EDD check returned to sender because name wasn't on my new mailbox - urgent help needed
I just moved to a new apartment last month and totally forgot to update my mailbox with my full name - just put my first initial. Apparently, the EDD unemployment check for $1,240 got sent back to them because of this! I'm freaking out because rent is due in 5 days and I was counting on that money. I've been calling the EDD customer service line for 3 days straight (8am-noon) but keep getting the 'we're experiencing high call volume' message and then it hangs up. Has anyone dealt with this returned check situation before? What's the fastest way to either get them to reissue the check or switch to direct deposit at this point? Any special number I should be calling? This is my 4th payment since I got laid off from my restaurant manager position, and the first 3 came without any issues.
26 comments


Demi Lagos
same thing happened to me last year ugh! you need to call the SPECIFIC payment trace number, not the regular customer service line. its buried on the EDD website but thats ur best bet. also just switch to direct deposit ASAP, the check system is a nightmare especially if u move
0 coins
Saanvi Krishnaswami
•Thanks! Do you remember what that payment trace number is? I can't find it anywhere on the website. And yeah, I'm definitely switching to direct deposit after this mess.
0 coins
Mason Lopez
You'll need to contact EDD to request a payment trace and have them reissue the check. This is specifically handled by their Claims Processing department. The standard approach is: 1. Call the Customer Service line at 1-800-300-5616 (I know you've tried this) 2. Use the online messaging system through your UI Online account - send a message explaining the returned check situation 3. Visit an EDD office in person if possible Most importantly, make sure you update your mailing address in your UI Online account immediately. For direct deposit, you'll need to set up the account through the UI Online portal under 'Payment Methods'.
0 coins
Saanvi Krishnaswami
•Thanks for the detailed info! I updated my address online already and tried sending a message through the portal yesterday. Just worried about how long it'll take. Have you heard anything about typical timeframes for reissued checks?
0 coins
Vera Visnjic
ppl on this forum always suggest calling like it's EASY 🙄 i spent TWO WEEKS trying to get thru EDD phone lines about my returned check. ended up having to physically go to the edd office and wait 4 hours but at least they fixed it that day. bring ID and any proof u have of the check not being received!
0 coins
Mason Lopez
•You're right that calling can be extremely difficult. Going in person is often faster if you can make it to an office. Just make sure to check their hours and bring all documentation related to your claim.
0 coins
Jake Sinclair
If you keep hitting dead ends with the regular EDD number, try Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to an actual EDD representative. I was in a similar situation with a returned payment and was going crazy trying to get through. Used their service and got connected to EDD in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Once you get through, make sure to: 1) verify your current address is correct, 2) ask them to reissue the payment, and 3) set up direct deposit for future payments to avoid this happening again.
0 coins
Saanvi Krishnaswami
•This sounds promising! I'm willing to try anything at this point. Did you have to wait long for the reissued payment after you finally got through to someone?
0 coins
Jake Sinclair
To answer your question about timeframes - when my check needed to be reissued, it took about 7-10 business days after I spoke with an EDD representative. They'll typically void the returned check in their system and issue a new one once they've confirmed your current address. If you're able to set up direct deposit during the same call, they might be able to send the reissued payment that way instead, which could be faster.
0 coins
Brielle Johnson
•is that 7-10 days from when u talk to them or from when the original check was sent back?? i'm in the same boat rn and need to know if i should borrow money from my parents this month 😩
0 coins
Honorah King
Make shure you chagne your address on EVERYTHING with EDD right away!!! I had a returned check last yr and they re-sent it but then TWO MORE checks got returned after that becuase they only updated the address in one part of there system not all of it. Had to call 38 TIMES to finally get someone who understood the problem lol. Such a mess.
0 coins
Saanvi Krishnaswami
•Wow, that's concerning. I'll definitely double-check that everything is updated correctly. Did you have to do anything special to make sure all parts of the system had your new address?
0 coins
Oliver Brown
I've been working with EDD claims for years and here's what you need to know: When a check is returned to EDD, it goes into their 'returned payment' processing system, which is separate from regular payment processing. The standard timeframe for reissuing is 7-10 business days AFTER they process the return, which can take 3-5 days itself. Your fastest options are: 1. Contact an EDD representative directly to flag the return for expedited processing 2. Request that the reissued payment be processed as direct deposit if you set up that option 3. Visit an in-person office if you're in a major city Don't bother with the general inquiry message system for time-sensitive payment issues - it can take 7-10 days just to get a response.
