EDD payments showing 'paid' immediately after certification - direct deposit timing question
So I'm back on unemployment after being laid off from my retail management position last month. I just certified for my third week of benefits (first time was two weeks ago for my first two weeks), and I noticed something weird - the payment status changed to 'paid' almost instantly after submitting certification. Is that normal now? Back in 2018 when I last collected benefits, there was usually at least a day or two delay between certifying and seeing the 'paid' status. And since we're talking about payment timing... I'm still waiting for my Money Network card to arrive in the mail. Anyone know if the funds are already loaded onto the card while it's in transit to me? Or do they only transfer the money once I activate the card? I've got about $1,650 in approved payments showing in my account now, and rent is coming up fast. Getting a bit anxious about when I'll actually have access to these funds. Things seem to have changed with EDD's payment system since the last time I needed unemployment. Any insights would be super helpful!
16 comments
NebulaKnight
The system HAS changed! i had same thought when i got on ui this year... they process payments way faster now. paid status means the $ is approved but doesnt mean its on ur card yet
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Dylan Wright
•Thanks for confirming! So even though it says 'paid' in the system, I still need to wait for the actual money to hit the card?
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Sofia Ramirez
Yes, EDD processing has improved significantly since 2018-2019. The 'paid' status now updates almost immediately after certification if there are no issues with your claim. However, there are actually two separate processes happening: 1. EDD marking your certification as 'paid' in their system 2. The actual transfer of funds to your Money Network card The funds are typically transferred within 24-48 hours after the 'paid' status appears. Once transferred, they'll be on your card account, but you won't be able to access them until you receive and activate your card. When you activate, all previously approved funds will be immediately available. If it's been more than 10 business days since your first payment was issued and you still haven't received your card, I'd recommend contacting Money Network directly at 1-866-898-9228 to check on the status or request an expedited replacement.
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Dylan Wright
•This is super helpful information! Monday will be exactly 10 business days since my first payment was issued, so I'll give Money Network a call if the card doesn't arrive by then. It's just stressful watching the balance grow in my EDD account while not having access to any of it yet.
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Dmitry Popov
wait are u sure u didnt select direct deposit?? if you set up dirrect deposit it wont come on a card it goes to ur bank
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Dylan Wright
•I'm pretty sure I selected the debit card option since I remember reading about the Money Network card during the application. But now you've got me doubting myself... I should probably double-check my payment preferences in UI Online to be certain.
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Ava Rodriguez
To answer your timing question - yes, things have changed a lot with EDD payment processing. When you see 'paid' status now, it usually means funds will be transferred to Money Network within 24 hours. The money is loaded to your card account before you even receive the physical card, so once it arrives and you activate it, you'll immediately have access to all accumulated payments. You can also set up direct deposit through UI Online if you don't want to wait for the card or prefer having funds go directly to your bank account. Just go to your profile settings and look for 'Payment Method'. If you're in a rush to get your card and it's been more than a week since your first payment, try contacting EDD. Getting through to them by phone can be challenging, but I found Claimyr really helpful - they'll connect you to an EDD rep without the endless redial cycle. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a demo at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km showing how it works. I was skeptical but it saved me hours of frustration when I had a similar issue with my card not arriving.
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Miguel Ortiz
•I tried changing to direct deposit but EDD's system kept giving me errors!!! Been stuck with the stupid card for 3 months now. So annoying they can't just make a simple system that WORKS!!!
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Zainab Khalil
Money Network takes FOREVER to mail those cards lol. Mine took almost 3 weeks to show up last year but the money was on it when I activated it.
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Dylan Wright
•3 weeks?! Ugh that's way too long. I might need to look into that Claimyr thing the other commenter mentioned if my card doesn't show up soon. Can't wait that long for rent money.
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QuantumQuest
The immediate 'paid' status is definitely a new improvement! I was on unemployment during the pandemic and then again last year, and I noticed the change too. It used to take days to go from 'pending' to 'paid' but now it's almost instant if your claim is in good standing. Regarding the Money Network card - yes, the funds are loaded onto your card account as soon as they're sent by EDD, even if you don't physically have the card yet. I was worried about the same thing when I was waiting for my card. Once you receive and activate it, you'll have access to all payments that have been issued. One thing though - make sure you activate the card as soon as you get it and set a PIN immediately. And definitely keep the paperwork that comes with it because it has important information about fees and how to use the card. Some ATMs will charge you fees while others are free with this card.
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NebulaKnight
•good point about the fees!! i got charged $3 at a random atm before i realized which ones were free
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Connor Murphy
Just a heads up that you can actually check if your payments have been sent to Money Network before you receive your card. Create an account on the Money Network cardholder website with your personal info (same info you gave EDD). You won't be able to use the money yet, but you can at least see if the deposits have hit your card account. As others said, the 'paid' status on EDD is just step one. It typically takes 1-2 business days for the money to actually transfer to Money Network after that. Weekends and holidays don't count as business days for these transfers.
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Dylan Wright
•Oh that's a great tip! I'll try creating an account on the Money Network site tonight. At least then I'll know for sure if the money is there waiting for me or not.
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Miguel Ortiz
Does ANYONE know why EDD is so incompetent they can't use NORMAL direct deposit like EVERY OTHER EMPLOYER IN AMERICA?? Why do we have to deal with these stupid cards and waiting 3 weeks for mail? It's 2025 for crying out loud!!
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Sofia Ramirez
•You can actually use direct deposit now. EDD added that option in late 2023. Just log into UI Online, go to Profile, then Payment Method, and select "Direct Deposit" instead of "Debit Card." You'll need your bank account and routing numbers handy.
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