Update: I finally got through to EDD this morning after trying for 2 hours! The rep confirmed exactly what you all said - my old disability claim from 2023 was still showing as active in their system even though it ended over a year ago. They fixed it on their end and told me to go ahead and certify again. The disability questions are now gone from my certification! She said my payments should process normally now. Thanks everyone for your help!

Congrats on getting it resolved so quickly! For anyone else reading this thread with similar issues, here are a few key takeaways: 1) Never put false information in your certification even if it seems easier, 2) Keep calling EDD until you get through - persistence pays off, 3) Ask for confirmation numbers when you speak to reps, and 4) The disability/UI system overlap is a known bug that happens frequently. Your experience shows that when you actually reach a knowledgeable rep, these issues can be fixed pretty fast. Hope your payments come through smoothly now!

I made the switch to direct deposit about 8 months ago and it was honestly one of the best decisions I made during my unemployment period. The 3-5 business day processing time that everyone mentioned is spot on - my experience was exactly 4 business days. Your Monday payment will almost certainly still go to the Money Network card since you just switched yesterday, but after that you'll be golden. One tip I don't think anyone mentioned yet: make sure to screenshot or print your direct deposit confirmation page from UI Online once the change is complete. I had a situation where EDD's system glitched and temporarily reverted my payment method back to the card, and having that confirmation helped me get it sorted out quickly when I called. Also, the direct deposit payments typically hit your account around 11 PM - 2 AM Pacific time, so don't panic if you don't see it first thing in the morning after certification. The reliability and speed compared to that awful Money Network card is night and day!

I switched to direct deposit about 2 months ago and can confirm the 3-5 business day timeline everyone mentioned. Since you switched yesterday and have a Monday payment, definitely expect that one to still hit your Money Network card. The good news is that once direct deposit kicks in, it's SO much better - no more worrying about lost cards, ATM fees, or delays in the mail. I actually kept my Money Network card active for about a month after switching just to be safe, and I'm glad I did because there was one random payment that ended up going there due to a system glitch. Just be patient with the transition period - it's worth it in the long run!

told ya! tuesday morning like clockwork! glad u got paid

Congrats on getting your first payment! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading - if you're ever in a situation where your direct deposit seems delayed, you can also check if there are any holds on your claim by looking at the "Claim Summary" page in UI Online. Sometimes there are eligibility reviews or other issues that can delay payments even after certification is submitted. The system will usually show a message if there's a hold, but it's not always super obvious. Also, some banks (especially smaller credit unions) can take an extra day to process EDD deposits compared to major banks, so factor that in too!

This entire thread is exactly why I finally decided to create an account here! I've been dealing with Money Network issues on and off for months, and seeing how everyone came together to help Oliver troubleshoot his lockout problem is amazing. I had no idea about the special recovery line (1-888-929-2460) or that there were two different Money Network websites - that explains so much! I've been using the wrong site this whole time. It's honestly sad that we have to crowdsource solutions to access our own benefits because the official support is so terrible, but I'm grateful this community exists. Going to save all these tips and definitely bookmark this thread. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge!

Just wanted to add my experience as another newcomer who's been following this thread! I had a similar Money Network lockout last month and ended up going through customer service hell for almost a week. What finally worked for me was a combination of the tips shared here - using the prepaid.moneynetwork.com site (not the regular one) AND calling from a different phone number like Malik suggested. Apparently my original number got flagged in their system from too many failed attempts. It's incredible how this community has documented all these workarounds that should honestly be official troubleshooting steps. The fact that we have to become IT specialists just to access unemployment benefits is beyond frustrating, but at least we have each other's backs here. Definitely saving that special recovery number (1-888-929-2460) for future reference!

I'm in a very similar boat - my benefits run out in about 3 weeks and I've been stressed about it for weeks now. Reading through everyone's responses has been both sobering and helpful. It's frustrating that there's no safety net beyond the 26 weeks, especially when the job market feels so competitive right now. I've been primarily looking in my field (marketing) but I think I need to follow the advice here and start applying more broadly. @Ava Johnson your story about taking the grocery store job gives me hope - I've been worried about being seen as overqualified but you're right that any income is better than none. And @Leo McDonald thanks for breaking down the earnings requirements so clearly. It's good to know that even part-time work could help me qualify for a new claim down the road if needed. Has anyone had experience with those apps like Indeed Flex or similar gig work platforms? Wondering if that type of work would count toward the qualifying wages or if it needs to be traditional W-2 employment.

Hey Vincent, I was in almost exactly your situation about 6 months ago - benefits ending, job search going nowhere, and that same panic setting in. I know it feels overwhelming right now, but there are a few things that helped me get through it: 1. Apply EVERYWHERE, not just in your field. I ended up taking a part-time job at a local warehouse that I found through a temp agency. It wasn't what I wanted, but it kept money coming in and helped me build those qualifying wages for a potential future claim. 2. Don't overlook smaller local businesses - they often have less competition than the big companies everyone applies to. I found my warehouse job by literally walking into places and asking if they were hiring. 3. Look into your local food bank and other assistance programs NOW before your benefits end. There's no shame in using these resources - that's what they're there for. The hardest part is accepting that this might take longer than you hoped, but it's not permanent. You mentioned retail is brutal right now - have you considered expanding to grocery stores, pharmacies, or even cleaning services? These seem to have more consistent openings than traditional retail. Hang in there - you'll get through this even though it doesn't feel like it right now.