Does NY unemployment send NetSpend cards for benefit payments?
I just got approved for NY unemployment benefits yesterday and I'm wondering how I'll actually get my money. Does NY unemployment automatically send you a NetSpend debit card to receive your payments? Or do I need to set up direct deposit somewhere in the system? This is my first time on unemployment and I want to make sure I don't miss any payments because I didn't set something up correctly. Really appreciate any help!
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CyberSamurai
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.
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Andre Dubois
•Thank you! I don't remember selecting anything about payment methods when I applied. So they'll just automatically send the KeyBank card? Do I need to activate it online or call somewhere when it arrives?
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Zoe Alexopoulos
its not netspend its keybank. i got mine last year took about 2 weeks to come in the mail. just sit tight
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Andre Dubois
•Thanks for clarifying! Did you have any issues activating the card when it arrived?
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Jamal Carter
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).
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Andre Dubois
•Perfect, thanks for the detailed info! I'll watch for it in the mail.
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Mei Liu
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.
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Andre Dubois
•Oh yikes, that sounds frustrating. I do have a checking account so maybe I should just set up direct deposit right away instead of waiting for the card.
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Zoe Alexopoulos
u can set up direct deposit on ur ny.gov acct right now dont need to wait for the card
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Liam O'Donnell
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.
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Amara Nwosu
•The direct deposit is DEFINITELY faster. With the card I was always checking to see if the money was there yet, with direct deposit I get a text from my bank as soon as it hits.
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AstroExplorer
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.
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Andre Dubois
•Thanks for the tip! I haven't had any issues getting into my account yet, but I'll keep this in mind if I run into problems. Setting up direct deposit sounds like the way to go based on everyone's comments.
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CyberSamurai
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.
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Andre Dubois
•That's really good to know! I'll go ahead and set up direct deposit right now, and will still keep an eye out for the card for that first payment. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information!
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