EDD debit card arrival time after first payment shows 'Paid' status?
I just got my first unemployment payment to show 'Paid' in the UI Online portal yesterday! Super relieved but also getting anxious because I haven't received the Money Network debit card yet. My rent is due next week and I'm cutting it really close. Does anyone know how long it usually takes for the card to arrive after your claim status changes to 'Paid'? Is there a way to track the card or expedite shipping? I'm in the San Bernardino area if that makes any difference for mail delivery times.
19 comments

NeonNinja
it takes about 7-10 business days from when ur payment first shows paid. they dont tell u this anywhere clearly on the website which is annoying af. i got mine in 8 days back in january
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Diego Vargas
AuthorThanks for the info! Ugh, 7-10 business days is cutting it super close for me. Do you know if there's any way to check if it's been mailed yet?
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Anastasia Popov
The EDD uses Bank of America to issue their debit cards through Money Network, and it typically takes 7-10 business days from when your payment first shows as 'Paid' in the system. You can call Money Network directly at 1-866-692-9374 to check on the status of your card or request expedited delivery (though they may charge a fee). Also, once you've received your card, I recommend setting up direct deposit to your personal bank account for faster access to future payments. You can do this through your UI Online account under 'Payment Methods.
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Diego Vargas
AuthorThis is super helpful, thank you! I'll call that number tomorrow morning. And yes, I definitely plan to set up direct deposit as soon as I get the card!
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Sean Murphy
When I was waiting for my card, I found that you can actually check if money is on the card before it arrives by creating a Money Network account online. Go to their website, register with your info (SSN, DOB, etc.), and you can see if your payment has been loaded. This won't make the card arrive any faster, but at least you'll know your money is there. If you really need funds immediately, you might want to try contacting an EDD representative to see if they can help expedite your card. I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual human at EDD when I couldn't get past the busy signals. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. The rep I spoke with was able to note my account for urgent card delivery.
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Zara Khan
I tried creating a Money Network account before my card arrived and it wouldn't let me - said I needed info from the physical card first. Did they change the system? This was back in November though, maybe its different now.
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Luca Ferrari
mine took 12 days and i was FREAKING OUT!!! called everyday and they kept saying "its in the mail" 🙄 but when it finally came i set up direct deposit immediately. hate that stupid card.
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Diego Vargas
AuthorOh no, 12 days would definitely put me past my rent due date 😬 Did calling them actually help at all or just give you the runaround?
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Nia Davis
The EDD system is DELIBERATELY slow with these cards! They make interest on YOUR money while you wait. I had to wait 14 DAYS for my card while they told me "7-10 business days" EVERY SINGLE TIME I called. Then when it finally arrived, the activation system was down for maintenance!!! It's all by design to make you suffer and make them money. Welcome to the broken system!!!
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Anastasia Popov
While the wait is frustrating, I don't think there's evidence that EDD deliberately delays cards. The timeline is largely dependent on Bank of America/Money Network's processing and USPS delivery times. The 7-10 business day estimate is standard across most financial institutions for new card issuance.
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Mateo Martinez
Just a heads up based on my experience - when my card finally arrived, I had trouble activating it because I entered my ZIP code wrong (I had moved recently). If that happens to you, make sure the address they have on file matches exactly what you put in UI Online. Took me an extra day of stress to figure that out!
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Diego Vargas
AuthorThat's good to know! I haven't moved recently but I'll double-check my address in the system to make sure everything matches exactly.
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NeonNinja
u can also go to any B of A branch with ur id once the moneys on ur account and they can give u cash. did that once when i was desperate before my card came
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Zara Khan
This is NOT true anymore! B of A no longer handles EDD cards as of 2022, it's all Money Network now. They switched the whole system and B of A branches can't help with EDD cards at all now. I found out the hard way.
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Sean Murphy
Just wanted to follow up - once you do get your card, remember to create your Money Network account right away. You can set up alerts for deposits, check your balance, and set up direct deposit to your personal bank. This will make future payments much faster than waiting for the debit card transactions.
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Diego Vargas
AuthorWill do, thanks! I've already got my bank info ready to set up direct deposit as soon as I get access.
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Luca Ferrari
did u ever get the card??? im in the same boat now and freaking out about bills
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Diego Vargas
AuthorYes! It finally arrived yesterday - took exactly 8 business days. Activated it right away and already set up direct deposit for future payments. Hang in there!
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Zainab Abdulrahman
For anyone still waiting on their card, I found that calling Money Network at 1-866-692-9374 around 8 AM when they first open gets you through faster than calling later in the day. The rep was able to confirm my card had been mailed and gave me a general timeframe. Also, if you're really desperate for cash before the card arrives, some credit unions will do emergency loans against pending unemployment benefits - worth checking with your local CU if you're a member!
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