Money Network Card unexpectedly frozen - can't access EDD funds for rent due tomorrow

omg this happened to me last month!! so stressful. mine got frozen because i tried to use it at a gas station pump and it flagged as suspicious activity. had to call like 20 times b4 i got through

Check if you got any correspondence in your EDD UI Online account. Sometimes they freeze cards if there's an identity verification issue or suspected fraud, but they usually notify you through UI Online, not email. Log in and check your inbox there first.

The exact same thing happened to my wife!! Her card got frozen with no warning after she made a large withdrawal. Turns out she tried to use it at 3 ATMs in one day (because the first 2 were out of cash) and their system flagged it as suspicious. The Money Network fraud dept is separate from EDD - you need to talk to Money Network directly, not EDD.

There are a few common reasons why Money Network cards get frozen: 1. Multiple failed PIN attempts 2. Suspicious activity (multiple withdrawals in different locations) 3. Using the card at certain merchants they flag as high-risk 4. EDD requested a freeze due to claim issues For #1-3, you need to contact Money Network directly at 1-866-320-8699. For #4, you need to contact EDD. Money Network is notoriously difficult to reach. Their automated system will keep asking for information from your card, but since your card is frozen, some of the verification steps might fail. I suggest trying to reach them right when they open at 8 AM for the shortest wait time. When you get the menu, try pressing 0 repeatedly - sometimes this will get you to a representative faster.

money network is THE WORST!!!! been on unemployment for 3 months and had nothing but problems with them. my card got frozen twice for no reason, then they sent a replacement to the wrong address. i hate them with a burning passion lol

After dealing with a similar frozen Money Network card issue last month, I discovered Claimyr and it was a game changer. Instead of calling for hours, I used their service (claimyr.com) and got connected to a live rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The Money Network rep was able to verify my identity and unfreeze my card during that call. Saved me days of stress. Just sharing because I know how desperate it feels when you need to access your benefits and can't get through.

I work in banking (not for EDD or Money Network) and see these issues frequently. Some additional tips that might help: 1. When your Money Network card gets frozen, there's typically a 48-hour automatic review period even if you don't reach anyone. 2. If you need emergency access to funds for rent, you can request an emergency release by specifically using the phrase "financial hardship exemption" when you speak to a rep. 3. Bring your Money Network card AND your EDD award letter to your local Bank of America branch. While they can't unfreeze your card, in some cases they can facilitate a one-time emergency cash withdrawal with proper identification and documentation. 4. Document every call attempt (date, time, reference numbers). This will help if you need to file a complaint later. Also, once this is resolved, I strongly recommend setting up direct deposit for future payments. Money Network has been problematic for many claimants.

My roomate had something identical happen last year with his EDD Money Network card. The really weird part was that after trying for days to contact someone, his card just unfroze by itself on the 3rd day with no explanation. Not sure if that helps, but maybe there's some automated system that releases the hold after a certain time period?

UPDATE: I finally got through to Money Network! Called right at 8am and only waited about 25 minutes. Turns out my card was frozen because I tried to make withdrawals at multiple ATMs in one day (exactly what someone here suggested). The rep verified my identity and unfroze my card immediately. I've already set up direct deposit through UI Online for future payments. Thanks everyone for your suggestions and support - this community is amazing!