EDD Money Network account access before card arrives - desperate for funds

nope gotta wait for the card sorry

You technically need the card to access the funds, but there are a few things you can try: 1. Call Money Network directly at 1-866-320-8699 - yes, the wait times are terrible, but if you can get through, they can expedite a replacement card for a fee (usually around $15) 2. You can also check if you're eligible for a virtual card through the Money Network mobile app. Not everyone qualifies, but it's worth trying. Download the app and use the "virtual card" option to see if you can access your funds digitally. 3. If you set up your EDD account correctly initially, you should've had the option for direct deposit to your personal bank account instead of the Money Network card. For future payments, you might want to switch to direct deposit. Hope this helps!

I went through this EXACT SAME THING in January!!! The waiting is the WORST especially when you can see the money sitting there! Mine took 12 days to arrive and it was pure torture. The tracking info they give you is basically useless too. Call the Money Network people and BEG them to expedite it. Sometimes they will, sometimes they won't. Depends on who you get on the phone.

After having similar issues reaching EDD and Money Network, I found that Claimyr got me through to a real agent within 20 minutes - worth every penny when I was desperate to resolve my card issue. They connected me directly to EDD, who then transferred me to Money Network's priority line. Check out the demo video here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and their website at claimyr.com. Only reason I actually got my card expedited without waiting weeks.

there actually is a way but its not well known. I found out you can link your Money Network account to PayPal before the card arrives if you have your account number. call EDD (good luck lol) and ask for your Money Network account number. its different from your claim number. then add it as an external account in PayPal and transfer the money that way. worked for me when i was in your situation last month. took about 3 days for the transfer to go through tho.

I had this exact problem! The virtual card option doesn't work for everyone - it depends on when your account was created. The Money Network system was updated in late 2024 and newer accounts have more options. Here's what I learned after hours of frustration: 1. The cards are typically mailed 2-3 business days after your first payment is processed 2. Standard delivery takes 7-10 business days 3. Expedited delivery costs $15 but gets it to you in 3 business days 4. You MUST have the physical card to set up online access initially In my case, I called repeatedly until I got someone willing to help. The trick is to emphasize that you have urgent bills that cannot wait (medical, housing, etc). They do have the ability to issue emergency access in extreme cases.

This whole Money Network thing is such a scam, they make it DELIBERATELY difficult to access YOUR money so they can hold onto it longer. I went through 3 lost cards before I finally got one. Total nightmare. The whole system is designed to frustrate people so much they give up. I finally switched to direct deposit and it's so much better.

Just following up - were you able to resolve this? The most reliable method is calling Money Network directly at 1-866-320-8699 and requesting an expedited card. Yes, the wait times are frustrating, but it's really the only official way to access your funds before the standard card arrives. For everyone else reading this thread in the future: when you first file for unemployment, ALWAYS select the direct deposit option if you have a bank account. It's much faster and more reliable than the Money Network card system.

Glad to hear you got it sorted out! For anyone else dealing with this in the future, another tip is to check if your local EDD office has any walk-in hours. Sometimes they can help expedite these issues faster than the phone lines. Also, if you're really desperate and have a trusted friend or family member, you might be able to have them add you as an authorized user on their account temporarily to help with immediate expenses while you wait for your card. Just make sure to pay them back as soon as you get access to your funds!

I'm dealing with the same issue right now! Been waiting 8 days for my card and it's so stressful watching bills pile up. One thing I discovered is that you can sometimes get basic account info by calling the automated Money Network line at 1-866-692-9374 and using your SSN. It won't let you access funds, but at least you can confirm your balance and check if there are any holds on the account. Also, if you have any local credit unions, some of them offer emergency micro-loans for situations exactly like this - might be worth calling around if you need something to bridge the gap until your card arrives.

I've been through this nightmare multiple times unfortunately. Here's what I learned that might help: if you have online banking with your regular bank, try calling them to see if they can do a "hardship advance" against your pending EDD deposit. Some banks will do this if you can show proof of the pending payment. Also, local food banks and community assistance programs can help with immediate needs while you wait - don't be too proud to ask for help when you need it. The waiting game is brutal but you'll get through this. Keep calling Money Network every day until you get someone who will expedite that card!

