EDD lost check replacement - anyone know how long reissue process takes?
So frustrated right now! When checking my UI Online account yesterday, I noticed a payment from 3 weeks ago showing as 'paid' with a check number, but I NEVER received it in the mail. I've torn apart my apartment looking for it (thinking maybe it got mixed up with junk mail) but nothing. Called EDD this morning and waited 2+ hours only to speak with someone who basically read me a script saying I need to wait 10 business days before they can even start the reissue process?? Has anyone gone through this check reissue nightmare before? How long did it actually take to get your replacement check? I'm falling behind on rent and my landlord is getting impatient.
39 comments


Fatima Al-Qasimi
yep been there done that... lost a check for $822 last year. the EDD rep told me 10 days too but it was actually more like 3 weeks before they would even start the process. then another 2 weeks to actually get the new check. total nightmare.
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Giovanni Colombo
•3 WEEKS?? Are you kidding me? I can't wait that long. Did you try calling them multiple times to speed things up?
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Dylan Cooper
The official process for replacement checks is actually pretty specific. You need to wait until the check is considered 'lost' (10 business days from issue date). Then you can request a stop payment and reissue through your UI Online account under 'Contact EDD' - select 'Payments' as the category and 'Request replacement for lost or stolen check' as the topic. Make sure you include the exact payment date and amount. In my experience helping clients with this, the 10-day wait is mandatory because some checks genuinely take that long to arrive, especially with recent mail delays. After the stop payment is processed, the replacement typically takes 7-10 business days.
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Sofia Ramirez
•Not OP but this is so helpful! im in a similar situation and couldn't find this info anywhere on the EDD website. do u need to fill out any special forms or just the online request?
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Dylan Cooper
•No special forms needed for the initial request. Just the online message is sufficient. However, if the check was already cashed (which would indicate theft rather than loss), then you'd need to complete a fraud form. In your case, since it's just lost, the online request should start the process once the 10-day waiting period has passed.
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Dmitry Volkov
why not just switch to direct deposit? checks r so last century lol. edd can put $ right in ur bank account in like 2 days
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Giovanni Colombo
•I actually tried setting up direct deposit when I first filed my claim, but there was some issue with my bank account verification. The EDD system kept rejecting it for some reason, so I got stuck with paper checks. Wish I'd pushed harder to fix it now!
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StarSeeker
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE US WAIT!!! I had a check lost in January and they made me wait 3 full WEEKS before they would even BEGIN the process. Then another week for "processing" and ANOTHER week for mailing. That's FIVE WEEKS with NO MONEY all because THEY lost MY check in THEIR mail system!!! And they have the nerve to tell us we should be grateful for the "assistance"!!! RIDICULOUS!!!
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Ava Martinez
•I know it's frustrating, but sometimes the checks truly are lost in the mail system, not necessarily EDD's fault. The USPS has been having major issues lately. The wait times are definitely excessive though, I agree with you there.
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Miguel Ortiz
I went through this exact situation in February. You actually have two options: 1. Wait the full 10 business days, then request the replacement through UI Online 2. Reach an EDD representative by phone who can verify the check hasn't been cashed and potentially expedite the replacement process if you're facing financial hardship Option #2 saved me when I was in your situation. After struggling to get through on the phone for days, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. The rep verified my check hadn't been cashed and marked my case as urgent due to my housing situation. Got my replacement check in 5 business days instead of the standard 3+ weeks. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Definitely worth considering if you're in a bind with your landlord.
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Giovanni Colombo
•Thank you!! This is super helpful. I've been trying to reach someone for days with no luck. I'll check out that service because I seriously can't wait 3+ weeks. My landlord is already making noise about late fees.
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Zainab Omar
•does that service actually work? sounds too good to be true tbh. the edd phone system is impossible
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Miguel Ortiz
•It worked for me. Before using it, I spent 3 days trying to get through on my own with no success. The key is that they keep trying the lines and then call you once they have a rep on the line. Saved me hours of redial frustration.
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Ava Martinez
Just a tip - when you do get the replacement check process started, make sure you're checking your UI Online account messages daily. Sometimes they'll ask for additional verification before reissuing, and if you miss those messages, it delays the process even further. I missed a message asking for ID verification and it added another week to my wait time.
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Giovanni Colombo
•Good point! I'll make sure to check daily. Did you have to provide any specific documentation for the replacement, or just confirm you never received it?
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Ava Martinez
•In my case, they asked me to upload a copy of my ID again (even though they already had it on file) and sign a statement that I never received the original check. The statement was just a checkbox in the UI Online system, not a separate form I had to mail in. But this was about 6 months ago, so their process might have changed.
