EDD sending new Money Network card after years - do they reissue automatically?
Just found out I need to file for unemployment again after being laid off from my hospital admin job. My last EDD claim was back in 2022 and I've since lost my Money Network card during a move. Do I need to request a new card myself, or will EDD automatically send one when they approve my new claim? My last payment was nearly 3 years ago, so I'm wondering if the account is even still active or if they'll create a brand new one. I'm stressing about this because I remember it took like 3 weeks to get my card last time, and I really can't afford any delays with rent coming up. Thanks for any info!
32 comments


Morgan Washington
they send u new 1 automatically when u file a new claim and get approved. dont worry bout it
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Layla Sanders
•Thanks! Did you experience this yourself recently? Just wanna make sure things haven't changed since COVID times.
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Kaylee Cook
The EDD will automatically issue a new Money Network debit card if your previous card has been inactive for 3+ years OR if you specifically request a replacement through Bank of America (which handles the Money Network cards). However, if your previous card was issued less than 3 years ago, they'll typically reactivate that account and you'd need to request a replacement for your lost card by calling Money Network directly at 1-866-692-9374. While waiting for your card to arrive (typically 7-10 business days), you can also set up direct deposit in your UI Online account, which is much faster for receiving payments once your claim is approved.
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Oliver Alexander
•This ⬆️ is the correct answer! I just went through this in January and exactly what happened. My card from 2020 was expired so they sent a new one automatically after my first payment was approved.
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Lara Woods
DONT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THOSE STUPID CARDS!!! I had to call SIX TIMES to get my card reissued because they kept sending it to my old address even though I updated everything in the system!!! The EDD system is a complete JOKE and nobody there knows what they're doing. Make sure you call them directly and CONFIRM your address is updated in BOTH systems (UI Online AND Money Network)!!!
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Adrian Hughes
•omg same thing happened to my cousin! its like the left hand doesnt know what the right hand is doing at EDD lol
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Molly Chambers
To clarify the Money Network card situation based on my experience working with claimants: 1. If it's been more than 3 years since your last payment, EDD will issue a new card automatically when your first payment is processed 2. If it's been less than 3 years but you've lost your card, you should proactively request a replacement by calling Money Network at 1-866-692-9374 3. Consider setting up direct deposit through your UI Online account for faster access to funds 4. Make sure your mailing address is updated in BOTH UI Online and with Money Network (they maintain separate systems) For checking on your claim status or addressing any card issues, trying to reach EDD by phone can be frustrating. I've had clients use Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an EDD representative quickly. They have a service that helps you bypass the busy signals and long wait times. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km
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Layla Sanders
•Thank you! This is super helpful. I'm pretty sure it's been over 3 years since my last payment so hopefully they'll just send a new one automatically. I'll definitely set up direct deposit too for faster access.
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Ian Armstrong
I had a similar situation last year when I filed after not having unemployment since 2021. In my case, they automatically sent me a new Money Network card about 10 days after my first payment was approved. But I was also able to set up direct deposit through UI Online, which was much faster! The card is still good to have as backup though.
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Layla Sanders
•That's reassuring to hear! Did you have to do anything special to set up direct deposit or is it pretty straightforward in UI Online?
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Ian Armstrong
•It's pretty easy - just log into UI Online, go to "Payment Preferences" and select "Direct Deposit." You'll need your bank routing and account numbers. Takes like 2 minutes!
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Oliver Alexander
This thread reminded me I still have my old EDD card from like 2 years ago stashed somewhere lol. Should probably find it just in case I need to file again someday. Unemployment is so confusing!
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Morgan Washington
yo does anybody know if u can still access old edd card funds if u find ur card after getting a new 1??? i just found my old card from 2021 and wonder if theres still $$ on it
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Kaylee Cook
•Yes, if there are funds on your old card, you can still access them. Money Network cards typically remain valid for 3 years from issue. You can check the balance by calling the number on the back of the card or logging into the Money Network website. If the card is expired but has a balance, you'll need to request a replacement to access those funds.
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Adrian Hughes
just curious has anyone had good experiences with direct deposit instead of the card? seems way better but i heard horror stories of payments getting stuck
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Ian Armstrong
•I've used direct deposit for my last two claims and it's been MUCH faster than the card. Payments usually hit my account 1-2 days after certification. No issues at all.
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Lara Woods
•I tried direct deposit and they somehow sent my payment to someone else's account even though I triple-checked my numbers!!! Took 3 WEEKS to get resolved!!! STICK WITH THE CARD!!!
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Layla Sanders
UPDATE: Thanks for all the helpful responses! I just got approved and set up direct deposit like many of you suggested. They did mention they'll still be sending a new Money Network card as backup since my old one expired. For anyone finding this post later - definitely set up direct deposit AND request the card as backup!
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Kaylee Cook
•Great to hear! Direct deposit is definitely the way to go for speed. Just remember that your first payment might still go to the card if direct deposit wasn't set up before they processed it. Subsequent payments should go to your bank account though.
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Layla Sanders
•That's good to know about the first payment! I'll keep an eye out for the card just in case. Thanks again for all the help everyone!
