PA UC direct deposit suddenly switched to debit card with new claim - how to change back?

This happens every time you start a new benefit year. When your previous claim expires and you file a new application, the system defaults back to the debit card option. You'll need to re-enter your direct deposit information. Log into your PA UC account, go to 'Payment Information' under 'My Benefits Plan' and select 'Update Payment Type.' You'll need your bank routing and account numbers handy to switch back to direct deposit.

same thing happend to me last winter! so annoying they make u redo everything when u file a new claim. the direct deposit option isnt obvious to find either

I had this problem and called to fix it - sat on hold FOR THREE HOURS before getting disconnected. Then I tried using the claimyr.com service which got me through to an agent in like 20 minutes! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. The agent confirmed new claims always default to debit card and helped me switch back to direct deposit. Worth it instead of waiting on hold all day.

I've worked seasonally in landscaping for 9 years and THIS HAPPENS EVERY SINGLE TIME with PA unemployment!!! The system ALWAYS defaults to that stupid card when you file a new claim even if you've used direct deposit for years!! It's like the system has amnesia every time you start a new benefit year. The worst part is they don't even tell you clearly that it resets! One year I didn't catch it and ended up waiting 3 weeks for a debit card I didn't want that got lost in the mail. THE ENTIRE SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE REBUILT FROM SCRATCH!!!

Just wanted to update - I found the option to change to direct deposit but it says that the change won't take effect for 2-3 business days. My first payment will go to the debit card (which I haven't received yet). Rep said they'd be sending a new card that should arrive in 7-10 days. Wish they would've explained this when I reopened my claim! Thanks for all the help everyone.

i hate that stupid money network card so much. they charge u fees for everything! last year i lost mine and they charged $5 to replace it can u believe that??

The direct deposit thing happened to me too, but I had a different issue after switching it back. Their system showed I'd updated to direct deposit but my first two payments still went to the card! Make sure you call and confirm the change actually processed properly in their system even if the website shows it's updated.

This is such a common issue with PA UC! I work in construction and deal with seasonal layoffs every year - the system ALWAYS resets your payment method when you file a new claim. It's like they want to make it as difficult as possible. One thing I learned is to check your payment settings immediately after filing your new claim each year, because they won't remind you that it defaulted back to the card. Also, even after you switch to direct deposit, keep an eye on your first few payments to make sure they're actually going to your bank account and not the card. The system can be glitchy about actually implementing the change.

Had the exact same thing happen when I filed my new claim in January! It's so frustrating that PA UC doesn't warn you about this when you're reopening a seasonal claim. I've been doing the winter layoff cycle for 6 years and every single time I forget to check the payment method and end up scrambling to switch it back. Pro tip for next year - as soon as you submit your new claim, go straight to the payment settings and update it to direct deposit before you even do your first weekly certification. Saves you from having to deal with that debit card at all. The whole system really needs an overhaul - why can't it remember our preferences from previous claims?

This exact thing happened to me when I filed my seasonal claim in February! Been doing the winter layoff thing for construction work for about 4 years now and EVERY single time they reset it to that debit card. What's really annoying is they don't even mention it during the application process - you just find out when you check your payment status later. I've learned to immediately go update my payment method as soon as I submit the new claim. Also heads up - even after you switch it back to direct deposit, double check that your bank routing number didn't get scrambled. One year they somehow changed one digit in my routing number and my payment got rejected, had to wait another week to fix it. The whole PA UC system feels like it was designed to create as many headaches as possible!

This is so frustrating but unfortunately completely normal with PA UC! I'm a seasonal worker too (landscaping) and this happens EVERY year when I file my new claim. The system has no memory of your previous payment preferences - it's like starting from scratch each time. Here's what I've learned: 1) Change your payment method to direct deposit IMMEDIATELY after filing your new claim, don't wait. 2) Take screenshots of everything for your records. 3) Your first payment will still go to the debit card since the change takes a few days to process. 4) Even after switching, monitor your first few payments to make sure they actually go to your bank account - I've had the system glitch and revert back to the card. It's a poorly designed system that creates unnecessary stress for seasonal workers who rely on it every year. Hang in there!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Just filed my seasonal claim last week after my landscaping job ended for the winter, and was so confused when I saw it defaulted to the debit card. I've been collecting UC during off-seasons for 3 years and always used direct deposit before. It's really frustrating that they don't explain this anywhere in the application process - I only found out when I logged back in to check my claim status. Going to update my payment method tonight based on everyone's advice here. Really wish PA would fix this system to remember our preferences from previous claims instead of making us jump through these hoops every single year!

This is such a widespread issue that affects so many seasonal workers! I'm a roofer and have been dealing with this same frustrating cycle for 5 years now. What really gets me is that PA UC obviously knows most of their seasonal claimants prefer direct deposit since we've been using it for years, but they still force us to re-enter everything every single time we file a new claim. It's like they designed the system to be as inconvenient as possible. For anyone reading this who's new to seasonal unemployment - bookmark this thread! The advice here is gold. And seriously, PA needs to invest in updating this ancient system. Other states have figured out how to remember user preferences - why can't we?