EDD paper checks vs. Money Network debit card - anyone getting payments by mail?
After seeing so many horror stories about the Money Network debit card problems (frozen accounts, funds disappearing, customer service nightmares), I specifically selected paper checks when setting up my new UI claim last week. Now I'm second-guessing myself because my first payment has been 'paid' according to UI Online for 5 days but nothing in my mailbox yet. Has anyone actually received paper checks from EDD recently? How long did it take from the 'paid' status to actually getting the check? And have you had any issues with missing or delayed checks? Trying to figure out if I made a mistake not choosing direct deposit instead.
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Yara Abboud
I switched to paper checks back in October after my Money Network card got frozen for 'suspicious activity' that turned out to be ME trying to pay my rent 🙄 The checks usually take 7-10 business days to arrive after showing 'paid' on UI Online. Sometimes longer if there's a holiday. One time a check took almost 3 weeks and I was about to file a replacement request, then it suddenly appeared. The mail system is so unpredictable these days.
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Connor Byrne
•Thanks for sharing your experience! 7-10 business days doesn't sound too bad. Did you have any issues with checks getting lost or stolen? That's my other worry.
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PixelPioneer
Paper checks are generally reliable but definitely slower than direct deposit. Here's what to expect: - First payment after initial claim: 8-14 calendar days from 'paid' status - Subsequent bi-weekly payments: 5-10 calendar days usually - If a check hasn't arrived after 15 days, you can request a replacement (trace) through UI Online or by calling EDD One other thing to note - unlike the debit card, you'll need to manually deposit or cash each check, so factor in additional bank processing time if you're depositing them.
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Keisha Williams
•if u set up direct deposit its WAY faster. usually next day after paid status. thats wat I do. never had any problems.
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Paolo Rizzo
I've been getting paper checks for my claim since January and they arrive regularly but they're definitely slow. The worst part is you can't track them - you just have to wait and hope they show up. I've had one check that never arrived and had to request a replacement which added another 2 weeks to the process. If you don't need the money urgently, it's fine. But if you're in a tight financial situation, the wait can be stressful.
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Amina Sy
•Two weeks for a replacement check??!! Thats criminal when people are already struggling. The whole EDD system is designed to make everything as difficult as possible. They WANT people to give up.
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Oliver Fischer
When I was on unemployment in 2023, I first chose paper checks and it was such a headache that I switched to direct deposit after my third payment. Every time a check was issued, I'd constantly check my mailbox like a crazy person lol. The uncertainty of not knowing exactly when it would arrive was too stressful, especially when I had bills due. But I know some people had NIGHTMARE experiences with the Money Network card so I understand avoiding it. Personally direct deposit worked great for me - money appeared in my account 1-2 days after the "paid" status showed up.
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Connor Byrne
•I didn't even realize I could change payment methods after initially setting up my claim! That's good to know. Maybe I'll give the paper checks a try for a few weeks and switch if it becomes too inconvenient.
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Natasha Ivanova
FWIW i've been getting paper checks since november and HATE IT. they come so late and sometimes not at all!! had to request replacement TWICE already. wish i'd chosen direct deposit from the start but didn't trust EDD with my banking info at first. now i know better but don't wanna mess with changing it mid-claim and risk delaying payments even more. just my 2 cents
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PixelPioneer
If you're having trouble getting through to EDD about your payment method or a missing check, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). They connect you directly to an EDD agent without having to spend hours redialing. I used their service when my payment method needed to be updated and they got me through in about 20 minutes versus the days I spent trying on my own. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km
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Natasha Ivanova
•does this actually work?? i've spent DAYS trying to talk to someone about a check that never came
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Keisha Williams
paper checks r fine but take FOREVER sometimes. u just have to be patient. my roommate gets them and sometimes they come quick like 4 days, sometimes like 2 weeks. completely random. better than the debit card drama tho for sure!!
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Connor Byrne
Thanks everyone for the responses! I'm going to give the paper checks a chance for a few more weeks. If I keep having issues with the timing, I'll probably switch to direct deposit. Sounds like that's the most reliable option overall, I was just paranoid about giving EDD my bank info. Good to know I can always change it later if needed.
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