How long to receive ESD debit card after choosing that payment option?
I just filed for unemployment last week and selected the debit card option (instead of direct deposit) during the application process. Now I'm wondering how long it typically takes for the card to arrive in the mail? My bills are coming due soon and I need to plan accordingly. Has anyone gone this route recently? Also, once I get the card, do future payments just automatically load onto it, or do I need to do something additional each week? This is my first time on unemployment and the ESD website isn't very clear about the timeline.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
Mine took about 10-12 days to arrive after I got my first payment approval. The waiting was stressful bc i needed that money ASAP! Once you have it though the weekly payments just automatically load onto it when approved.
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Oliver Schulz
•Thanks for the info! 10-12 days is longer than I was hoping for. Did you get any kind of notification when it was mailed out?
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AstroAdventurer
The ESD debit card (US Bank ReliaCard) typically takes 7-10 business days to arrive after your first payment is approved - not after you apply. Important distinction. Your first payment won't be issued until after you've filed your first weekly claim AND that claim has been approved. Once you receive the card, all future payments are automatically loaded within 2 business days of weekly claim approval. I'd recommend switching to direct deposit if you need funds faster in the future.
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Oliver Schulz
•Oh! So it's after the first payment approval, not right after applying. That makes more sense. Maybe I should switch to direct deposit - can I do that even though I already selected the card option?
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AstroAdventurer
•Yes, you can change your payment method anytime through your ESD account. Log in, go to your profile settings, and look for "Payment Options" or similar. Changes usually take effect for the next payment cycle. Direct deposit typically arrives 1-2 business days after approval.
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Javier Mendoza
i waited FOREVER for that stupid card!!!! almost 3 weeks and no one at ESD could even tell me if it was sent out! kept telling me "it's coming" but my landlord wasn't accepting that as rent payment lol. The whole system is a JOKE. When i finally got it the activation process was annoying too - had to call some separate bank number.
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Emma Wilson
•same here! took over 2 weeks and then my name was misspelled on it so i had to request a new one 🤦♀️
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Malik Davis
I went through this in January 2025. Here's the exact timeline I experienced: 1. Filed initial claim: January 3 2. First weekly claim approved: January 10 3. Card shipped notification (via online message center): January 12 4. Card arrived: January 19 So about 9 business days from approval to arrival. One tip - you can check your ESD message center for the notification that your card has been mailed. Also, once you have the card, download the US Bank ReliaCard app - it lets you see when payments post and transfer money to your personal bank account if needed.
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Oliver Schulz
•This is super helpful, thank you! I didn't realize there would be a notification in the message center when it ships. I'll keep an eye out for that.
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Isabella Santos
If you need to reach ESD urgently about your debit card status, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was also waiting forever for my card and couldn't get through on the regular ESD line. Claimyr got me connected to an actual ESD rep within 20 minutes who confirmed my card had been sent. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Much better than spending days trying to get through on your own.
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Ravi Gupta
•is this a legit service? seems sketchy to use a third party when dealing with unemployment
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Isabella Santos
•It's legitimate - they don't access your ESD account, they just help connect your call to an ESD agent. I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for days to get through. They basically navigate the phone system and wait on hold for you.
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Emma Wilson
yea i remeber it took like 2 weeks for me... the annoying thing is they dont let u know when they mail it. also make sure u keep the envelope it comes in! has ur activation instructions. i threw mine out accidentally had to figure it out from their website lol
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Oliver Schulz
•That's a good tip about keeping the envelope! I probably would have thrown it away too without thinking about it.
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Malik Davis
One additional detail I forgot to mention - after you receive the ReliaCard, you'll need to create an online account with US Bank to manage it. This is separate from your ESD account. You'll be able to check your balance, set up alerts for deposits, and even transfer money from the card to your personal bank account (which many people do to avoid the ATM fees).
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Oliver Schulz
•Oh that's really good to know. I'd much rather transfer the funds to my regular bank account than deal with a separate card and potential fees. I'll look into that once it arrives.
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