EDD switching from Money Network to personal bank deposit - anyone tried the new system yet?
Just logged into my UI Online account and saw a notification about a change with our unemployment payments! Looks like EDD is finally letting us have our benefits deposited directly to our personal bank accounts instead of using those Money Network debit cards. The notice is right on the dashboard when you sign in. Has anyone actually gone through the process of switching over yet? I'm a little nervous about changing payment methods mid-claim. Don't want any delays with my upcoming certification payment. Would love to hear if the transition is smooth or if there are any gotchas I should watch out for before I make the switch.
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Margot Quinn
I switched over yesterday! The process was pretty straightforward - there's a form you fill out in the UI Online portal under 'Payment Methods' where you enter your routing and account numbers. They said it can take 1-2 payment cycles to fully transition, so I'm still expecting my next payment on the Money Network card, but the one after should go straight to my checking account. Finally! Been waiting for this feature since I first filed my claim in January. Those Money Network cards are such a pain with all the fees.
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Raúl Mora
•Thanks for sharing! Did you have to contact EDD to confirm the change went through? I'm worried about my payment getting lost in the transition.
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Evelyn Kim
wait is this for real? I didn't see any notice when I loged in this morning. where exactly did u see this?? would be so much better then those stupid cards they keep sending me
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Margot Quinn
•It's definitely real! The notice is on the homepage after you log in, right under your claim summary. If you don't see it, try clearing your browser cache or check the 'Notifications' tab. They might be rolling it out gradually to different users.
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Diego Fisher
I TRIED CHANGING TO DIRECT DEPOSIT AND NOW MY PAYMENT IS STUCK IN PENDING!!! Been this way for 4 days now. Called EDD a dozen times and can't get through to a human. The automated system just says my payment is being processed. Anyone else have this problem??? My rent is due next week and I'm FREAKING OUT!!
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Henrietta Beasley
•same thing happened to my cousin last week when she switched. took 8 days but the money finally showed up in her acct. EDD systems always glitch when theres something new
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Lincoln Ramiro
•If you need to speak with an EDD representative about your pending payment, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get through to an actual human at EDD when my payment was stuck after I reported some partial income. They have a video demo of how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km - basically they navigate the phone system for you and call you back when they have an agent on the line. Definitely worth it when you're in payment limbo.
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Faith Kingston
I actually work at a credit union and we've been getting lots of questions about this new EDD direct deposit option. Just want to warn everyone - make triple sure you enter your account and routing numbers correctly! We've already had two members who transposed digits and their EDD payments went who-knows-where. EDD told them it could take 10-14 business days to investigate and reissue payments. Also, some banks place holds on government deposits for 2-3 days, so even though it shows as 'paid' in your UI Online account, it might not be available in your bank account immediately.
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Raúl Mora
•That's really good advice, thanks! I'll definitely double-check all my banking info. Do you know if credit unions process these deposits faster than big banks?
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Faith Kingston
•In my experience, credit unions often process government deposits faster than major banks. At our credit union, we typically make EDD funds available within 24 hours, while some of the bigger banks I've heard can hold them for 2-3 business days. But policies vary widely, so it's worth asking your specific financial institution about their hold times for government ACH deposits.
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Emma Johnson
When I did my certification last Sunday, I switched to direct deposit and my payment posted to my bank account on Wednesday morning. Everything went fine but I did notice you have to recertify your bank info every 90 days according to the fine print. Set a calendar reminder so you don't forget! Also, this doesn't affect any money you might still have on your Money Network card - you'll need to spend that down separately.
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Raúl Mora
•That's super helpful, especially the tip about the 90-day recertification! I would have totally missed that in the fine print. Did your UI Online account update to show the payment was sent to your bank instead of Money Network?
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Emma Johnson
•Yes, my UI Online payment history shows "Direct Deposit" under the payment method column now instead of "Debit Card." There's also a little icon that indicates a bank transfer. Very clear to see the difference!
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Henrietta Beasley
i missed something are they getting rid of the money network cards completely?? i like the card honestly its just easier for me dont want to switch if i dont have to
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Margot Quinn
•You don't have to switch if you don't want to. According to the notice, the Money Network cards will still be available - this is just giving people another option. You can keep using the card if that works better for you!
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Diego Fisher
UPDATE ON MY PENDING PAYMENT: Finally got through to EDD! The rep said there's a verification hold that happens automatically when you switch payment methods. She lifted it manually and my payment should deposit tomorrow. Just a heads up for anyone making the switch - might be worth calling BEFORE you change payment methods to avoid the delay I experienced.
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Raúl Mora
•Thanks so much for the update! That's really good to know. Did they say if this happens to everyone or just randomly?
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Diego Fisher
•The rep wasn't super clear but made it sound like it's happening to quite a few people as they roll out the new system. She said something about "additional fraud prevention measures" during the transition period. So probably best to assume it might happen and plan accordingly!
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