0 coins
Saanvi Krishnaswami
•Thank you for this detailed explanation! I'm planning to set up direct deposit today when I get home from work. Do you know if I should wait until I talk to a representative before setting up direct deposit, or should I do it now in my UI Online account?
0 coins
Jake Sinclair
In response to your last question - definitely set up direct deposit in your UI Online account RIGHT NOW, don't wait. That way when you finally reach a representative, they'll already see the direct deposit info in your account and can process the reissued payment that way. Just make sure all your banking details are 100% accurate.
0 coins
Saanvi Krishnaswami
•Just set up direct deposit! Fingers crossed it helps speed things up when I finally get through to someone. Thanks again for all the advice.
0 coins
Honorah King
After I used Claimyr to get thru to an EDD rep, I had my check reissued in like 5 days! Way faster than I expected. Worth looking into if ur desperate like I was.
0 coins
Vera Visnjic
•did the same after i saw it mentioned here. kinda weird paying to get through to a government agency but tbh after trying for 3 days and getting nowhere it was worth it
0 coins
Saanvi Krishnaswami
UPDATE: I finally got through to EDD! For anyone with similar issues, here's what worked: I used Claimyr to connect with an agent this morning around 9am. Got through in about 25 minutes. The rep confirmed my check was returned to them on the 12th. They verified my new address and are reissuing the payment via direct deposit since I already set that up! Should have the money in 3-5 business days. The rep also recommended calling this specific unit for returned payment issues in the future: 1-866-401-2849, but said you still have to go through the main line first. Thanks everyone for your help!
0 coins
Clarissa Flair
That's awesome you got it resolved! Thanks for sharing the update and that specific phone number (1-866-401-2849) - I'm sure that'll help other people in similar situations. It's frustrating that we have to use third-party services like Claimyr to reach our own government agencies, but glad it worked out for you. Hope you get that direct deposit soon!
0 coins
Yara Sayegh
•So glad to hear you got it sorted out! That's such a relief, especially with rent coming up. Really appreciate you sharing that direct number too - I'm bookmarking this whole thread in case I ever run into similar issues. The fact that you got direct deposit set up means you shouldn't have to deal with this returned check headache again. Thanks for keeping us updated!
0 coins
Ella rollingthunder87
Congratulations on getting it resolved! This is such a helpful thread - I'm saving it for future reference. The timeline you shared is really useful too (returned on the 12th, resolved today with 3-5 days for direct deposit). It's ridiculous that we need third-party services to reach EDD, but at least there are solutions out there. Hope your direct deposit comes through quickly and you can make rent without stress!
0 coins
Lucas Adams
•This is such a great outcome! I'm new to this community but dealing with a similar issue right now - my EDD check got returned because I moved and didn't update my address fast enough. Reading through this whole thread has been incredibly helpful, especially seeing the actual timeline and steps that worked for you @862228b31263. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service and get my direct deposit set up ASAP. Thanks for sharing all the details and that phone number - this thread should be pinned for anyone dealing with returned payments!
0 coins
Giovanni Marino
Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been through this exact situation twice! The first time I panicked and didn't know what to do, but the second time I followed similar steps to what @862228b31263 shared and it went much smoother. A few additional tips from my experience: 1) When you call that direct number (1-866-401-2849), have your claim number and the exact date the check was issued ready - they'll ask for it immediately, 2) If you're setting up direct deposit, double and triple check your routing and account numbers because even one wrong digit will cause more delays, and 3) Keep calling notes with dates/times/rep names in case you need to follow up. The whole system is frustrating but there are definitely ways to navigate it if you're persistent. Glad this thread exists to help people through these situations!
0 coins
Michael Adams
•This is such valuable advice, especially about having your claim number and check issue date ready! I'm bookmarking this entire thread because it's like a step-by-step guide for anyone dealing with returned EDD payments. The tip about keeping detailed call notes is brilliant too - I've learned the hard way that government agencies sometimes don't have great record-keeping between different reps. Thanks for adding these practical details @e931813d5fef and congrats again @862228b31263 on getting your situation resolved! This community is amazing for sharing real solutions to these bureaucratic nightmares.
0 coins
Anastasia Smirnova
This entire thread is gold! I'm dealing with a returned check situation right now and was about to lose my mind trying to get through to EDD. Seeing @862228b31263's success story and all the practical advice from everyone gives me hope. I'm definitely going to try the Claimyr service and that direct number (1-866-401-2849). Quick question - for those who've used Claimyr, how much does it typically cost? I'm already stressed about money so want to know what I'm looking at. Also planning to set up direct deposit immediately like everyone suggested. Thanks for sharing all these real-world solutions!
0 coins