How long after first certification until EDD Money Network card arrives?
Hey everyone! I'm helping my wife navigate the EDD process and we're a bit confused about the timeline. She filed her initial claim on June 3rd and just completed her first certification last Sunday. Her UI Online account shows the payment as 'paid' for $547, but we haven't received any Money Network card in the mail yet. How long does it typically take for the card to arrive after your first certification? We're getting a bit anxious since rent is due next week and we were counting on this payment. Also, is there any way to check if the card has been sent out? Thanks in advance for any info!
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Kyle Wallace
The EDD Money Network debit card usually arrives 7-10 business days after your first payment is processed as 'paid' in the system. Sometimes it can take up to 14 days, especially with current mail delays. You can't really track it, but if it doesn't arrive within two weeks, you should call Money Network directly at 866-692-9374 to check on the status. The good news is that once you get the card, all your payments will already be loaded on it, including that $547 you mentioned.
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Malia Ponder
•Thank you so much! That's a relief to hear. We were worried something went wrong since we didn't get any confirmation email about the card being sent. Do you know if we can set up direct deposit before receiving the card? Or do we have to wait until it arrives?
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Ryder Ross
mine took 12 whole days to come last month... was so nervous the entire time lol. but once it arrived everything was fine! dont worry too much
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Gianni Serpent
•12 days?? I'm on day 18 waiting for my card and still nothing!!! Called Money Network twice and they keep saying it's been mailed but can't give me any tracking. This system is COMPLETELY BROKEN. Making people wait weeks for money they need for basic necessities is cruel! I've been calling EDD for days and can't get through to ask for a replacement. About to lose my mind!!!
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Henry Delgado
Just want to add that if you're really in a tight spot with rent, you can call Money Network and request an expedited replacement card for a fee (I think it's like $10). Even though you haven't received your first card yet, they might be able to help. Worth asking! Also, once you get the card, IMMEDIATELY set up direct deposit through the Money Network website or app - it'll save you so much stress for future payments.
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Malia Ponder
•That's really good to know about the expedited option! We might wait a few more days and then try that if nothing shows up. And definitely planning to set up direct deposit right away. Thanks for the tips!
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Olivia Kay
what kinda certification did ur wife have to do? i just applied last week and im so confused about the whole process...do i have to wait for them to approve my application first before i can even start certifying??? nobody explains this stuff clearly!!
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Kyle Wallace
•Yes, your claim needs to be approved first before you can certify. You'll receive a notice in UI Online and by mail when it's time to certify. Typically you certify every two weeks for the previous two-week period. Each certification covers your work status, any income, and whether you were able and available to work during that period.
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Joshua Hellan
After struggling for WEEKS trying to reach EDD about my missing card (and other issues), I finally found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual EDD representative in less than 20 minutes. I was about to give up after hundreds of calls getting the "too many callers" message. You can see how it works at claimyr.com - they have a video showing the process: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The rep I spoke with was able to check my card status and even helped with a separate issue about my certification. Just sharing in case anyone else is stuck in the endless phone loop!
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Jibriel Kohn
•I've used Claimyr too when my account got locked after ID verification. Definitely beats spending all day dialing and redialing! But just FYI for anyone with card issues specifically - you often need to contact Money Network directly rather than EDD. EDD handles your claim and payments, but Money Network handles the actual card distribution and replacement. Always try the Money Network number first (866-692-9374) for card-related problems.
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Henry Delgado
Just to clarify some misinformation I'm seeing in the comments: The standard timeframe for receiving your first EDD debit card is 7-10 business days after your first payment shows as 'paid' in UI Online. Here's the complete process: 1. File initial claim 2. Receive approval (typically 1-3 weeks) 3. Complete first certification 4. Payment shows as 'paid' in UI Online (1-2 days after certification) 5. Card is mailed out (usually same day payment shows as 'paid') 6. Card arrives 7-10 business days later If your card hasn't arrived after 10 business days, call Money Network at 866-692-9374. They can verify if the card was mailed and its status. They can also expedite a replacement for a fee.
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Malia Ponder
•This timeline is really helpful, thank you! We're currently at step 5, so sounds like we should expect the card sometime next week. Really appreciate the detailed breakdown.
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Ryder Ross
make sure ur address is correct in ur UI online account!! my cousin never got his card and it turned out he had an old apartment number. when he finally fixed it they sent a new one but it took forever
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Olivia Kay
•omg this happened to me too!!! i moved like 6 months ago and completely forgot to update my address when i applied. had to call like 50 times to get it fixed. what a nightmare!!!
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Gianni Serpent
The REAL question is why in 2025 is EDD still using physical debit cards as their primary payment method?! Every other state has moved to direct deposit as the default option. California makes you wait for a physical card, activate it, THEN set up direct deposit. It's ridiculous and causes needless delays for people who desperately need their benefits. Just another example of how outdated and inefficient our unemployment system is.
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Kyle Wallace
•You're absolutely right. The system definitely needs modernization. However, I believe they've announced plans to transition to a direct deposit default option by the end of the year. For now, though, everyone still has to go through the card process first.
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Malia Ponder
UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know our card arrived today! It took exactly 9 business days from when the payment showed as 'paid' in the system. Everything was correct and the full amount was on the card. We've already set up direct deposit for future payments through the Money Network website. Thanks to everyone for your helpful advice and support!
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Ryder Ross
•yay!! so glad it came through for you guys! the first one is always the most stressful cuz you don't know what to expect.
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Sofía Rodríguez
Congrats on getting your card! That 9-day timeline matches what I experienced too. For anyone still waiting, one thing I wish I'd known is that you can actually call Money Network and ask them to send you a text notification when your card ships - they don't advertise this feature but it's available. Just call 866-692-9374 and ask them to add SMS alerts to your account. It would have saved me a lot of stress checking the mailbox every day! Also, once you activate the card, download their app right away - it's way easier to manage than the website.
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