EDD debit card confusion - who sends the new Money Network card?
I got a notice that my UI benefits were approved last week, but I'm confused about the debit card situation. Does the actual card come directly from EDD or from some other company? I've been checking my mailbox every day and nothing yet. The approval letter didn't mention anything about how long it takes for the card to arrive or what envelope to look for. Anyone know what return address I should be watching for? I don't want to accidentally throw it away thinking it's junk mail.
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Malik Johnson
The EDD debit card doesn't come from EDD directly. It comes from Money Network, which is the financial institution that handles the cards. The envelope is pretty plain - usually white with a return address from Money Network in South Dakota. It doesn't scream "important government mail" so definitely keep an eye out for it. First-time cards usually take 7-10 business days to arrive after your first payment is approved.
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QuantumLeap
•Thank you! That's exactly what I needed to know. I'll watch for something from Money Network then. Really appreciate the quick response.
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Isabella Santos
my card came in a white envelope looked like junk mail almost threw it away!!! the return address was money network from south dakota. took about 9 days after my first payment was approved
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QuantumLeap
•Oh wow, good to know! I'll definitely be more careful checking my mail. Did they send any kind of email notification that it was on the way?
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Isabella Santos
•nope no email just showed up in the mail. good luck!
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Ravi Sharma
I had this same issue last month and was so confused. The card comes from Money Network (not EDD) and the envelope is VERY plain - white with minimal markings. It took 12 days for mine to arrive after my first payment showed as paid on the EDD website. What's more annoying is that you can't call Money Network about your card until you actually have the card in hand because they need the card number to verify your identity. So you're just stuck waiting with no way to check status. If you don't receive it within 10 business days after your first payment shows as "paid" on UI Online, you should call EDD to check if it was returned as undeliverable or if there's some other issue.
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Freya Larsen
•there SO sneaky with this!! mind arrived after 8 days but my neighbor got his in 5 days. no ryme or reason to it
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Ravi Sharma
•Yeah, the timing seems totally random! I've heard some people got theirs in 4-5 days while others waited over 2 weeks. The lack of tracking is super frustrating.
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Omar Hassan
If you're having trouble getting through to EDD to check on your card status, I've found Claimyr to be really helpful for connecting with an actual EDD representative. I was waiting for 3 weeks for my card (turns out they had a wrong address) and couldn't get through on the phone. Used claimyr.com and got connected to a real person who fixed my issue. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Just another option if you get stuck waiting too long. Though it sounds like you're still within the normal timeframe.
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QuantumLeap
•Thanks for the suggestion! I'll give it a few more days, but if I don't see anything by next week, I might need to try that service. It's stressful not knowing where things stand.
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Chloe Taylor
IMPORTANT: DO NOT activate your card using the automated system when it arrives!! When I did that, it somehow got my identity mixed up and froze my account. Instead, call the Money Network number but wait to speak to a LIVE PERSON to activate it. Trust me, it's worth the extra time on hold.
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ShadowHunter
•That's weird - I used the automated system to activate mine and had no issues at all. Maybe they fixed whatever glitch you experienced?
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Chloe Taylor
•Maybe... but why risk it? Took me 3 weeks to get my account unfrozen. Just not worth it IMO. Better safe than sorry!
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Freya Larsen
does anyone know how to TRANSFER money from the card to my bank account?? had my card for a week but dont wanna use the actual card
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Malik Johnson
•Yes, once you activate your card, you can set up a bank transfer through the Money Network mobile app or website. You'll need to link your bank account (they'll verify it with small test deposits). Then you can transfer funds directly to your account instead of using the card. Just be aware transfers typically take 2-3 business days to complete.
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Ravi Sharma
UPDATE: The Money Network cards now come in a yellowish-beige envelope as of 2025, not plain white anymore. My friend just got his replacement card last week. They changed it to make it more recognizable according to the insert that came with his card. Just FYI for anyone still waiting!
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QuantumLeap
•Oh that's good to know! Thanks for the update. I'll be on the lookout for either color envelope then. Has anyone received theirs in the new color yet?
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Mateo Martinez
Just wanted to add that if you're worried about missing it, you can sign up for USPS Informed Delivery (it's free) to get email previews of your mail each day. That way you'll see a scan of the Money Network envelope before it arrives and won't accidentally toss it. I've been using it since I started my claim and it's been super helpful for tracking any EDD-related mail.
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