One more important tip - after you manage to reach EDD and get those weeks added back, also ask the representative to make a note in your file about this system error. This documentation can be useful during your appeal hearing to show you were actively trying to comply with the certification requirements. If you do use Claimyr or manage to get through on your own, be sure to get the representative's ID number and the date/time of your call for your records.

Yes, sending a message through UI Online is a good additional step. But honestly, these issues almost always require phone contact to resolve. The messaging system often results in generic replies that don't actually fix your specific problem. That's why getting through to a live person is so crucial for appeal-related certification issues.

Thank you all for the helpful information! I now understand that my claim balance won't automatically refill when it runs out, even though my benefit year isn't over yet. I'm going to try contacting EDD to see if the part-time work I did qualifies me for an Additional Claim, and I'll start preparing for a potential gap in benefits by looking for more work opportunities. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences!

Just wanted to add that if you do end up having to wait until your benefit year ends to reapply, make sure you keep certifying for benefits even after your balance hits zero! I made the mistake of stopping my certifications when my balance ran out, thinking there was no point. But EDD told me later that I should have kept certifying to maintain my claim status. It didn't affect my ability to reapply, but it's apparently the "correct" thing to do according to their system. Also, when you do reapply after your benefit year ends, they'll look at your wages from the past 18 months, so any work you do during this gap period could actually help increase your new benefit amount!

I went to the Santa Ana EDD office just yesterday and can confirm everything people are saying here is accurate! The new check-in process on the first floor is definitely in place - they gave me a number and I waited about 20 minutes before being called up to the 3rd floor. The staff was really helpful and professional. One thing I'd add is that they now have a digital display board that shows which numbers are being called, so you don't have to worry about missing your turn. Also, bring a pen - they don't provide them anymore and I saw several people having to ask around to borrow one. The whole process took about an hour from check-in to completion, which wasn't too bad considering how backed up everything has been lately.

I've been to this office several times over the past year for various disability-related issues, and I wanted to share a few additional tips that might help others. First, if you're driving there, I'd recommend using the Waze app because the MacArthur area can have some confusing construction detours that aren't always well-marked. Second, they have a small waiting area on the first floor with limited seating, so if you have mobility issues or expect a long wait, you might want to bring a portable chair or be prepared to stand. Third, I've noticed they tend to be less busy on Wednesdays and Thursdays compared to Mondays and Fridays. The staff really does try to help, but they're working with a system that has a lot of constraints, so patience goes a long way. Overall, despite the bureaucratic challenges, I've found the Santa Ana office to be one of the more functional EDD locations in Orange County.

I'm literally going through this exact same situation right now! Filed my claim two weeks ago, absolutely certain I selected direct deposit, but logged in today and saw Money Network card selected. I was starting to panic thinking I somehow screwed up my application, but reading everyone's experiences here is such a relief - I had no idea this was just standard procedure for new claims! My payment was processed earlier this week, so based on all the timelines shared here, I'm hoping to see my card by early next week. Definitely going to call that card services number (1-866-692-9374) tomorrow morning to ask about expedited delivery since I have rent due soon too. The Money Network app transfer tip is a game changer - I was dreading being stuck with a debit card for weeks, but knowing I can transfer funds to my bank account within minutes of getting the card makes this whole situation so much more manageable. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and timelines! It's crazy that EDD doesn't explain any of this upfront, but communities like this are honestly a lifesaver for navigating all their confusing processes.

I'm in the exact same boat! Filed my claim about a week ago and was absolutely sure I selected direct deposit, but just checked my account and it shows Money Network card selected. I was starting to think I was going crazy or that there was some kind of glitch! Reading through all these comments has been such a relief - I had no idea this was just standard procedure for everyone's first payment. It's so frustrating that EDD doesn't explain this anywhere during the application process! My payment was just processed yesterday, so based on everyone's timelines here, I'm looking at probably late next week for the card to arrive. Definitely going to call that card services number (1-866-692-9374) first thing Monday morning to see about expedited delivery since I have bills coming up too. The Money Network app tip is amazing - I was dreading being stuck using a debit card for everything, but knowing I can just transfer the funds straight to my bank account once I get the card makes this whole situation so much more manageable. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and timelines! This community is honestly a lifesaver for figuring out EDD's confusing processes.

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this - fraud on these EDD cards is unfortunately super common and the stress is just awful when you're already unemployed. I haven't personally experienced this exact situation, but I've been reading through all these responses and it seems like there's a pretty consistent pattern for legitimate fraud cases like yours. The fact that you have charges in Sacramento while you're in San Diego is actually really strong evidence in your favor. That geographic distance makes it pretty clear this wasn't you or anyone you gave permission to use the card. From what everyone's sharing, cases with this kind of obvious evidence usually do get resolved with the provisional credit on day 10. Definitely call back tomorrow and specifically ask about that fraud affidavit that multiple people have mentioned - it sounds like that's a crucial step that some reps forget to mention initially. Also make sure to get your case number so you can reference it in future calls. I know the waiting is torture, especially with rent coming up, but try to hang in there. Based on all the experiences people are sharing here, legitimate fraud cases like yours where the evidence is clear tend to get resolved in favor of the victim. The provisional credit should come through to help with your immediate needs while they finish the full investigation. Keep documenting everything and don't hesitate to call if you don't see that credit by day 11. Wishing you the best - please keep us updated on how it goes!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - Money Network card fraud is unfortunately way too common and the stress is just unbearable when you're already dealing with unemployment. I went through something very similar about 8 months ago (fraudulent charges at multiple locations while my card never left my possession) and I understand that pit-in-your-stomach feeling you're experiencing right now. The good news is that I DID receive my provisional credit exactly on day 10 as promised, and my final investigation concluded in my favor after about 6 weeks. Here are the key things that helped me: 1. **Call back immediately and ask specifically about the fraud affidavit** - This seems to be the most crucial step that reps often forget to mention initially. They'll email it to you and you need to complete and return it ASAP. 2. **Get your case/reference number** and write it down - you'll need this for every future call. 3. **Your geographic evidence is incredibly strong** - Sacramento vs San Diego makes this a very clear-cut fraud case in your favor. 4. **Document absolutely everything** - screenshot the fraudulent transactions, keep notes of every call (date, time, rep name, what they said). 5. **Set a reminder for day 11** - if no provisional credit appears, call immediately and reference your case number. The waiting period is absolutely agonizing (I checked my account probably 50 times a day), but legitimate fraud cases with clear evidence like yours typically get resolved in the victim's favor. Once this nightmare is over, definitely switch to direct deposit - I made that change immediately and haven't had a single issue since. Hang in there and please keep us updated. This community is really supportive and we're all rooting for you!