Does NY unemployment send NetSpend cards for benefit payments?

New York unemployment offers two payment methods: direct deposit to your bank account or a KeyBank debit card (not NetSpend). If you didn't specifically select direct deposit during your application, they will automatically send you a KeyBank debit card by mail within 7-10 business days of your first payment approval. You can switch to direct deposit anytime by logging into your NY.gov account, going to unemployment services, and updating your payment preferences.

its not netspend its keybank. i got mine last year took about 2 weeks to come in the mail. just sit tight

The card comes with activation instructions. You'll need to call the number on the sticker on the front of the card and set up a PIN. Make sure you sign the back of the card too. You can use it anywhere that accepts debit cards or withdraw cash from ATMs (some fees may apply at certain ATMs though).

I had the WORST time with that KeyBank card last year. They sent it to my old address even though I updated my info, then when I finally got it, the ATM fees were ridiculous!!! I immediately set up direct deposit after the first payment. MUCH better option if you have a bank account.

u can set up direct deposit on ur ny.gov acct right now dont need to wait for the card

I think most people get their first payment on the card and then switch to direct deposit. That's what I did. The card is fine but direct deposit is faster usually by a day or two.

If you're having trouble getting into your account to set up direct deposit (which I highly recommend), I had the same issue in January. After trying for days to get through to someone on the phone, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with an agent. They got me through in about 20 minutes instead of spending hours on hold. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/Rdqa1gKtxuE - totally worth it to get the direct deposit set up correctly.

Just to clarify one more thing - even if you set up direct deposit today, if your first payment has already been processed, it will still go to the KeyBank card. Only subsequent payments will go to direct deposit. So don't be surprised if you still receive a card in the mail even after setting up direct deposit.

Just went through this process myself a few months ago! One tip I'd add - make sure your address is 100% correct in your NY.gov profile before they send the KeyBank card. I had to update mine because I moved recently and didn't want any delivery issues. Also, the KeyBank card works fine but there are some free ATM locations you can use - look for KeyBank or First Niagara ATMs to avoid fees. Direct deposit is definitely the smoother option once you get it set up though!

Another thing to keep in mind - if you do end up using the KeyBank card for a while, you can check your balance and transaction history online through their cardholder portal or by calling the customer service number on the back of the card. I found this really helpful for budgeting since unemployment payments come weekly. Also, if you ever have issues with the card (lost, stolen, damaged), KeyBank will rush you a replacement but it's good to have your account info written down somewhere safe just in case!

Just wanted to add my experience from last year - I initially got the KeyBank card but switched to direct deposit after about a month. The card worked fine, but I noticed my payments hit my bank account on Tuesdays with direct deposit versus Wednesday/Thursday with the card. That extra day or two really mattered when I was tight on money. Also, if you're planning to use the card at stores, some places might ask for ID since it's a government benefits card - totally normal but just wanted to give you a heads up so you're not caught off guard!