EDD card wasn't activated and now lost - any way to recover my son's benefits?
My son got approved for unemployment back in January and they sent him an EDD Money Network debit card. Problem is, he never activated it and now he can't find the card anywhere! It's been about 3 months and we're really worried about those funds (around $3,800). Does anyone know what the process is for getting a replacement card when the original was never activated? Will his benefits still be available or do they expire? He's tried calling EDD but can't get through to anyone. This is his first time on unemployment so we're both pretty lost on what to do next.
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Sean O'Brien
Don't worry, the money doesn't disappear! The funds will still be there even if the card was never activated. Your son needs to contact Money Network directly (not EDD) to report the card lost and request a replacement. Their number is 1-866-692-9374 and they're much easier to reach than EDD. He'll need his SSN and some identity verification info. They'll cancel the old card and send a new one, which typically arrives in 7-10 business days.
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Anastasia Smirnova
•Thank you so much! That's a huge relief to hear the money is still there. I'll have him call Money Network tomorrow morning. Do you know if there's any fee for getting a replacement card?
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Zara Shah
i had same thing happen but with my wife card. we calld the # on the letter that came with card and they sent new 1. took like 2 weeks tho
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Anastasia Smirnova
•Thanks for sharing your experience! 2 weeks is a bit long but at least it's something. Did they charge you anything for the replacement?
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Luca Bianchi
The funds stay on the account for 3 years from the date they were deposited, so your son definitely still has access to his money. When he calls Money Network, he should also consider setting up direct deposit for future payments - it's much more convenient than the card system. He'll need his bank account and routing numbers ready. One important note: if he's been certifying regularly but not accessing the funds, that's fine. But if he stopped certifying because he couldn't access the money, he needs to contact EDD about that separately, as it could affect his claim.
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Anastasia Smirnova
•That's really helpful information! He has been keeping up with his certifications thankfully. The direct deposit option sounds much better - I'll make sure he has his banking info ready when he calls. 3 years is good to know too, that takes the pressure off.
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GalacticGuardian
My daughtr went thru something similar last yr!! Except she activated the card but then lost it before using it. We spent WEEKS trying to call EDD but kept getting that stupid message saying too many callers. So frustrating!!!
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Nia Harris
•That EDD phone system is a nightmare! I finally broke down and used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km But for the card issue specifically, calling Money Network directly is definitely the way to go since they handle all the card stuff, not EDD.
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Mateo Gonzalez
When your son gets his new card, tell him to IMMEDIATELY transfer the money out!! Those EDD cards are terrible - high fees, bad customer service, and they're constantly getting skimmed at ATMs. I had my unemployment benefits stolen TWICE from that card before I finally just set up direct deposit to my regular bank account. The Money Network card is seriously the worst part of the whole unemployment system.
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Anastasia Smirnova
•Oh wow, that's concerning! I had no idea about the skimming issues. I'll definitely have him set up the direct deposit right away. Thanks for the warning!
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Aisha Ali
Just to clarify something important here - your son's BENEFITS don't expire after any particular time (as long as he's been certifying properly every two weeks), but the MONEY on the card does actually have a timeframe. According to Money Network's terms, funds remain on the card for 3 years from date of deposit, not indefinitely. After that, unused funds can be subject to escheatment under California's unclaimed property laws. So while there's no immediate rush, don't let the funds sit on the new card for years either. Setting up direct deposit for future payments is definitely the way to go.
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Anastasia Smirnova
•Thanks for that clarification! That makes sense. He definitely won't be leaving the money sitting there for years - he needs it for rent and bills. I appreciate everyone's help with this!
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Zara Shah
btw they dont charge 4 first replacement but if u lose it again its like $12 or somthing
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