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Sofia Ramirez
i had my check reissued last month! for me i had to wait exactly 10 business days (which turned into 14 calendar days because of weekends) and then i called. the first rep i talked to said they needed to transfer me to claims which disconnected me 😣 i called again the next day and the rep was able to help. she put in the stop payment and told me id get a new check in 7-10 days but it actually came in 6 days! so maybe itll be faster for you too fingers crossed🤞
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Giovanni Colombo
•Thanks for sharing! That's a bit more encouraging. Did you have to do anything special when calling to make sure you got through to the right department?
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Sofia Ramirez
•when the automated system asked what i was calling about i said "payment issue" and that seemed to route me correctly the second time! first time i said "missing check" which got me nowhere
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Dylan Cooper
One more thing to keep in mind - if you're still certifying for benefits, make sure you switch to direct deposit or the EDD Money Network debit card for future payments if possible. Even if you get this check situation resolved, you don't want to risk having the same problem again with future payments. The debit card option is particularly reliable since you don't need to wait for mail delivery - the funds are loaded electronically as soon as payment is issued.
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Giovanni Colombo
•I'm definitely going to switch to one of those options once I get this sorted out. Do you know if the Money Network card gets issued automatically if I select that option, or do I need to request it separately?
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Dylan Cooper
•If you select the Money Network card option in your UI Online account (under Payment Preferences), they'll automatically mail you a card if you don't already have one. It typically arrives within 7-10 business days. Once you have the card, all future payments will be loaded onto it automatically. You can also set up direct transfers from the card to your bank account through the Money Network mobile app.
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Gabriel Freeman
Hey, I feel your pain on this! I went through the exact same thing about 8 months ago. Here's what I learned from the experience: The 10 business day wait is unfortunately non-negotiable - they won't even look into it before then. BUT once that period is up, definitely try calling AND submitting the online request simultaneously. Sometimes one gets processed faster than the other. Also, if you're really in a bind with rent, see if your landlord will accept a letter from EDD confirming the lost payment situation. Some landlords are understanding about government benefit delays, especially if you can show documentation that payment was issued but lost through no fault of your own. One last tip - if you have any friends or family who can help tide you over, consider that route. The replacement process can be unpredictable, and having backup options for your rent situation will give you peace of mind while you wait for EDD to sort this out. Hang in there! The system is frustrating but you will get your money eventually.
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Romeo Barrett
I'm going through something similar right now - my check from two weeks ago never showed up either. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it sounds like the timeline is pretty consistent: 10 business days minimum wait, then another 1-2 weeks for the replacement to actually arrive. That's rough when you're already struggling financially. One thing I noticed from the responses is that having documentation ready seems to help speed things up once you can actually reach someone. I've been taking screenshots of my UI Online account showing the payment status and dates, just in case they ask for proof. Also seconding what others said about switching payment methods after this gets resolved - I'm definitely going to set up direct deposit or get that debit card to avoid this nightmare in the future. The stress of waiting weeks for money you're already owed is just not worth it. Hope you get through to someone soon and can get this sorted out before your landlord situation gets worse!
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Zainab Abdulrahman
•Thanks for sharing your experience! Taking screenshots is such a smart idea - I wish I had thought of that earlier. I'm definitely going to document everything from now on. It's crazy how we have to become experts in navigating these systems just to get our own money. Really hoping both of us get this resolved quickly!
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Mateo Hernandez
I actually work for a community legal aid organization that helps people with EDD issues, and I've seen this exact situation dozens of times. Here's what I always tell clients: First, the 10 business day wait is unfortunately mandated by state regulations - it's not just EDD being difficult. During that waiting period, I recommend gathering all your documentation: screenshots of your UI Online account showing the payment date/amount, any correspondence with EDD, and documentation of your financial hardship. Once the 10 days are up, you have three options: 1. Submit the online request through UI Online (Contact EDD > Payments > Lost/Stolen Check) 2. Call the main EDD number and speak to a representative 3. If you're facing imminent eviction or utility shutoff, you can sometimes get expedited processing by documenting the emergency For your rent situation, consider reaching out to local rental assistance programs - many counties have emergency funds specifically for people waiting on delayed government benefits. You can also ask your landlord for a brief extension with documentation showing your payment was issued but lost. The whole process typically takes 3-5 weeks total, but documenting financial hardship can sometimes speed things up. Don't give up - you will get your money, and there are resources to help bridge the gap in the meantime.
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Yuki Sato
•This is incredibly helpful information! I had no idea there were local rental assistance programs specifically for people in our situation. Do you know if these programs typically require a lot of paperwork, or can they move quickly when someone is facing eviction? Also, when you mention documenting financial hardship for expedited processing, what kind of documentation works best - just bank statements showing low balance, or do they need something more formal like eviction notices?
