EDD payment preferences - How to cancel Money Network card and get paper checks instead?

The main EDD customer service line (1-800-300-5616) can handle payment preference questions, but good luck getting through! I waited 3+ hours when I called about changing from card to check. If your UI Online already shows 'paid' status, they've probably already processed your payment method preference. Look in your claim history - if it says 'check issued' instead of just 'paid,' that means they're sending checks. If not, definitely try calling before they issue the card.

They always default to the debit card unless ur super clear about wanting checks. I returned that form too but still got sent a card anyway 🙄

The EDD is so frustrating with their payment systems! I sent in that same form requesting paper checks TWICE and they still sent me a Money Network card. Then when I called to complain, the rep told me that once they issue the card, you're stuck with it for the duration of your claim! You'd think in 2025 they'd have a better system for handling payment preferences. I've had nothing but problems with that stupid card - random holds, ATM fees, and the customer service is terrible. Try calling ASAP before they process your first payment!

You need to call 866-584-8799 for payment method changes, thats the EDD direct deposit department. I know cause i just dealt with this last month

I had the same worry when I filed last year! The paper form doesn't always get processed before they issue the first payment. My suggestion is to look at your UI Online account and check your contact preferences. Sometimes there's an indication there about your payment method. For me, there wasn't anything clearly stated, so I ended up getting the card even though I had requested checks.

I've been helping people navigate EDD issues for years, and paper check requests are frequently overlooked in their system. Here's what you need to do: Call the main EDD number (800-300-5616) as early as possible (8:01 AM exactly) and use the prompt sequence 1-2-4 to get to a representative who can handle payment methods. Have your confirmation number from when you submitted the form requesting paper checks. If they say it's too late, ask to speak with a tier 2 specialist who can override the card issuance if it hasn't been mailed yet. Honestly though, I've found that using Claimyr (claimyr.com) is the most reliable way to actually get through to EDD. They'll connect you directly to an agent without the hours of waiting. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km showing how it works. I recommend it especially for time-sensitive issues like stopping a card from being issued.

sometimes u just gotta deal with the card its not that bad tbh lol

To directly answer your question: The correct number to call for changing or confirming your payment preference before a card is issued is the main UI line: 1-800-300-5616. However, I want to clarify a few things about EDD's payment processes in 2025: 1. When you see 'paid' status, the payment processing has already begun, which means your payment method is already set in their system. 2. The DE 5600 form (Payment Method Selection) must be processed before your first payment is issued. If it wasn't scanned and processed in time, the default is to issue a Money Network card. 3. Once a Money Network card has been issued for your claim, you cannot switch to paper checks for that claim period. Your options become: continue using the card, or set up direct deposit from the card to your bank account. 4. If you want to confirm whether they're sending checks or a card, ask specifically: "Has a Money Network card been issued for my claim yet, and if not, can you confirm my paper check preference has been processed?" If they've already initiated a card, you'll need to use it at least initially, but you can set up direct deposit once you receive it to avoid dealing with the card for future payments.

Just to update on my experience - after switching from the Money Network card to paper checks last year, it took about 10 business days for the change to take effect. The EDD rep told me any payments issued during that processing period would still go to the card. So if you do end up with a card temporarily, just know it might take a week or two before the checks start coming.