EDD payment method confusion - debit card vs direct deposit options for unemployment benefits?

Congratulations on your approval! Yes, EDD gives you both options. By default, they will issue you a Money Network debit card if you don't specify otherwise. To set up direct deposit, log into your UI Online account, click on 'Payment Methods' in the menu and follow the prompts to add your bank account information. You'll need your routing and account numbers handy. Direct deposit is usually faster once it's set up, but the initial card comes pretty quickly too (about 7-10 days after your first payment is processed).

they send u the card automatically. i didnt see any option for direct deposit when i filed last month. check ur mail in bout a week

I've been on unemployment twice in the past three years, and here's how it works: EDD automatically sends everyone a Money Network debit card first. Even if you set up direct deposit right away, your first payment will likely go to the card. After that, subsequent payments will go to your bank account via direct deposit if you've set it up. To set up direct deposit: 1. Log into UI Online 2. Look for "Payment Methods" or "Account Information" 3. Select "Change Payment Method" 4. Choose Direct Deposit option 5. Enter your bank routing and account numbers Just be aware that the Money Network card will still arrive in the mail regardless, usually in a plain envelope that's easy to mistake for junk mail, so keep an eye out for it. And hold onto the card even after setting up direct deposit - sometimes if there are issues with your claim, they'll default back to the card payment method.

I got my card last month and was actually surprised at how quickly it came! Only took about 5 days after my claim was approved. The envelope does look kinda sketchy tho so don't throw it away thinking its junk mail lol

EDD's whole payment system is ridiculous and outdated. They FORCE you to get that stupid Money Network card first before you can switch to direct deposit. And even then, sometimes they randomly decide to put money back on the card instead of your bank account with zero explanation. It's happened to me twice! Also be prepared for the terrible Money Network website to be down half the time you try to access it. The whole system feels designed to make it as difficult as possible to actually get YOUR money. I've had nothing but problems trying to transfer funds from the card to my actual bank account. Direct deposit is definitely the way to go if you can get it set up, but don't be surprised when EDD finds a way to mess that up too.

If anyone is struggling to reach EDD about payment issues, I had great luck using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a rep last month when my payments suddenly switched back to the card instead of direct deposit. Saved me hours of redial hell. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. The rep fixed my direct deposit issue in about 5 minutes once I actually got through.

my roomate said u can use the money network card at atms to get cash. thats wut he does instead of direct deposit

Thanks everyone for the help! I went back into my UI Online account and found the Payment Methods section. I've set up direct deposit now, but I'll watch for the card in the mail too since it sounds like the first payment might go there anyway. Really appreciate all the advice!

Quick question to add to this thread - does anyone know if you can have multiple bank accounts set up for direct deposit? I have a checking account for bills and a savings account where I try to keep some emergency funds. Can I split my EDD payments between the two somehow?