Need help getting new EDD Money Network debit card after approval - can't reach an agent
Just got approved for unemployment in 2025 (yay!) but I'm confused about getting my payments. The automated phone system told me my first payment was issued on 1/25, but then I got a letter saying my first week would be a "waiting period week" (not paid). I previously had unemployment during COVID with the old BofA card, but don't have it anymore. I know EDD switched to Money Network cards since then, but I can't find ANYWHERE on UI Online to request a new debit card. There's no option for payment preferences that I can see. I've called the main number like 20 times trying to talk to someone but keep getting the "we're experiencing high call volume" message. So frustrating! Does the Money Network card just automatically get mailed once the first payment is processed? Or am I supposed to request it somehow? Starting to worry about not being able to access my funds when they finally come through.
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QuantumLeap
The EDD automatically sends out a Money Network card for new claims - you don't have to request one. It typically takes 7-10 business days after your first payment is processed to arrive in the mail. And yes, your first week is the unpaid waiting period week (that's normal). If you want direct deposit instead of the card, you need to set that up on UI Online under "Payment Methods" after you log in. It's under the same section where you can see your payment history.
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Emma Wilson
•Thank you SO MUCH! That's a relief. I don't see the "Payment Methods" section you mentioned though... is it possible it only shows up after the first payment is actually processed?
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Malik Johnson
i got a new money network card last month it just showed up in mail like 8 days after my first payment was issued. you dont gotta do anything they send it auto
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Isabella Santos
Are you SURE you're looking in the right place on the website? The payment preferences should be there! I'm worried because when I had to get a replacement card it took 3 WEEKS to arrive and I couldn't access any of my money during that time!! The EDD system is a nightmare!!! 😫
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Emma Wilson
•I've checked everywhere! Under my home page, claim history, and contact info. Maybe it only appears after the waiting week is over? The system really is confusing.
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Ravi Sharma
The Payment Methods section only appears after your first payment has been issued (not the waiting week). Don't worry, they'll automatically send you the Money Network card. If you need to reach EDD urgently about this, I'd recommend trying Claimyr.com. I was having the same issue with getting through to EDD about my card last month and was about to give up. Their service connected me with an agent in about 20 minutes after I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km
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Freya Larsen
•is that service legit? seems sketchy to pay someone just to call edd for you
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Omar Hassan
Let me clarify some confusion I'm seeing in this thread: 1. The Money Network card is automatically mailed after your first PAYABLE week is processed (not the waiting week). It takes 7-10 business days to arrive. 2. The "Payment Methods" option appears on UI Online only AFTER your claim is fully established and you've certified for at least one week beyond the waiting week. 3. Once you have the option, you can choose between the Money Network card or direct deposit. 4. If you previously had a BofA card, that won't work - EDD switched to Money Network in 2022. The system is designed to automatically send you a card, so there's no action required on your part. Just keep certifying on time and watch your mail carefully as the card comes in a plain envelope that can look like junk mail.
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Emma Wilson
•Thank you for laying it out so clearly! I was getting confused with all the different information. I'll keep an eye out for the plain envelope - good to know it might look like junk mail.
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Chloe Taylor
Anyone else think it's ridiculous we can't just opt for direct deposit from the beginning? I went through this same headache last year and ended up with both a card AND direct deposit set up because the website is so confusing. Then I had some payments go to each method randomly! Make sure once you DO get the option that you clearly select your preference. Also when I got my Money Network card it took almost 2 full weeks after my first actual payment.
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Isabella Santos
•THIS!!! The EDD system is so outdated and frustrating! Why can't they just let us choose our payment method during the initial application?? Every other government benefit program allows this! 🤬
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QuantumLeap
One more thing to be aware of - when your Money Network card arrives, you MUST activate it through their specific activation process (phone or website). Even if you plan to switch to direct deposit later, you should still activate the card as soon as it arrives. If the card doesn't arrive within 10-12 business days after your first payment is processed, that's when you should contact EDD to check on its status. Sometimes the cards get lost in the mail or sent to old addresses.
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Emma Wilson
•Thanks for the tip about activation! My address is current with EDD so hopefully it arrives at the right place. I'll give it the full 10-12 business days before panicking.
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