EDD Direct Deposit option changed to Money Network card - how long for delivery?

This is actually pretty common. The system sometimes defaults to the Money Network card even if you select direct deposit. In my experience, the card usually arrives within 7-10 business days after your first payment is processed. If you need it faster, you can call EDD and ask them to expedite the card delivery, though that's hit or miss if they'll actually do it.

got mine in 6 days but my cousin waited 3 weeks lol. totally random i think. you can call them to check the status but good luck getting thru

If you need to actually speak with an EDD representative about changing your payment method back to direct deposit or tracking your card, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in the exact same situation last month and couldn't get through the phone lines for days. Claimyr got me connected to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The agent I spoke with explained that even if you select direct deposit initially, the first payment often comes on the card while they verify your bank information. After that, you can call and have them switch future payments to direct deposit.

THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO ME!!!! its like they WANT to make everything take longer. my card took 8 days to arrive and then i had to activate it and set a pin and all that bs. so annoying when they could just deposit the $$ directly!!!!!

This is a very common issue with EDD's system. Here's what's happening: When you first file a claim, you do select direct deposit, but EDD still sends the first payment(s) via the Money Network card while they verify your banking information. This is actually a security measure to prevent fraud. Timeframes for receiving the card vary: - Standard delivery: 7-10 business days - Expedited delivery (if requested): 3-5 business days Once you receive the card, you have three options: 1. Use the card as-is (it works anywhere Visa is accepted) 2. Transfer funds from the card to your bank account using the Money Network mobile app 3. Call EDD to confirm your direct deposit information is on file for future payments If you need your payment urgently, call the EDD card customer service at 1-866-692-9374 (not the regular EDD line) and request expedited delivery of your card.

i remember when i got laid off back in 2023 this happened to me too so dont worry its normal. card came in like 9 days for me but my friend got hers in a week. anyway EDD always says one thing and does another lol welcome to the club

While we're waiting for your card to arrive, have you certified for benefits yet? Sometimes people focus so much on the payment method they forget to certify and then wonder why no money is being sent at all! Just a friendly reminder!

I'd like to clarify something important: The Money Network card is actually the default payment method for all new EDD claims in 2025. Even if you selected direct deposit during your application, your first payment will always come on the card. After you receive the card, you can call EDD to switch to direct deposit for future payments, but that first payment will always be card-based. This is part of EDD's fraud prevention measures. As for timing, the official timeframe is 7-10 business days from the date your first payment is processed (not from when you filed or were approved). If your payment was just processed yesterday, for example, the earliest you'd likely see the card is next Wednesday. One tip: When the card arrives, you can download the Money Network mobile app and transfer the funds directly to your bank account instead of waiting to switch to direct deposit for future payments.

One important thing to know: once your card arrives, make sure you activate it immediately and set up your online account. Even if you plan to switch to direct deposit later, you need to activate the card to access any funds that have already been issued to it. Many people make the mistake of ignoring the card if they want direct deposit, but then they can't access their initial payment(s). Also, check your mail carefully every day. The card comes in a plain white envelope that can look like junk mail. Many people accidentally throw it away and then have to request a replacement, which takes even longer.