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EDD using Money Network cards now - will my benefits go to old BofA card or new one?

So I finally got approved for unemployment last week after waiting almost a month (thank goodness!). My payment history in UI Online shows my payments as 'paid' status as of yesterday for $768. Here's my confusion - I still have my old Bank of America EDD debit card from when I was on unemployment back in 2020, but I remember reading somewhere that EDD switched to a different card provider called Money Network or something. I haven't received anything in the mail about a new card yet. Does anyone know if they'll automatically mail me a new Money Network card now that I'm approved? Or is the money somehow going to show up on my old BofA card? I'm really counting on this money for rent next week and don't want to be stuck waiting forever for a new card if I need to request one specifically.

Oliver Weber

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They don't use BofA cards anymore!!! The money will NOT go to your old card. EDD switched to Money Network back in 2022 and everybody gets new cards now. They should automatically send you one after your first payment is processed but it can take 7-10 business days. You might wanna call and check if they mailed it yet.

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Amina Toure

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Thanks for confirming! Do you know if there's any way to check the status of the card being mailed? The EDD website doesn't seem to have any info about it when I log in.

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FireflyDreams

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Your old BofA card definitely won't work. EDD switched to Money Network in mid-2022 and all new claims get the new card automatically. They should mail it within 5-7 days after your first payment shows as 'paid' in the system. If you don't receive it within 10 business days, you should contact Money Network directly at 1-866-326-9052 to check on status or request a replacement. By the way, you can also set up direct deposit now through UI Online once you get access to your Money Network account - much more convenient than waiting for the card.

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omg direct deposit is sooo much better!! i had so many problems with that stupid money network card last year. always do direct deposit if u can!!

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Javier Morales

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My brother just went through this exact situation last month. Old BoA card from 2021, got approved in 2025. They automatically send the Money Network card after first payment, took about 8 days to arrive. Keep checking your mailbox!

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Amina Toure

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That's good to hear! Did your brother have any issues activating the new card? I'm worried about more delays once it actually arrives.

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Emma Anderson

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I had the EXACT same question 2 months ago! EDD switched from Bank of America to Money Network for all unemployment benefits in July 2022. Your old card is basically useless now. Don't worry though - they automatically mail you the new Money Network card once your first payment is processed. BUT if you need the money quickly, I'd strongly recommend trying to get through to EDD on the phone to request an expedited card. Regular mail can take 7-10 business days which is forever when you need the money now. I was going crazy trying to get through on the phone until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they got me connected to an actual EDD rep in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. The rep was able to request expedited delivery of my card which arrived in 3 days instead of 10.

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Amina Toure

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Thank you so much for this info! I definitely need this money ASAP for rent. I've been trying to call EDD for the past two days with no luck - just constant busy signals or the 'too many callers' message. I'll check out that Claimyr service - at this point I'm desperate to talk to someone who can help expedite the card.

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Malik Thompson

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Actually you have another option too! If you REALLY need the money fast, you can call Money Network directly at 1-866-326-9052 and request an emergency cash transfer once your card has been mailed. They can transfer your benefits to almost any bank that's part of their network (most major banks). There's usually a small fee but it's worth it if you're in a bind. Just make sure you have your EDD customer account number and verification info ready.

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Javier Morales

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I tried this and it was a NIGHTMARE. Money Network kept telling me to talk to EDD, EDD kept telling me to talk to Money Network. Wasted 3 days getting nowhere. Just wait for the card or get someone on the phone who can actually help.

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the whole edd card system is a JOKE!!! ive been on unemployment 3 times since 2019 and every time its a different process!! first BofA was fine then they had all those fraud issues and now money network who barely has any atms where i live. i had to wait 13 days for my money network card earlier this year and when i called they just said 'be patient' like i dont have bills to pay!!

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FireflyDreams

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That's why I always recommend setting up direct deposit as soon as you activate your Money Network card. You can link your existing checking account through the UI Online portal by selecting "Payment Preferences." It takes 1-2 business days to verify your account, but then all future payments go straight to your bank with no card needed.

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Malik Thompson

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One more thing - when your Money Network card arrives, make sure to activate it immediately AND set up your PIN. I've seen many people delay activation and then face problems when they need to use the card. Also, keep the letter it comes with since it has your account info you'll need for setting up direct deposit later.

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Amina Toure

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Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely set it up right away once it comes. I just checked my mailbox again and nothing yet, but hopefully in the next few days. Really appreciate everyone's helpful advice!

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