EDD direct deposit setup failing with verification error after Money Network fraud - can't switch payment methods

I had almost the exact same situation last year. In my case, the problem was that EDD had placed a temporary block on changing payment methods after the fraud report. You need to specifically request they lift the "payment method change restriction" on your account. When I called, the first rep had no idea what I was talking about, but when I called back and got someone in the claims department, they knew exactly what to do. The restriction is actually meant to protect you but they don't explain it well.

early warning is THE WORST!!!! i had same problem trying to swithc pay method and it took like 6 weeks to fix. EDD kept saying contact early warning, early warning kept saying contact EDD. nobody actually helps!!!!

I work at a bank and deal with this more often than you'd think. Here's what's happening: After fraud is reported on a government benefits card, many systems automatically flag your account in ChexSystems and Early Warning Services (which is what EDD uses for verification). This creates a temporary situation where new account linking requests are rejected as a security measure. You need to take two specific steps: 1. Call EDD and specifically request a "manual verification override" for your direct deposit setup. They need to notate your account that you've been verified. 2. Contact Early Warning Services directly at 800-325-7775 and request a "verification status reset" for your ChexSystems profile. Mention the resolved Money Network fraud case and provide the case number. This two-step process typically resolves the issue within 2-3 business days. The system just needs confirmation from both sides that you're legitimate.

my cousin had fraud on her edd card too but she just gave up and kept getting paper checks lol

I literally JUST went through this exact problem last month! After trying everything and getting nowhere with EDD's regular number, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to actually get through to a real EDD specialist. They have this system that connects you directly to an EDD rep instead of dealing with the busy signals and disconnects. The rep was able to see that my account had a "fraud investigation payment method lock" that needed to be manually removed before any banking changes could go through. After that it worked immediately. Check out their demo video if you're curious how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Seriously saved me hours of frustration trying to get through EDD's regular line.

I had a similar issue but mine wuz cuz I entered my routing # wrong one time and then EDD's system flagged my account for 30 days for "suspicious banking activity" even tho it was just a typo!!! Make sure ur entering everything 100% right cuz one mistake can trigger their system. Also, I noticed u can only try to add a bank account 3 times in a 24hr period before it locks u out temporarily.

You mentioned you're getting paper checks now - that means they've already changed your payment method from Money Network to checks. According to EDD guidelines, you can only change your payment method once every 30 days. So if they just switched you from Money Network to paper checks less than 30 days ago (which sounds like the case based on your timeline), the system won't let you make another change to direct deposit until that 30-day period is over. This isn't clearly explained anywhere on their website, but it's in their internal policies. You might just need to wait until the 30 days from your first payment method change has passed, then try setting up direct deposit again.

Quick update to my earlier advice: I just remembered that if you've had actual fraud (not just a payment error) on your Money Network card, there's an additional step. You need to request that EDD remove the "FCP" (Fraud Claims Protection) flag from your account. This flag automatically blocks any payment method changes for 45 days after fraud is confirmed. However, they can override it with proper verification of your identity. When you call, specifically ask if you have an FCP flag on your account and request it be manually reviewed.

have you tried logging in from a different device? sometimes the EDD website glitches on certain browsers. i couldn't do ANYTHING on chrome but safari worked fine for me

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get this resolved? I'm curious if it was actually the 30-day payment method change restriction or the fraud protection flag that was causing your issue. This would be really helpful info for others facing similar problems.