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Nathaniel Mikhaylov
Congrats on getting approved! Just wanted to add for future readers - if you do end up needing to call EDD about any card issues, try calling right when they open at 8am. That's usually when you have the best chance of getting through without waiting forever. Also, if you move addresses while on unemployment, make sure to update it in BOTH your UI Online account AND with Money Network separately - they don't automatically sync and that's where a lot of people run into problems with card delivery.
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Connor O'Neill
•This is such good advice! I wish I had known about the 8am tip when I was trying to reach them earlier. And yeah, the separate address update thing is so confusing - it seems like they should just sync automatically but I guess that's too much to ask from government systems lol. Thanks for sharing these tips for anyone else who might need them!
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Royal_GM_Mark
For anyone still following this thread - I just wanted to add that you can actually check if your old Money Network card account is still active by going to the Money Network website and trying to log in with your old card details. If it's been deactivated after 3+ years of inactivity, you'll get an error message. This can help you know whether to expect a new card or if you need to call for a replacement. Also, pro tip: screenshot your direct deposit confirmation page after setting it up in UI Online - I've heard of people having their DD info mysteriously disappear from the system and having to re-enter it!
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Dylan Mitchell
•That's a really smart tip about checking the Money Network website first! I never thought to do that but it makes total sense to verify if your old account is still active before waiting around for a new card. And definitely agree about screenshotting the direct deposit setup - I've seen too many people in this community mention their info getting "lost" in the system. Better safe than sorry with EDD's track record!
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Malik Jenkins
•That website check tip is brilliant! I wish I had known about that when I was stressing about my old card status. The screenshot advice is gold too - given how many glitches people report with EDD's system, documenting everything seems like the smart move. Thanks for sharing these practical tips!
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Ava Williams
Just to add another data point - I filed for unemployment in December 2024 after my last claim was from early 2021. Since it had been almost 4 years, EDD automatically sent me a new Money Network card about a week after my first payment was processed. The old card account was completely deactivated so I couldn't access it even though I still had the physical card. One thing that caught me off guard though - make sure to activate your new card as soon as you get it! I forgot to do it right away and then panicked when I tried to use it at an ATM and it was declined. Called the activation number and it was working within minutes. Also seconding what others said about direct deposit - it's SO much faster once you get it set up!
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AstroAdventurer
•Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful to know about the activation step - I can totally see how that would be panic-inducing at the ATM! Did you have any issues with the timing of setting up direct deposit vs when they sent the card? I'm wondering if it's better to set up DD first before the card arrives or if it doesn't really matter for the sequence.
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Elin Robinson
I'm currently going through a similar situation - filed last month after my last claim was in 2021. Based on what I've experienced and reading through this thread, here's what I'd recommend: Since it's been 3+ years, EDD should automatically send you a new card when your first payment processes. However, I'd strongly suggest setting up direct deposit ASAP through UI Online as your primary method - it's way faster and more reliable. Keep the card as backup once it arrives. Also, make absolutely sure your address is current in the system before your claim gets approved, because fixing address issues after the fact seems to be a nightmare based on what people report here. The whole process is stressful enough without payment delays! Good luck with your claim!
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CosmicCowboy
•This is really solid advice! I'm in a similar boat - just filed after being off unemployment since 2022. The address verification tip is especially important since I moved twice since my last claim. I made sure to update everything before submitting and even called to double-check it was correct in their system. One thing I learned from reading this thread is that it's worth calling Money Network directly too if you have any concerns about the card delivery, since they seem to have better customer service than trying to reach EDD directly. Fingers crossed we both get through this process smoothly!
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PrinceJoe
For anyone dealing with this situation, I'd recommend being proactive about both options. Since your last payment was 3 years ago, EDD should automatically issue a new Money Network card when your first payment processes, but definitely set up direct deposit through UI Online right away as your primary payment method - it's much more reliable and faster. One thing I learned the hard way is to call Money Network at 1-866-692-9374 to confirm your mailing address is correct in their system too, not just in UI Online. They operate separately and I've seen people get their cards sent to old addresses even when they updated everything in the EDD system. Also, once you get your new card, activate it immediately - don't make the mistake of leaving it sitting around! The direct deposit + card backup combo has worked really well for me. DD gets you paid faster, but having the card gives you peace of mind in case there are any banking issues. Hope this helps ease some of your stress!
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Emma Wilson
•This is excellent comprehensive advice! I really appreciate you mentioning the separate Money Network address verification - that seems to be a common pitfall that trips people up. The combo approach of DD + card backup makes so much sense for peace of mind. I'm definitely going to call Money Network directly to confirm my address is right in their system once I get approved. Thanks for taking the time to share all these practical tips - this whole thread has been incredibly helpful for navigating what seemed like a confusing process!
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Finley Garrett
One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you're really worried about timing and can't wait for either the card or direct deposit to get set up, you can also check if your local EDD office does in-person payment pickup for urgent situations. I know someone who used this option when they were facing eviction and couldn't wait the standard processing times. It's not widely advertised but some offices will issue a paper check for immediate pickup if you can prove financial hardship. Might be worth calling your local office to ask about this option if you're really in a tight spot with rent coming up. Obviously direct deposit is still your best long-term solution, but this could be a lifeline if you need funds immediately while waiting for everything else to get sorted out.
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