California Unemployment
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Does EDD transfer bank info to new Money Network debit card automatically?
I just got a notice that EDD is switching to Money Network for their debit cards in 2025. I've been receiving my benefits via direct deposit to my checking account for the last 3 months. Will my bank account information automatically transfer to the new Money Network card system, or do I need to re-enter all my bank details somewhere? I'm worried about missing payments during this transition since I'm still in the middle of my benefit year. Has anyone gone through this card transition before? I really don't want to deal with payment delays since my rent is due the first week of every month.
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Money Network card payment issues - stuck on 'pending' for 4 weeks
I certified for benefits 4 weeks straight and my payments are still showing as 'pending' in the system but nothing has hit my Money Network card. This is my first time on unemployment and I'm starting to get really worried. My rent is due next week and I was counting on these funds. The EDD website just shows the payments as pending with no explanation. Has anyone had their Money Network card actually get loaded recently? I'm wondering if there's a system-wide delay or if it's just my claim that's stuck in limbo. Any advice on how to get this resolved would be really appreciated!
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You know what's RIDICULOUS? EDD expects people to survive with NO INCOME for weeks or months while they figure out their broken system! How are we supposed to pay rent and buy food? Then they act like they're doing us a favor when they finally release OUR MONEY that we worked for and contributed to through our taxes! The whole system is designed to make claiming benefits as difficult as possible!!!
I understand your frustration, but EDD is dealing with millions of claims and limited staff. While the system isn't perfect, most payment delays are caused by specific issues that need human review. EDD isn't intentionally withholding payments - they're trying to prevent fraud while processing legitimate claims. It's frustrating when you're waiting, but there's usually a specific reason that can be resolved.
UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD! For anyone facing similar issues, I used Claimyr after seeing it recommended here, and got connected in about 30 minutes. Turns out my account had a random quarterly review flag (even though I've only been on unemployment for 6 weeks). The representative removed the flag and said my pending payments should process within 48 hours. So relieved to finally have answers! Will update again when/if the money hits my card.
That's great news! Yes, quarterly review flags can happen at somewhat random intervals and often don't require any action from you - just an EDD representative to review and remove the flag. The quarterly review process is meant to verify continued eligibility but sometimes gets applied too aggressively by their automated systems. Glad you got it resolved!
EDD eligibility question - can I get unemployment after refusing seasonal job due to family caregiving?
I'm in a tricky situation with unemployment and need some advice. I worked a seasonal job in agriculture last year that was absolutely brutal - driving 7 days a week, 10-12 hours daily. When the season ended, I was laid off as expected. Now the new season has started, but my personal situation has changed dramatically. My mother has developed severe dementia and has become a serious fall risk, so I need to help with her care. I told my former employer I can still work full-time hours (40 hrs/week), just not the insane 60-80 hour weeks they expect. An EDD rep called me unexpectedly today asking why I didn't return to the seasonal position, and I explained my caregiving situation. Did I just disqualify myself from benefits by saying I can't work those extreme overtime hours? I'm really worried because I was counting on that unemployment money to make ends meet while I look for a more sustainable job that allows me to care for my mom. Has anyone dealt with something similar?
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This whole unemployment system is SO BROKEN! They ALWAYS side with employers and don't care about real people's situations. I got denied because I couldn't work nights due to no childcare and they said I wasn't "available for work" even though I could work 40 hours during the day! Had to fight for MONTHS to get my benefits. The system is designed to deny you first and ask questions later. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING and be prepared to appeal!!
ya same experience here its like they auto-deny everyone first and make u prove ur case... so annoying
I'd also recommend keeping a detailed log of your job search activities. Note the company, position, date you applied, method of application (online, in-person), and any follow-up. This proves you're actively seeking work that fits your availability. Also, when you certify for benefits, answer the questions carefully - you ARE available for work (full-time work that accommodates your caregiving), you ARE looking for work, and you CAN accept suitable work. If you answer "no" to any of these, it can trigger an automatic disqualification.
EDD interview about wrong employer - trying to disqualify me after 3 years?
I just had the strangest interview with EDD and I'm completely panicking. They sent me a notice for an eligibility interview about an employer I've NEVER worked for. So I thought, no big deal, just a mix-up. When the interviewer called, she started grilling me about a job from 3 YEARS ago that I quit during the height of COVID! I was totally unprepared for this bait-and-switch. I told the interviewer I needed more time since I wasn't notified about which employer they'd be asking about, but she refused to reschedule and only gave me 48 hours to provide documentation. This job they're suddenly investigating was during 2020 when I quit due to severe anxiety and stress during the pandemic. I was seeing a therapist at the time and everything. I'm almost certain this issue went through appeals already years ago, but now they're asking for medical documentation from 3 years back! I'm absolutely terrified they're trying to retroactively disqualify me and demand repayment of around $14,000 in benefits from that period. Has anyone dealt with EDD suddenly reopening old claims like this? What medical documentation would I even need after all this time? My doctor from back then moved practices!
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Wait I'm confused... if you already went through appeals for this job but they're asking again, isn't that double jeopardy or something? Can they really make you prove the same thing twice?
Double jeopardy is a criminal law concept that doesn't apply to administrative determinations like unemployment. EDD can review cases if they have reason to believe there was an error or incomplete information in the original determination. That said, if the OP genuinely already appealed this specific separation and won, they should reference the previous case number and determination in their response.
UPDATE: I managed to get through to EDD this morning! The agent explained that they're doing a standard audit of claims from the pandemic period. Apparently, this employer I've never heard of got mixed up in my file somehow. She noted the error on my account and said I should still provide documentation about the job I actually quit in 2020, but she extended my deadline to 10 days instead of 48 hours. I'm still gathering my medical records, but I'm feeling much less panicked now. Thanks everyone for your advice!
That's excellent news! The 10-day extension gives you reasonable time to gather proper documentation. Make sure to get the agent's ID number or name for your records in case you need to reference this conversation later. I'd still recommend submitting a brief written statement through UI Online acknowledging the call and the extension, just to have a paper trail. Glad you got some clarity!
EDD switched to Money Network but my payment is missing - not in BofA or new card
I'm really confused about the EDD payment system right now. My previous unemployment payments always went to my Bank of America EDD debit card. I certified on Sunday like usual, but it's been 3 days and nothing has shown up in my BofA account. I heard EDD switched to Money Network cards, but I haven't received any new card in the mail yet. Could my payment be stuck in limbo between the two systems? Has anyone else dealt with this transition? I'm getting worried because rent is due next week and I was counting on this payment.
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my roomate didnt get nothin in the mail about the new card either and his payment was stuck for like 2 weeks... he finally called and they said they mailed it to his old address from like 2 years ago?? make sure u check what address they have on file!!
Oh no, that would be a disaster. I moved about 8 months ago but I did update my address on UI Online. Hopefully that transferred over to the Money Network system too. Thanks for the warning!
Update: I used the Claimyr service mentioned above and finally got through to EDD! The representative confirmed my payment is in the Money Network system, but my card was sent to my old address despite updating it in UI Online. They're expediting a new card to my current address that should arrive in 3-5 business days. The rep also told me that in the future, I can set up direct deposit through the Money Network portal once I have access, which will avoid all these card issues. Just wanted to share in case anyone else is having similar problems during this transition!
glad u got it figured out! the whole transition is a mess but at least the direct deposit option is better than before
Rita Jacobs
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.
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Manny Lark
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.
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Ben Cooper
This is good advice for dealing with ANY government system! I've had so many issues with various agencies where they lose track of something and having my own records saved me. I always take screenshots AND print out hard copies of everything now.
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