EDD payment options in 2025 - do they still issue checks or only use debit cards now?

Welcome back to the unemployment world (unfortunately). EDD doesn't issue paper checks anymore - everything is either direct deposit to your bank account or the Money Network debit card. When you get approved, you'll get access to UI Online where you can set up your payment preference. The Money Network card is the default if you don't select direct deposit. The card works just like any debit card though - you can withdraw cash at ATMs or use it for purchases.

they sent me a debit card automatically dont think u can get checks anymore

The EDD system is completely different now compared to 2008! Everything is online and digital. You HAVE to either use direct deposit (which I highly recommend) or their stupid Money Network card. The card is a HASSLE with all kinds of hidden fees and ATM limits. Even when my roommate tried to set up direct deposit, they still sent him a card first and it took weeks to switch over. Just warning you!

i had the same question when i filed in january!! no more checks - its either direct deposit or the card. i wasnt sure about direct deposit at first so i went with the card. its actually not that bad! you can transfer money from it to your bank account for free through their app or website, or just use it like a regular debit card. theres no fee for purchases but there is a small fee at some ATMs if theyre not in their network. when i finally got around to setting up direct deposit it was simple through UI Online but took about 10 days to switch over.

To give you the official answer: California EDD discontinued paper checks in 2011. You have two payment options: 1. Money Network debit card (default method) 2. Direct deposit to your checking/savings account The card is automatically mailed to you when your claim is approved. Even if you select direct deposit later, keep the card as it remains valid for 3 years and any retroactive payments may still go to the card depending on timing. To set up direct deposit: - Wait until your claim is approved - Log into UI Online - Go to "Profile" section - Select "Payment Preference" - Choose direct deposit and enter your bank information Changes typically take 7-10 business days to process. Until then, payments go to the Money Network card.

I HATE the Money Network card with a passion!!! Had my identity stolen twice using that thing. Customer service is a joke too - was on hold for TWO HOURS trying to report unauthorized charges. If you can do direct deposit, DO IT!!!

I tried calling EDD about changing my payment method last month and got the "we're experiencing high call volume" message for THREE DAYS STRAIGHT. Completely ridiculous! Finally gave up and figured out how to do it online. If you need to reach EDD for anything important, check out Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they helped me get through to an actual person. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

quick tip: if you select the card option, download the money network app right away! makes everything easier for checking balance, transfers, etc. wish someone had told me that from the start lol

my neighbor said he got a paper check last year but i think hes confused it was probably tax refund not edd

One more thing to note - when you certify for benefits every two weeks, make sure you answer all questions accurately. If there are any issues with your certification, your payment could be delayed regardless of which payment method you choose. The most common problem people have isn't with the payment method itself but with their payments being put on hold due to eligibility questions or certification errors.

Just to add some perspective from someone who recently went through this process - I filed my claim in December after being laid off from retail. Like others mentioned, no paper checks anymore, but the transition wasn't as scary as I thought it would be. I initially got the Money Network card and used it for about a month before switching to direct deposit. The card worked fine for groceries and bills, and I could withdraw cash at my credit union's ATM without fees (they're part of the network). The online portal for switching to direct deposit was pretty straightforward once my claim was fully processed. Just make sure your bank account info is 100% correct when you enter it - a friend of mine had to wait an extra week because he transposed two numbers in his routing number. Good luck with your claim!