that employers actually view proactive training during unemployment as a positive thing rather than something to hide is eye-opening. My cybersecurity bootcamp would be evenings Monday-Thursday (6-10pm) and is completely online, so I'd be fully available for work during all normal business hours. The field is growing so rapidly and the job security is amazing. After reading everyone's advice, I'm definitely going to be completely transparent on my next certification and look into applying for CTB. Thanks to this entire community for sharing such practical, detailed guidance. You've transformed my understanding of what's possible while on unemployment and given me the confidence to invest in my future while properly managing my benefits!