EDD payments switched from Money Network card to paper checks? Need help NOW
Hi everyone. My identity was stolen last month and someone tried to access my Money Network card. I froze the card immediately, but now I'm paranoid about electronic payments in general. I want to completely switch my EDD unemployment benefits from electronic payments (Money Network) to paper checks sent through regular mail. I know it sounds old school, but I'd rather have the security. I've been looking all over UI Online and can't find this option anywhere! When I called EDD, I got the 'we're experiencing high call volume' message and got disconnected. Does anyone know the specific steps to request paper checks instead of the card? I still have 4 months left on my claim and don't want any payment interruptions.
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Amaya Watson
paper checks r NOT safer lol. anybody can steal mail from ur mailbox.
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Tristan Carpenter
•I live in a secure building with locked mailboxes, so that's actually not a concern for me. I'm more worried about electronic fraud after what happened.
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Grant Vikers
You'll need to call the EDD directly to request this change. The option to switch from Money Network to paper checks isn't available through UI Online - it can only be done by speaking with an EDD representative. They'll need to manually update your payment preference in their system. Make sure you have your claim number and verification information ready when you call. Once they process the change, it typically takes 1-2 payment cycles before you start receiving paper checks instead of funds on your card.
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Giovanni Martello
•this is right but good luck actually getting thru to anyone lol. i spent 3 days trying to reach them last week and kept getting hung up on
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Savannah Weiner
I had to do this exact same thing last year after someone somehow got access to my card info (even though I never lost the physical card!). I was finally able to get through to EDD after using Claimyr - it's a service that basically keeps calling EDD for you until they can get you connected to a real person. Totally worth it for me since I was going crazy trying to get through myself. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km that shows how it works. Once I got connected, it only took about 5 minutes for the rep to switch me to paper checks.
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Tristan Carpenter
•Thank you! I might try this service. I've been trying to call for 2 days straight with no luck. Did they give you any trouble about switching to paper checks?
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Savannah Weiner
•No trouble at all! The rep I spoke with said they get these requests fairly often. She just confirmed my identity, asked why I wanted to switch, and then made the change in their system. She did mention that paper checks take a little longer to receive than the Money Network deposits, so keep that in mind for your budgeting.
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Levi Parker
When I was on unemployment the checks came late EVERY SINGLE TIME. Sometimes a week or more!! I switched to the card and got paid way faster. Just something to think about...
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Libby Hassan
•This is SO true!!! I had paper checks for the first month of my claim in 2024 and they were constantly delayed. One time the mail carrier actually delivered my check to my neighbor by mistake! I switched to the Money Network card and now I get my benefits right at midnight on payment day. Much more reliable IMO.
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Hunter Hampton
Before you make this change, let me offer some guidance about the EDD paper check process: 1. Paper checks typically arrive 3-5 business days after your payment is processed (compared to same-day delivery with Money Network) 2. You'll need to physically deposit or cash each check, which means potential bank holds on funds 3. If a check is lost in the mail, the replacement process takes 7-10 business days minimum 4. You'll still need to certify online through UI Online even if receiving paper checks Have you considered just requesting a brand new Money Network card instead? That would give you the security of a fresh card while maintaining the speed of electronic payments. You can request a replacement through Money Network directly without dealing with EDD.
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Tristan Carpenter
•Thanks for the detailed breakdown. I didn't realize the replacement process would take so long if a check gets lost. I did get a new Money Network card already, but someone definitely had my personal information (they knew details about me), so I'm still concerned about electronic access. Maybe I should just keep the new card and set up text alerts for any transaction?
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Hunter Hampton
•Setting up text alerts is an excellent compromise! You can also enable additional security features with Money Network: - Turn on two-factor authentication on the Money Network app - Set a daily ATM and purchase limit - Disable online purchasing if you don't need it - Set up account alerts for any transaction over $1 These security measures give you immediate notification of any suspicious activity while maintaining the convenience of electronic payments. Much better than waiting for paper checks that could be delayed or lost.
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Tristan Carpenter
Update: I managed to get through to EDD this morning after calling literally 23 times! The rep told me paper checks are now being phased out and they're strongly encouraging everyone to use the Money Network card OR direct deposit to a bank account (which is a newer option). I went with direct deposit to my credit union account since they have good fraud protection. Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions!
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Grant Vikers
•Excellent choice! Direct deposit to your own bank account gives you the best combination of security and convenience. Your credit union's fraud protection will provide better security than either the Money Network card or paper checks. Glad you were able to get through and resolve this!
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Giovanni Martello
•wow 23 calls??? that's actually not bad lol. took me 50+ tries last time i needed to talk to someone there
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