EDD debit card funds locked with Bank of America hold - can't access my money after 4 years

Unfortunately, B of A has been automatically putting holds on EDD debit cards that haven't been used for extended periods. This is part of their fraud prevention measures instituted after all the pandemic fraud issues. You absolutely need to speak with an EDD representative to verify your identity and have them request the hold be lifted. The good news is that your funds should still be there - there's no official 'expiration date' on unemployment benefits once they've been issued to your card.

omg same thing happened to my cousin last year! he had money from 2020 on his card and BOA froze it. took him like 2 months to get it fixed bc edd kept saying talk to the bank and BOA kept saying talk to edd 🙄

I had a similar issue but with debit card from 2022... my problem was i moved to a diff address since getting the card so BOA had my old info and they said it didn't match with what i was telling them. You might need to do ID verification again with EDD since its been so long. Does ur UI Online account still work?? You should check there first to see if theres any messages about identity verification or fraud alerts.

Here's what you need to do: 1. Check your UI Online account first for any messages or alerts about your claim 2. If there's nothing there, you DO need to speak with an EDD representative (Bank of America can't remove these holds without EDD authorization) 3. The main line (1-800-300-5616) is always busy, so your best bet is to call right when they open at 8:00 AM 4. Bring any identity documents if you go in person (driver's license, passport, birth certificate, social security card) 5. Request a replacement card at the same time (old cards often have technical issues) The funds don't expire, but after this many years, you may need to complete a new identity verification process. This is especially true since there were so many fraud issues during the pandemic.

I was stuck in a similar situation last month trying to reach EDD about a hold on my card. After days of frustration, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me through to an actual EDD agent in about 20 minutes. It's a service that navigates EDD's phone system for you and calls you back when they've got an agent on the line. They have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km It was honestly the only way I could get through. The agent I spoke with was able to verify my identity and request Bank of America remove the hold within a few days. Worth looking into if you keep getting disconnected.

The REAL issue is that EDD and Bank of America have created this impossible system where neither one wants to take responsibility! I had to fight for WEEKS last year to get a similar hold removed. EDD told me it was BofA's problem, BofA told me it was EDD's problem. Meanwhile MY MONEY was just sitting there unavailable to me. It's CRIMINAL how they treat people. The entire system is designed to make you give up so they can keep your money!!!

One thing no ones mentioned is u might have to pay taxes on that money if u haven't already. Just sumthing to think about when u get access to it again.

Wait you still have money from 2020?!? That's amazing lol I spent mine in like 5 seconds 😂

Just to update you on the most current information - as of 2025, Bank of America is no longer the EDD debit card provider. They've transitioned to Money Network, but your old B of A card should still work to access any funds that were deposited during the time they serviced EDD. This is why reaching an EDD representative is particularly important in your case - you need someone who understands how to handle these older accounts during the transition period.

have u checked if the card is expired??? most debit cards only last like 3-4 years

I went through something similar with an old EDD card from 2021. Here's what worked for me: First, try logging into your UI Online account to see if there are any messages or verification requirements. If you can't remember your login, you can reset it using your SSN. Second, for calling EDD, I had success using the 1-800-300-5616 number but calling exactly at 8:00 AM and pressing 1-2-1 when the prompts start. It took me about 15 tries over different days but I finally got through. The representative was able to see that my account had been flagged for "extended inactivity" and they lifted the hold within 3 business days. Since your card is also expired, you'll definitely need to request a replacement through EDD (not Bank of America). Don't give up - your money is still there, it's just trapped in bureaucratic limbo!