As someone who just finished setting up my EDD claim this month (March 2025), I can confirm that direct deposit is definitely still available and working great! I was in the exact same situation as you - didn't want to deal with another debit card and all the potential fees. During the application process, there's a clear section where you choose your payment preference. I selected direct deposit and just had to enter my bank's routing number and account number. The whole setup was straightforward - no additional verification needed beyond those numbers. My first payment hit my account exactly when everyone else described - Tuesday morning after I certified on Sunday. The timing has been super consistent. And yes, they still send you the Money Network card as a backup even if you choose direct deposit, which actually makes me feel more secure knowing there's a fallback option if anything ever goes wrong. Definitely go with direct deposit from the start - you'll save yourself the hassle and fees that come with the card. Just make sure you have your bank info handy when you're filling out the application!

As someone who just started the EDD application process this week, I cannot thank everyone enough for sharing their experiences! This thread has been incredibly valuable. I was leaning toward the Money Network card initially because I thought it might be simpler, but after reading about all the fees and transfer hassles, I'm 100% convinced that direct deposit is the way to go. The consistency of the Tuesday morning payments that everyone's mentioned is exactly what I need for budgeting while job hunting. I've already taken a photo of my bank routing and account numbers like someone suggested, and I'm planning to call my bank tomorrow to confirm they don't have any holds on government ACH transfers. One quick question - for those of you who've been through multiple unemployment claims over the years, have you noticed any changes in how reliable the direct deposit system has become? I'm curious if EDD has improved their payment processing technology recently or if it's always been this consistent once properly set up. Thanks again to this amazing community for all the practical advice. Feeling much more confident about filing now!

I'm actually going through this exact same situation right now! Got approved yesterday and can see my payment pending but no card yet. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful - sounds like calling Money Network directly for expedited shipping is the way to go if you're in a time crunch. Quick question for anyone who's been through this - when you called Money Network for the $15 overnight shipping, did they ask for any specific information to verify your identity? Want to make sure I have everything ready before I call. Also, did the expedited card have the same account info as the regular one, or is it considered a "replacement" card with different numbers? Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences! This community is a lifesaver when EDD's own website is so unclear about these situations.

I've been through this exact same frustrating situation! Unfortunately, you absolutely cannot access your funds through the Money Network app without having the physical card first. The card contains unique numbers and security codes that are required during the app registration process - there's no workaround for this security requirement. However, I'd strongly recommend calling Money Network directly at their expedited shipping line (some people have mentioned 855-282-6161) and paying the $15 for overnight delivery if you're facing a rent deadline. When I was in your situation, I explained the urgency and they were able to get me a card next day. You'll need your SSN, DOB, and EDD reference number ready when you call. Also, definitely reach out to your landlord ASAP to explain the situation - most understand that EDD delays are unfortunately very common and may work with you on the timing. Once you do get your card, immediately set up direct deposit through the app so future payments go straight to your bank and you never have to deal with this waiting game again! The system is definitely not designed with people's urgent needs in mind, but there are ways to work around it. Hang in there!

As someone who works in IT, I can explain why this happens from a technical perspective. EDD likely uses multiple databases that sync on different schedules - one for payment processing and another for the UI display system. When you certify and get paid quickly, the payment database updates first (hence money in your account), but the UI display database might only sync every few hours or overnight. This is actually pretty standard for large government systems that prioritize getting payments out over real-time status updates. The "outstanding" status is probably just a default state while the systems reconcile. I've seen similar setups in other agencies - they'd rather ensure you get paid on time than have perfect status synchronization. So yeah, totally normal and nothing to stress about! The fact that your money arrived so quickly is actually a good sign that everything is working properly on the payment side.

This is actually a great learning thread for anyone dealing with EDD status confusion! I went through something similar about 6 months ago and it was my first time seeing "outstanding" too. What helped me was screenshotting the status page when I got paid, just to have documentation in case there were ever any questions later. One thing I'd add is that if this happens again in the future, you can also check your payment history section in UI Online - sometimes that updates faster than the main certification status. It'll show the payment amount and date even when the main page still says "outstanding." Also, for anyone reading this who's new to the system: this kind of delay is way more common than EDD admits, so don't panic if it happens to you. The money being in your account is what actually matters!

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the EDD system during the pandemic was an absolute disaster and your situation is unfortunately all too common. What really stands out about your case is that you were initially APPROVED but then never received payments, which is different from being denied outright. That suggests there was a serious administrative error somewhere in the process. A few thoughts based on what others have shared: definitely pursue the assembly member route as your main strategy, but also consider filing a Public Records Act request for your complete claim file - this will show you every internal decision and note EDD made about your case. Sometimes these files reveal calculation errors or procedural mistakes that weren't obvious at the time. Also, since your restaurant closure was COVID-related, make sure you emphasize that when contacting your assembly member's office. Many people who were initially denied regular UI were later found eligible for PUA when the COVID connection was properly documented. The fact that you never got ANY payments despite initial approval makes this look like a clear administrative failure rather than just an eligibility dispute. Don't give up - $4,750 is serious money and you deserve answers about what happened. The assembly member route has worked for people even years later when there's clear evidence of EDD screwing up the process.

I'm really encouraged to see all the detailed advice and support you're getting here! As someone who's dealt with similar bureaucratic nightmares, I wanted to add one more angle that might help. When you contact your assembly member's office, consider asking if they have any experience with cases involving the specific transition period when EDD was switching people between regular UI and PUA programs. Your situation - being initially approved for regular UI by your restaurant manager's advice, then having it overturned at a hearing, but potentially being eligible for PUA due to COVID closure - sounds like you got caught in the bureaucratic gap between these programs during a chaotic time. Also, don't forget to check if your state has any pandemic-related relief funds or settlement programs that might still be accepting claims for people who were wrongly denied benefits. Some states have created special remedy programs years later specifically for cases like yours where administrative errors during the pandemic caused people to lose benefits they should have received. The fact that you're still fighting for this after all these years shows real determination, and honestly, $4,750 is absolutely worth pursuing through every avenue available. You've got a solid plan now with the assembly member route, Public Records Act request, and all that documentation gathering. Don't let anyone convince you to just walk away from money you were legitimately owed!

Hey Diego! Welcome to the unemployment journey - it's definitely nerve-wracking at first, but you'll get through it. I filed about 8 weeks ago and finally got my first payment last week, so there is light at the end of the tunnel! A few things that helped me: make sure your contact info is up to date in the system (I had an old phone number that delayed things), be ready with your previous employer's info including their UI account number if you have it, and don't panic if you get requests for additional documents - it's pretty normal. The job separation questions are straightforward - just be honest about why you left. Also, bookmark the EDD portal because you'll be checking it A LOT! This community has been amazing for support and tips, so you're in the right place. Hang in there! 🤞

Hey Diego! I totally understand the nerves - I just went through this process myself about 3 months ago. Here's what I wish someone had told me from the start: First, don't stress too much about the timeline - mine took about 4 weeks to get fully processed, but I know people who got approved faster and others who waited longer. They will definitely ask about your last job, so have your employment dates, supervisor's name, and reason for leaving ready. The phone interview (if you get one) is actually pretty straightforward - they're just verifying the info you provided. One thing that really helped me was setting up the EDD Debit Card as soon as I could, even before I was approved, because once payments start, they go there automatically. Also, make sure to check your online account regularly for any requests for additional info - missing those can really slow things down. This community has been a lifesaver for tips and moral support, so you're definitely in the right place! You've got this! 💪