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Finley Garrett

PA UC direct deposit date - payment on the 13th but when will I see money? Can I use CashApp?

So my UC payment date shows the 13th (this Friday) but I'm trying to figure out when the money will actually hit my bank. This is my first time on unemployment and my rent is due next week. Also, I don't have a regular bank account right now - can I use CashApp to receive my unemployment benefits? The Money Network card option is taking forever and I need access to my funds ASAP. Has anyone successfully used CashApp or other similar apps for PA unemployment payments?

Madison Tipne

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PA Unemployment deposits typically hit your account 1-2 business days after the payment date. So if your payment date is Friday the 13th, you'll likely see it Monday or Tuesday of next week. As for CashApp - no, you can't use it directly. PA UC only deposits to traditional bank accounts or the Money Network card. I tried setting up Venmo for mine last year and it didn't work. You need either a regular checking/savings account or the state-issued Money Network card.

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Ugh seriously?? That's so frustrating. My old bank account is closed and Money Network is taking forever. Do you know if I can use Chime or any online banks?

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i got my benefits on cashapp last month worked fine for me

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Malia Ponder

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This is actually incorrect information. The Pennsylvania UC system doesn't allow deposits to CashApp accounts, only to traditional banking accounts or the Money Network card. If you received funds in CashApp, you likely transferred them there from another account after receiving your benefit payment.

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Kyle Wallace

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So I've been on UC since December and can tell you EXACTLY how this works. The payment date is when they process it, not when you get it. With direct deposit, it's usually 2 business days after the date shown. HOWEVER!!!! If this is your first payment, it can take longer - sometimes up to 5-7 business days because they're verifying everything. Also, regarding CashApp - DON'T DO IT! PA UC won't deposit directly to CashApp, Cash App, Venmo, or any of those payment apps. You need either a traditional bank account (checking/savings) OR the Money Network debit card they issue. If you need to reach someone at UC to discuss options (like expediting your Money Network card), I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually get through to an agent instead of hitting busy signals for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 - I was skeptical but it saved me hours of frustration when I had a payment issue.

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Thanks for the detailed info! Wait times are ridiculous right now. I'll check out that Claimyr thing. Does PA UC accept online banks like Chime or Ally? I might be able to set one of those up quickly.

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Ryder Ross

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The whole UC payment system is designed to make you wait as long as possible!!! I swear they hold onto our money on purpose to collect interest or something. My payment date is always Tuesday but I don't see a penny until Friday EVERY SINGLE WEEK. And don't even get me started on their stupid Money Network card - took 3 WEEKS to arrive after I requested it. The whole system is broken.

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same here man its like they dont even care that people have bills due

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Malia Ponder

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To answer your questions accurately: 1) Payment timing: The payment date shown is the processing date. With direct deposit, funds typically arrive 1-2 business days later for established claims. First payments can take 3-4 business days. 2) Payment methods: PA UC only deposits to either traditional bank accounts or the Money Network debit card. This includes most online banks with proper routing and account numbers (Chime, Ally, Capital One, etc.). However, payment apps without proper banking information (like CashApp, Venmo, PayPal) are NOT accepted for direct deposit. 3) Money Network card: If you've already requested this card, you can call Money Network directly at 888-233-5916 to check the status or request expedited shipping (there may be a fee). 4) Alternative: If you need a quick solution, many online banks can provide immediate account numbers upon approval. Chime, Varo, and Capital One offer quick setup that would work with PA UC direct deposit.

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Thank you! This is super helpful. I'll see if I can get set up with Chime today since they advertise immediate account numbers. Hopefully I can update my direct deposit info before Friday's payment processes.

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Henry Delgado

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my UC always shows up exactly 2 days after the payment date. never had any issues with it. i use PNC bank if that helps

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Thanks! I'm trying to figure out if I should just go open a regular bank account tomorrow. Might be the fastest option at this point.

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dont they give u a reliacard or something like that? thats what i got last time i was on UC

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Madison Tipne

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They switched from ReliaCard to Money Network cards in 2023. The system works basically the same, but it's a different provider now.

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UPDATE: I went to a local credit union this morning and opened a basic checking account. They gave me the routing and account number right away, so I was able to update my direct deposit info on the PA UC site. The rep at the credit union said they often help people with unemployment deposits and that I should see the funds 1-2 days after the payment date. Thanks everyone for your help!

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Malia Ponder

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That's excellent! Credit unions are often very good about providing immediate account access. Make sure your direct deposit change was confirmed in the system - sometimes changes take a payment cycle to process. If Friday's payment was already being processed before you made the change, it might still try to go to your previous payment method.

