How long does it take for EDD Money Network debit card to arrive after approval?
I just got my unemployment claim approved last week (finally!) and I'm wondering how long it'll take to actually get my Money Network debit card in the mail? This is my first time on unemployment and I've already certified for 2 weeks but haven't received the card yet. My UI Online account shows payments as 'paid' but obviously I can't access the money without the card. Should I be worried that it's lost in the mail or is this normal? I really need this money ASAP for rent due next week. Can I track the card shipment somewhere?
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Ethan Moore
The Money Network debit card typically takes 7-10 business days to arrive after your first payment is issued. Since you just got approved last week and have certified, it's still within the normal timeframe. I wouldn't worry yet. You can't track the card shipment, unfortunately, but if it doesn't arrive within 10-12 business days, you should contact Bank of America to request a replacement card. Be prepared for a long wait time though.
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Aisha Ali
•Thank you! That's a relief. I'll give it until the end of next week then. Do you know if there's a way to get the money faster once I do receive the card? Can I transfer it immediately to my personal bank account?
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Yuki Nakamura
OMG the EDD card system is SUCH a disaster!! Mine took almost 3 WEEKS to show up last year and I was literally about to be evicted!! Called BofA like 5 times and they kept saying "it's in the mail" but couldn't tell me anything else. The whole system is designed to make us suffer I swear.
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Aisha Ali
•3 weeks?? That's terrifying! I can't wait that long. Did calling BofA actually help speed things up or did you just have to wait it out?
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Yuki Nakamura
•Nope calling did NOTHING. They wouldn't even expedite a replacement until the full 10 days had passed. And then when it finally arrived they had my name slightly misspelled even though EDD had it correct!!! The whole thing is a nightmare.
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StarSurfer
mine came in like 5 days but my roomate took 2 weeks so i think it depends on where u live maybe
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Carmen Reyes
If you need to reach EDD quickly about your card status or to request expedited delivery, use Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in the same boat waiting for my card, kept getting the "max callers reached" message when calling EDD directly. Claimyr got me through to a live agent in about 20 minutes who confirmed my card was issued and gave me the exact date it was mailed. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km
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Aisha Ali
•Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely check this out if my card doesn't arrive by next Tuesday. Did the agent tell you anything about expediting the delivery once they confirmed it was sent?
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Carmen Reyes
•Yes, the agent told me that once the card is already in the mail, they can't expedite that specific card, but they can flag your account for an expedited replacement if needed. The important thing was knowing exactly when it was mailed so I could better plan my finances.
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Andre Moreau
When I was on unemployment last year, I found out you can actually set up direct deposit for EDD payments instead of using the Money Network card. It's much faster once you set it up! You need to go to your UI Online account and look for the direct deposit option. I think it's under payment preferences or something. That way you don't have to worry about the card or transferring funds.
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Ethan Moore
•This is correct, but there's one important detail to note - you still need to receive and activate your Money Network card first before you can set up direct deposit. So unfortunately, the OP still needs to wait for that initial card to arrive even if they plan to use direct deposit long-term.
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Zoe Christodoulou
just wondering has anyone had their card come and then had trouble activating it? im in the same boat waiting for mine
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Aisha Ali
•I haven't gotten to that stage yet, but now I'm worried about activation issues too!
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Ethan Moore
•Activation is usually straightforward through the phone number on the card sticker. The most common issue is people trying to create a Bank of America online account before activating the physical card. Always activate the card first by calling the number, then set up online access separately after that.
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Jamal Thompson
If ur payments show PAID then the card is definitely coming! My advice is to sign up for USPS informed delivery (it's free) so u can see when it's coming in ur mail. That's how I knew exactly when mine would arrive.
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Aisha Ali
•That's brilliant! I didn't even think about using Informed Delivery to track it. Just signed up for that service - thanks for the great tip!
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Carmen Reyes
Just wanted to update - my card arrived today, exactly 8 business days after my first payment was issued. Once I got it, I called the activation number, set up my PIN, and was able to immediately transfer funds to my personal bank account (though it will take 1-2 days to complete the transfer). Thanks everyone for the help and keeping me sane during the wait!
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Ethan Moore
•Great news! Glad it arrived in a reasonable timeframe. For future reference, you can also use the BofA Prepaid Card app to manage your Money Network card, see transaction history, and set up transfers. It's actually much more user-friendly than their website.
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Yuki Nakamura
•lucky you!!! glad it worked out, at least the system worked for someone lol
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