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Zara Mirza
•@Mateo Hernandez This is exactly the type of detailed, actionable advice I was hoping to find! I had no idea about the emergency rental assistance programs - that could be a real lifesaver while I wait for this mess to get sorted out. Quick question: when you mention documenting financial hardship for expedited processing, would something like a notice from my landlord about late rent be sufficient, or do they typically need more formal documentation like an eviction notice? I m'trying to avoid letting it get to that point if possible. Also, do you know if the county programs usually have long waiting lists, or can they move relatively quickly for emergency situations like this?
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Ravi Patel
I went through this exact nightmare about 4 months ago and it was absolutely maddening! My check for $634 never showed up, and like you, I called after tearing my place apart looking for it. The rep gave me the same 10-day script, but here's what actually happened: Day 10 (business days): Called and was told they could now start the process Day 12: Finally got through to someone who could actually help and put in the stop payment request Day 19: Received a message in UI Online asking me to confirm I never received the original check Day 21: Confirmed online and was told replacement would be issued Day 28: Finally received the replacement check So basically a full month from when the original check should have arrived. The most frustrating part was that every rep I spoke to gave me different timelines - some said 7-10 days, others said 2-3 weeks, one even said it could take up to 6 weeks! My advice: Start calling on day 10 exactly, not before. Keep calling until you get someone who can actually process the stop payment request (some reps will just tell you to wait longer). And definitely look into switching to direct deposit or the debit card after this - I made that change immediately and haven't had issues since. For your rent situation, I ended up having to borrow money from family because my landlord wasn't understanding about EDD delays. But I've heard some landlords will accept documentation showing the payment was issued but lost. Worth asking! Hang in there - you WILL get your money eventually, but the system is unfortunately designed to make you wait way longer than necessary.
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Giovanni Gallo
•This timeline is so helpful - thank you for breaking it down day by day! It's frustrating but at least now I know what to realistically expect. The fact that different reps gave you completely different timelines is maddening but unfortunately not surprising. I'm definitely going to start calling on day 10 exactly and keep pushing until I get someone who can actually process the request rather than just telling me to wait longer. Really appreciate you sharing the specific details about the UI Online confirmation step too - I wouldn't have known to watch for that message. Sounds like persistence is key with this whole process!
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Liam Sullivan
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - it's one of the most stressful situations when you're already struggling financially! I went through something similar last year and the waiting period felt endless. One thing that helped me was calling my local 211 service (just dial 2-1-1) while I was waiting for the EDD mess to get sorted out. They connected me with a few emergency assistance programs I didn't even know existed - one helped with a partial rent payment and another provided grocery assistance. It was a lifesaver during those weeks of waiting. Also, when you do call EDD after the 10 business days, try calling right when they open (8 AM) or during lunch hours (12-1 PM). I found I had better luck getting through during those times rather than mid-morning when everyone else is calling. The whole system is frustrating and feels designed to wear you down, but you'll get through this. Document everything, keep calling once you hit that 10-day mark, and don't be afraid to ask for help from local resources in the meantime. Your rent situation is scary but there are usually more options available than you might think - even if it's just buying yourself a few extra days to get the replacement check. You've got this! 💪
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Esteban Tate
•Thank you so much for the 211 tip - I had no idea that was even a thing! I'm definitely going to call them today. The timing advice for calling EDD is super helpful too. I've been trying random times throughout the day with no luck, so I'll focus on 8 AM and lunch hours from now on. It's reassuring to hear from someone who actually got through this process that there are other resources available while waiting. The whole situation feels so overwhelming when you're in the middle of it, but knowing there are people who've made it through gives me hope. Really appreciate the encouragement! 🙏
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Brooklyn Knight
I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - been waiting for a check that was supposed to arrive last week. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly eye-opening! I had no idea about the 211 service or that some counties have emergency rental assistance specifically for people waiting on delayed government benefits. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - I started keeping a detailed log of every call I make to EDD (date, time, wait time, rep name if they give it, and what they told me). It's helped me track the different information I'm getting and makes me feel like I have some control over this frustrating process. Also, for anyone else going through this, I found that my local food bank doesn't require any paperwork or waiting period - they were able to help immediately which freed up what little cash I had for other essentials while waiting for EDD to sort things out. The timeline @Ravi Patel shared is really helpful for setting realistic expectations. It's frustrating that it takes so long, but at least now I know what I'm actually looking at instead of hoping it'll be resolved in a few days. Hang in there everyone - sounds like persistence is key with this whole mess! 🤞
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CosmicCrusader
•That's such a smart idea to keep a detailed log of your EDD calls! I wish I had started doing that from the beginning - I've already talked to like 4 different reps and they've all told me slightly different things. It would be helpful to have it all written down to reference. The food bank tip is really practical too - I hadn't thought about how freeing up even a small amount of cash for other bills could help while waiting for this mess to get resolved. Thanks for sharing these strategies! It's crazy how we all have to become experts at navigating these systems just to get our own money, but hearing everyone's tips makes it feel less overwhelming.
