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Javier Morales

PA UC payment shows transaction number but Money Network card still has $0 balance - normal delay?

I'm back on unemployment after nearly 5 years and completely confused about the payment process now. My claim is active and I already served my waiting week. I filed my weekly claim last Sunday, and when I check online it shows a payment date (this past Friday) with a transaction number assigned. Great news, right? Except there's still absolutely nothing on my Money Network card - showing $0 balance when I check online. Back in 2020 I had direct deposit to my bank account, but this time around they automatically sent me this card instead. The online portal definitely shows the payment was processed and sent to the card, not my bank. Is this normal? Does it typically take several business days after the "payment date" for funds to actually show up on these cards? Starting to get a bit worried since rent is due soon. Any insights from folks who use the Money Network card would be really appreciated!

Emma Davis

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yeah dont worry its normal, takes like 2-3 business days after the payment date to actually hit the card. happened to me too

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Thanks for the quick response! That's a relief to hear. So I shouldn't start panicking until midweek probably?

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GalaxyGlider

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The Money Network card typically takes 1-3 business days after the payment date to receive the funds. Since your payment date was Friday, you should see it by Tuesday at the latest. Sometimes the weekend delays things a bit. One thing to note - have you activated your card yet? You need to call the number on the card and set up a PIN before you can access funds or check the balance correctly through their system.

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I did activate it when it first arrived about 2 weeks ago. I set up the PIN and registered for the online account too, which is how I can see it's still at $0. Good to know this timeline is normal though!

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You can always switch back to direct deposit if you want!!! Go to your dashboard and click on payment method and change it. I HATE that stupid card, they charge fees for everything!

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Oh really? I thought the card was mandatory now. Definitely going to look into switching back to direct deposit - thanks for the tip!

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I got so frustrated with those Money Network cards!!! My payment would show processed but then take FOREVER to actually get on the card. Then one time the ATM ate my card and I had to wait 2 weeks for a new one while my money was just sitting there! The UC system is such garbage these days.

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This is why I always transfer the funds from the card to my bank account as soon as they hit. You can do this through the Money Network app or website for free. Much safer than relying on the card or ATMs.

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If your payment doesn't show up by Wednesday, you should try contacting UC directly. The Money Network card system is separate from PA UC, so if the system shows a payment was issued but it's not appearing on your card after 3 business days, there could be a technical issue that needs addressing. If you need to reach the UC service center, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it helped me get through when I had a similar issue with my card not receiving payments. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 In my experience, payments posted on Friday usually appear by Tuesday at the latest. The system doesn't process anything over weekends, so that's likely the delay you're experiencing.

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Thanks for the detailed advice! I'll definitely give it until Wednesday before panicking. And thanks for the Claimyr tip - bookmarking that site in case I need it. The UC phone system is definitely worse than I remember from years ago.

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Omar Farouk

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wait u can still do direct deposit? when i filed in january they told me the card was the only option now. has this changed?

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GalaxyGlider

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Yes, direct deposit is still available. There was a brief period in early 2025 when the system was transitioning and some representatives incorrectly told claimants the card was the only option. Log into your dashboard, go to "Payment Information" and you should see the option to switch to direct deposit. You'll need your account and routing numbers ready.

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UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know the money showed up on my card this morning (Monday)! So it took exactly one business day after the payment date. Going to switch to direct deposit now though - thanks everyone for your help!

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Emma Davis

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nice! glad it worked out

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CosmicCruiser

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Glad to hear it worked out for you! That's actually pretty fast - one business day is on the quicker side. Smart move switching to direct deposit though. I made the switch last year and it's so much more reliable. No more worrying about card issues or fees, and the money hits your account the same day as the payment date usually. Hope your claim continues to go smoothly!

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Ellie Perry

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That's great to hear! I'm actually new to this whole UC system and was wondering - when you switch to direct deposit, does it take effect immediately for the next payment or is there a delay? I'm considering making the switch too but don't want to miss a payment cycle if there's a waiting period.

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