How to request paper checks instead of Money Network debit card for EDD unemployment benefits?

i think u need 2 call them. my cousin tried to do this online n couldnt figure it out either. he had 2 talk to a rep on the fone to get it changed.

You're not missing anything in your UI Online account - you can't select this option through the portal. The paper check option requires contacting EDD directly. According to their updated 2025 payment policy, you need to submit a specific form (DE 5113 - Payment Method Selection) to request paper checks. You can either: 1. Call the customer service line at 1-800-300-5616 and request this form be processed 2. Visit an EDD office in person to submit the request 3. Mail in the DE 5113 form (which you can download from their website under Forms) Just be aware that paper checks will take 7-10 business days to arrive after certification, compared to 2-3 days for direct deposit or the Money Network card. But if reliability is your priority, it might be worth the wait!

JUST FYI - I requested paper checks when I filed in January and STILL got sent a stupid Money Network card anyway!! Then when I called to complain they said I needed to ACTIVATE the card first before I could even request paper checks!!! What kind of backwards system is this??? Then after I activated it, I had to wait 10 business days before they could even process my request for paper checks. EDD is DELIBERATELY making this difficult because they probably get kickbacks from Money Network. The whole system is designed to FORCE you to use their card.

back in my day we all got paper checks and nobody complained!!!! now everybody wants everything instant and then cry when theres problems. paper checks always worked fine but now its all electronic this and direct deposit that.

I successfully switched to paper checks last month after the Money Network fiasco. Here's exactly what worked for me: 1. Download and complete form DE 5113 (Payment Method Selection) 2. Under section 2, check the box for "Paper Check" option 3. Include your claim ID and contact information clearly on the form 4. Make a copy of everything for your records 5. Submit the form in TWO ways: - Mail to the address listed on the form - Fax it to the EDD at 1-855-726-8980 (this speeds up processing) Then follow up with a phone call after 3-5 business days to confirm they received it. Request a confirmation number from the representative that your payment method change has been processed. The switch took effect after my next certification. Just be aware that your first payment after the switch might be delayed by 5-7 days compared to the card timeline. Hope this helps!

One important thing to note that others haven't mentioned: if you already have a Money Network card from a previous claim (even from 2-3 years ago), you MUST contact EDD before your first payment is processed. The system automatically defaults to your last payment method unless you proactively change it. Also, be aware that the paper check option does have some disadvantages: 1. Longer processing time (7-10 days vs. 1-3 for direct deposit) 2. Risk of mail theft or delivery issues 3. No automatic notification when issued (unlike the card or direct deposit) 4. Need to physically deposit or cash each check For many people, direct deposit to your own bank account might be the best compromise - faster than paper checks but without the Money Network card issues. You can set this up using the same DE 5113 form.

I used Claimyr last week to get through to EDD after trying for days on my own. Got connected to a rep in about 20 minutes who helped me switch to paper checks. Much better than spending hours getting disconnected! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

I work at a credit union and help members with unemployment payment issues regularly. Here's what you need to know about the different EDD payment methods in 2025: 1. Money Network Card: Default option, fastest delivery (1-3 days after certification), but most reported problems 2. Direct Deposit: Good alternative, funds arrive 2-4 days after certification, requires active bank account 3. Paper Checks: Most reliable but slowest option (7-10 days), requires submitting form DE 5113 If you're specifically concerned about the Money Network card issues, paper checks are indeed the safest option, though they take the longest. The most common problem we see with direct deposit is name mismatches between EDD records and bank accounts, which can cause payment holds. As others have mentioned, you'll need to submit the DE 5113 form to request paper checks. I recommend doing this before your first certification if possible, as changing payment methods mid-claim can sometimes cause delays.

did anyone tell u that u gotta make sure ur mailing adress is 100% up to date for paper checks??? my roomate moved and didnt update edd and his checks went to old adress and he had to wait like 3 weeks for replacements

I've been dealing with EDD payments for years and want to add something important that others haven't mentioned: if you're switching to paper checks, make sure to keep detailed records of when each check should arrive. Unlike the Money Network card or direct deposit, there's no online tracking for paper checks once they're mailed. I recommend creating a simple spreadsheet with your certification dates and expected check arrival dates (certification date + 7-10 business days). This way you'll know exactly when to follow up if a check doesn't arrive on time. Also, if you're in a rural area or somewhere with unreliable mail service, consider getting a PO Box specifically for your unemployment checks. It costs about $20-30 for 3 months but gives you peace of mind that your payments won't get lost or stolen from your mailbox. One last tip: when you fill out the DE 5113 form, write "PAPER CHECK REQUEST" in big letters at the top of the form. This helps ensure it gets routed to the right department quickly instead of sitting in a general inbox for days. Good luck with getting this sorted out - the extra wait time is definitely worth avoiding all the Money Network headaches!

Just wanted to update everyone - I successfully got switched to paper checks! I followed @Sophia Nguyen's advice exactly: downloaded the DE 5113 form, filled it out completely, and both mailed AND faxed it to EDD. I also wrote "PAPER CHECK REQUEST" in big letters at the top like @Andre Laurent suggested. Called 3 business days later and got through to a rep who confirmed they received both copies and processed my request immediately. My first paper check arrived exactly 8 days after certification - right in the middle of the 7-10 day window they quoted. For anyone else considering this route: yes, it takes longer than the card, but the peace of mind is totally worth it. No frozen accounts, no activation issues, no transfer fees - just a reliable check in my mailbox that I can deposit at my own bank. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and practical tips. This community is incredibly helpful! 🙏

I'm going through the exact same situation right now! Just filed my claim last week and was shocked that there's no obvious way to select paper checks in the UI Online portal. After reading through all these responses, I'm convinced that submitting the DE 5113 form is the way to go. One question for those who've successfully made the switch: how long after submitting the form did it take before EDD confirmed the change was processed? I'm worried about timing this right so my first payment doesn't get stuck in limbo between the card system and paper check system. Also, has anyone had success requesting paper checks if you already have an old Money Network card from a previous claim? I'm wondering if having that card on file makes the process more complicated. Thanks for all the detailed advice in this thread - you've all saved me hours of frustration trying to figure this out on my own!