EDD text says 'UI payment issued' but can't check claim status - filed by phone
I'm totally confused! Just got a text today from the EDD saying 'Your UI payment has been issued' but I have no clue how to verify this or see the amount. I originally filed my claim over the phone with an EDD rep after losing my restaurant management job (they unexpectedly shut down). I don't think I ever got any account info for UI Online? Or maybe I did and misplaced it? The text came from the same number that notified me about my eligibility interview last week, so I know it's legit EDD. Do I need to create a UI Online account now to see payment details? Will they mail me a debit card automatically? I'm freaking out a bit because my rent is due in 3 days, and I really need to know when/how much I'll actually receive. Anyone know the fastest way to check my claim status when I filed by phone?
17 comments

Keisha Robinson
Even if you filed by phone, you should definitely set up a UI Online account to manage your claim. Go to edd.ca.gov and look for 'Benefit Programs Online' to register. You'll need to create a login and link it to your claim using your SSN and other identifying info. Once you're in UI Online, you'll be able to see your claim status, payment history, and certification requirements. As for the payment, if this is your first one, they'll mail you a Bank of America EDD debit card which usually takes 7-10 business days to arrive. If you'd prefer direct deposit, you can set that up in UI Online once your account is created, but it won't affect this first payment. The text is a good sign though - it means your money is on the way!
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Yara Nassar
AuthorThank you! I'll try setting up the UI Online account right now. Do you know if there's any way to check the payment amount before the card arrives? I'm really stressed about making rent and need to figure out if I need to borrow money from family.
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GalaxyGuardian
they should sent u the debit card automaticly dont worry. i got same text and card came like 4 days later. but ya make the ui online acct so u can do the bi-weekly certifications it makes life easier
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Yara Nassar
AuthorThanks for the quick reply! That's reassuring. Did you also file by phone originally? Did you have to activate the card when it arrived or was it already active?
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Paolo Ricci
You can also call the automated self-service line at 1-866-333-4606. Press 1 for English, then enter your SSN and the last 4 digits of your debit card (if you don't have it yet, I think you might be able to skip that part by pressing #). The system should tell you your payment status and amount. I filed online, but when I got that text, the money was on my card the NEXT DAY. If you need to know RIGHT NOW, calling is your best bet.
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Yara Nassar
AuthorThis is super helpful! I'll try the automated line right away. Hoping I can skip the debit card part since I don't have it yet.
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Amina Toure
I've called that automated line like 50 times this week and it NEVER works for me. Always says 'we're experiencing high call volume' and hangs up on me!!!!! So frustrating. I've been trying to check on my missing payment for 2 weeks!! Has anyone actually gotten through to a REAL PERSON at EDD lately?? I'm desperate at this point.
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Oliver Zimmermann
Try using Claimyr - it's the only reason I got through to an EDD rep after weeks of failed attempts. Basically automates the calling process until it gets through, then connects you. Saved me so much frustration. There's a video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and the site is claimyr.com. Worth it when you're desperate to talk to a real person about your claim issues!
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Natasha Volkova
Just to clarify a few things: 1. That text message is automated and sends when the payment is processed, not when it arrives on your card 2. First payments typically take 1-3 business days to appear on your debit card after the "issued" notification 3. If this is your first payment, your debit card might not have been mailed yet - they usually send it when the first payment is processed 4. Bank of America handles the EDD debit cards, so you can call them at 1-866-692-9374 to check if a card has been mailed to you Setting up UI Online is definitely your best move right now. You'll need your EDD Customer Account Number (it should have been mailed to you in the initial paperwork) to complete registration.
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Yara Nassar
AuthorThanks for the thorough explanation! I'm looking through all my EDD mail now trying to find that Customer Account Number. I must have missed it or not understood what it was for. Really wish the EDD made this process more straightforward.
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Javier Torres
am i the only one who HATES those debit cards??? my last claim they kept sending replacement cards that never came and then when one finally did my money was LOCKED for "security" and i had to call bank of america AND edd to fix it what a nightmare lol
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Yara Nassar
AuthorOh great, now I'm worried about that too! Did you eventually get the money? I hadn't even thought about security locks being an issue.
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Keisha Robinson
Update us when you're able to access your account! The good news is that once you get your UI Online access set up, you'll have much more control and visibility over your claim. You can see payment history, certification status, and even switch to direct deposit if you prefer that over the debit card. Regarding your immediate concerns about rent - if you're really in a pinch, you can actually withdraw cash from the BofA EDD card at any Bank of America ATM without fees as soon as the money is loaded. The card should come with instructions, but you'll need to activate it first by phone. And just so you know for future reference, certifying through UI Online is much easier than doing it by phone. You can typically certify for weeks starting at midnight on Sunday, and if you do it early, payments usually process within 24-48 hours.
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Yara Nassar
AuthorI finally got through on the automated line! My payment is $457 for the week. Not as much as I hoped but definitely helps. Now I just have to wait for that card to arrive. I'll get my UI Online set up tonight too so I don't have these issues going forward. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Paolo Ricci
Just want to add - make sure you keep certifying for benefits every two weeks once you get your UI Online account set up. Even a single missed certification can cause payment delays or require you to reopen your claim. Set calendar reminders for yourself! The system usually allows you to certify starting Sunday after the two-week period ends.
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Yara Nassar
AuthorI definitely will! Going to set alerts on my phone right now. This whole process is so stressful and confusing for first-timers. Really appreciate everyone's advice.
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Madison Allen
Welcome to the EDD maze! I went through the exact same thing when I first filed by phone last year. The stress is real, especially when rent is due. One thing that really helped me was downloading the Bank of America EDD app once I got my card - you can check your balance instantly without calling anyone. Also, if you're really tight on cash, some grocery stores will let you get cashback with the EDD card for small purchases, which can help bridge the gap until you get full access to your funds. Pro tip: when you set up your UI Online account, take screenshots of your payment schedule and certification dates. The system can be glitchy sometimes, and having that info saved on your phone is a lifesaver. You've got this!
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