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Glad to hear you got the credit union account set up! Just wanted to add that if you're ever in a bind waiting for payments in the future, some credit unions and banks offer "early direct deposit" where they'll release unemployment funds as soon as they receive the ACH notification (sometimes a day or two before the official payment date). Worth asking about when you go in. Also, keep that Money Network card request active as a backup - it's always good to have multiple options in case there are any issues with your primary account.

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Yuki Tanaka

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That's really good advice about the early direct deposit feature! I had no idea that was even a thing. I'll definitely ask my credit union about that when I go back. And yeah, I'm keeping the Money Network card request active just in case - seems like having a backup is smart with how unpredictable the UC system can be. Thanks for the tip!

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Andre Dupont

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Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been navigating PA UC for a while now. Credit unions are definitely the way to go - they're usually much more helpful with unemployment situations than big banks. One thing I learned the hard way: always keep screenshots of your payment dates and direct deposit info updates in the UC system. Sometimes there are glitches where payments get delayed or sent to old accounts, and having that documentation helps when you need to call and sort things out. Also, if you're ever between payment methods again, some food banks and emergency assistance programs can help bridge the gap while you're waiting for funds to clear. Good luck with everything!

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Yara Haddad

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This is really solid advice! I wish I had known about keeping screenshots from the beginning. I've already run into one small issue where the system showed my payment date differently than what I remembered, so having that documentation would have been helpful. The food bank suggestion is great too - I was so focused on figuring out the banking situation that I didn't even think about other resources that might be available while waiting for payments to process. Thanks for sharing your experience!

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Yara Campbell

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Just want to add my experience since I went through this exact situation last year! When I first applied for PA UC, I was in panic mode about getting my payments set up quickly. I initially tried to use my old Venmo debit card info thinking it would work (spoiler: it didn't). What saved me was going to a local community bank and explaining my situation - they were super understanding and got me set up with a basic checking account in about 20 minutes. The banker even called PA UC with me to make sure the routing number was entered correctly in their system. Also, pro tip: if you're really strapped for cash while waiting, check if your county has emergency rent assistance programs. Mine had a program specifically for people waiting on unemployment benefits to kick in. It's not much, but it can help cover utilities or groceries while you're waiting for everything to process. Hang in there - the first payment is always the most stressful, but once you're in the system it gets much more predictable!

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Yuki Watanabe

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This is such great advice, especially about community banks being understanding! I'm actually dealing with a similar situation right now - just filed my first claim and I'm stressed about the timing. The emergency rent assistance tip is gold - I had no idea that was even available. Did you have to show proof that you were waiting on UC benefits, or was it pretty straightforward to apply for that emergency assistance? Also, having the banker call PA UC with you sounds incredibly helpful. I might try that approach when I go to set up my account. Thanks for sharing your experience - it's reassuring to know others have been through this same panic and made it work!

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Serene Snow

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I went through this exact same situation when I first applied! The waiting and uncertainty is so stressful, especially when rent is due. A few things that helped me: First, definitely go with a traditional bank or credit union like others suggested - online banks like Chime work too, but make sure they give you the routing/account numbers immediately. Second, call the Money Network customer service line (888-233-5916) and ask about expedited shipping for your card - there's usually a small fee but it can cut the wait time significantly. Third, while you're waiting, check with your local 211 service (just dial 2-1-1) - they can connect you with emergency assistance programs in your area. Many counties have specific help for people waiting on unemployment benefits to start. The anticipation is the worst part, but once your first payment goes through, the timing becomes much more predictable. You've got this!

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NeonNova

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This is incredibly helpful - thank you for breaking it down so clearly! I didn't know about the 2-1-1 service at all. That sounds like such a valuable resource for situations like this. I'm definitely going to call Money Network about expedited shipping too. It's reassuring to hear from so many people who've been through this exact situation. The waiting really is the hardest part, especially when you're trying to plan around bills and rent. I feel much more confident about my options now thanks to everyone sharing their experiences here!

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Been through this exact situation! The timing can be nerve-wracking when you're waiting on that first payment. Since you got the credit union account set up, you should be in good shape - they're usually really reliable for UC deposits. Just keep in mind that if you updated your direct deposit info after they already started processing Friday's payment, this week's deposit might still try to go to whatever method you had before (or get delayed while they sort it out). The good news is that once you get past this first payment hurdle, the timing becomes super predictable. Also, definitely keep that Money Network card request active as a backup - even though it's taking forever, it's nice to have as a safety net. And don't stress too much about the 1-2 day delay after the payment date - that's totally normal even for people who've been on UC for months. The system just needs that processing time to push the money through!

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