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Amina Bah
This whole thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm a newcomer to this community but unfortunately not new to EDD issues. I went through a similar lost check situation about 6 months ago and can confirm a lot of what others have shared here. A few additional tips that helped me: - When you call EDD after the 10-day period, have your claim number, SSN, and the exact payment details (date and amount) ready. Having everything at hand made my call go much smoother. - If you get disconnected (which happened to me twice), don't give up. I found that persistence really paid off. - While waiting, I also reached out to my utility companies to explain the situation. Most were willing to extend payment due dates when I showed them my UI Online account proving payment was issued but lost. The stress of waiting for money you're owed while bills pile up is awful, but based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like you will get through this. The system is broken but the money does eventually come through. Documenting everything and having backup plans (like the 211 service and local assistance programs mentioned) seems to be key. Hope this gets resolved quickly for you! This community has been a great resource for navigating these bureaucratic nightmares.
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Ryan Young
•Welcome to the community @Amina Bah! Thanks for sharing those additional tips - having all the account details ready before calling is such good advice. I've been scrambling to find information while already on the phone with reps, which probably doesn't help my case. The utility company extension tip is brilliant too - I hadn't even thought about proactively reaching out to them with documentation. It's reassuring to hear from someone who went through this 6 months ago that the money does eventually come through, even though the process is absolutely frustrating. This thread has honestly been more helpful than any official EDD resource I've found online. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and strategies! 🙏
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Val Rossi
I'm so sorry you're going through this! I had a similar experience last summer - my check for $743 never arrived and I spent nearly 6 weeks getting it sorted out. The whole process is incredibly frustrating, especially when you're already under financial stress. A few things that helped me during the wait: - I called my bank to see if they had any emergency hardship programs while waiting for government benefits. Some banks will provide small bridge loans or waive overdraft fees in these situations. - My local Salvation Army had an emergency assistance program that helped with utilities while I waited. They moved pretty quickly once I showed them my UI Online account proving the payment was issued but lost. - I also found it helpful to send my landlord a screenshot of my UI Online account showing the payment status along with a brief letter explaining the situation. While they weren't thrilled about the delay, having official documentation seemed to buy me some goodwill. The waiting period before they'll even start processing the replacement is absolutely maddening, but unfortunately it's set in stone. Once you hit that 10 business day mark, be prepared to call multiple times and don't let them brush you off with "wait longer" - you have the right to start the replacement process at that point. Hang in there - the money will eventually come through, but I know that doesn't help with immediate bills. Definitely explore those local assistance programs others have mentioned while you wait!
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Callum Savage
•This is such comprehensive advice - thank you for sharing! The bank hardship program tip is something I never would have thought of, but it makes total sense that they might have options for people waiting on delayed government benefits. I'm definitely going to call my bank tomorrow to see what they offer. The Salvation Army assistance program sounds like it could be a real lifesaver too - having help with utilities would free up what little money I have for rent. I love the idea of sending my landlord the screenshot with a formal letter explaining the situation. It seems like having that official documentation really makes a difference in how seriously people take the situation. Six weeks is a long time to wait, but knowing that you eventually got it resolved gives me hope that I'll make it through this too. Really appreciate you taking the time to share all these practical strategies!
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Axel Far
I'm new to this community but unfortunately not new to EDD headaches! I went through almost the exact same situation about a year ago - check showed as "paid" in my account but never arrived in my mailbox. Here's what I learned from that nightmare: The 10 business day wait is frustrating but absolutely mandatory - they literally cannot process a replacement before then due to state regulations. However, once those 10 days are up, you have options beyond just waiting around. What worked for me was calling EDD at exactly 8:00 AM on business day #10 (they seem to have the shortest hold times right when they open). I had all my info ready - claim number, payment date, exact amount, etc. The rep was able to immediately put in the stop payment and reissue request since I was past the waiting period. In the meantime, definitely reach out to local resources! I called 211 and they connected me with emergency rental assistance that helped bridge the gap. Also, most utility companies will give you extensions if you can show documentation that your government benefits were issued but lost in the mail. The whole process took about 3 weeks total for me, but having those backup support systems in place made it way less stressful. Don't suffer in silence - there are resources out there to help while you wait for EDD to get their act together! You'll get through this! 💪
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