I went through this exact same situation a few months ago and it's absolutely maddening! One thing that worked for me was downloading the Money Network mobile app and trying to create an account using just your SSN and the claim information you have. Sometimes the app will let you set up a temporary PIN even without the physical card, especially if your account was created recently. It's worth a shot! Also, if you have any family or friends who could help with immediate expenses, don't hesitate to ask - I had to swallow my pride and borrow $100 from my sister just to buy groceries while waiting. The system really fails people when they need help most. Hang in there, and definitely switch to direct deposit once you get this resolved!

I'm currently going through this exact same frustrating situation! Just wanted to add that if you're really desperate, some churches and community organizations have emergency assistance funds specifically for situations like this. I called my local 211 helpline (just dial 2-1-1) and they connected me with three different organizations that could help with utilities and groceries while I wait for my card. One even offered a small cash advance program for unemployment recipients. It's not a permanent solution, but it can definitely help bridge the gap. Also, I've found that calling Money Network right when they open (8 AM Pacific) gives you the shortest hold times. Still terrible, but better than calling midday. Hope everyone dealing with this gets their cards soon - this system is seriously broken!

I work at a local credit union and just wanted to add some insider info that might help people in this situation. Many credit unions and some banks have "emergency loan" programs that can provide small amounts (usually $200-500) within 24-48 hours if you can show proof of pending unemployment benefits. We do this specifically for situations like waiting for EDD cards. The interest is usually very low or sometimes waived entirely. Also, if you're a member of any unions, veteran organizations, or alumni associations, many of these groups have hardship funds available. Worth making some calls! And definitely echo what others said about switching to direct deposit - it eliminates all these card delivery headaches.

I'm going through this exact same situation right now and it's beyond frustrating! I've been waiting 6 days for my card and my landlord is already asking about rent. One thing I discovered that might help is contacting your utility companies directly - many have hardship programs where they'll defer payments if you can show proof of pending unemployment benefits. PG&E let me defer my electric bill for 30 days when I explained the situation. Also, if you have any apps like Venmo or Cash App, sometimes friends or family can send you small amounts to help with groceries while you wait. I know it's not ideal having to ask for help, but this whole Money Network system is clearly broken and leaves people in impossible situations. Really hope your card arrives soon - this waiting game is torture when you can literally see the money sitting there!

I'm a newcomer here but dealing with the same exact issue right now! Been waiting 9 days for my Money Network card and it's absolutely maddening seeing my benefits just sitting there while I can't access them. Reading through all these comments has been incredibly helpful though - I had no idea about so many of these options! I'm definitely going to try the virtual card option through the Money Network app that Andre mentioned, and I'm also going to call that 211 helpline Paolo suggested to see what local emergency assistance might be available. It's both frustrating and reassuring to see how many people have gone through this same nightmare. The fact that we all have to become experts in workarounds just to access our own unemployment benefits really shows how broken this system is. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and solutions - this thread is like a survival guide for Money Network card hell!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this nightmare twice in the past year. The most important thing I learned is to be persistent but strategic about when you call. I kept a log of every call - time, wait time, outcome, and representative name if I got through. Money Network's system shows your call history, so if you reference previous conversations, they're more likely to help. Also, I discovered that their "emergency card replacement" option exists but they don't advertise it - you have to specifically ask for a supervisor and use the words "financial hardship due to delayed card delivery." It's a different process than regular expedited shipping and sometimes they waive the fee. One more tip: if you're on social media, posting about the delay on Money Network's Twitter/X account sometimes gets faster responses than calling. They hate public complaints. Stay strong everyone - this system is designed to wear you down but your benefits are YOUR money and you deserve access to it!

I just went through this exact situation last month and it was absolutely horrible! The waiting is torture when you can see your money sitting there but can't access it. Here's what finally worked for me: I called Money Network at exactly 8 AM PST (as Paolo suggested) and got through in about 25 minutes instead of hours. When I got a rep, I specifically asked to speak with a supervisor about "emergency card replacement due to financial hardship" - those exact words that Paige mentioned are key! The supervisor was actually sympathetic and expedited my card for free (normally $15) because I explained I was about to be evicted. It arrived in 2 business days. Also, while waiting, I used the 211 helpline tip and got connected to a local food pantry that helped with groceries. Don't give up - be persistent with the calls and try multiple approaches. The system is broken but there are people who will help if you keep pushing. You've got this!