Pro tip for everyone: Transfer your full benefit payment to your personal bank account IMMEDIATELY when it hits your Money Network card. You can set up automatic transfers in the Money Network app. No fees for transfers, and then you avoid all these restaurant holds and ATM fees. Been doing this since they switched from BofA and haven't had a single issue since. Another workaround for restaurant purchases: if you know you're running low on funds, ask the cashier to process it as a final sale with no tip option. Many places can do this if you explain the situation. Doesn't always work, but worth trying.

This is absolutely infuriating! As someone who just started dealing with these Money Network cards after being on the old BofA system, I had no idea about these authorization holds. It's unconscionable that they're essentially holding our own money hostage when we're already struggling financially. I've been reading through everyone's suggestions and it sounds like the immediate transfer to a personal bank account is the way to go. But what about people who don't have bank accounts? Are there any other options for them, or are they just stuck dealing with these predatory practices? Also, has anyone tried disputing these holds directly with Money Network? I'm wondering if there's any way to get them to adjust their policy for unemployment benefit cards specifically, since this isn't regular spending money - it's government assistance that people depend on for basic necessities.

I had a similar experience last year! My eligibility interview was only about 6 minutes and I was convinced I'd blown it because I didn't get to present half of what I'd prepared. The interviewer asked maybe 3 questions total and seemed to already know the basic facts of my case. Turns out she had already reviewed all my uploaded documents beforehand and just needed to verify a couple details verbally. Got my approval letter 5 days later and received all my back pay within 2 weeks after that. The key thing is that you've been consistently certifying during this whole process - that shows you've been available and looking for work, which strengthens your case. Try not to overthink it too much. Employment date discrepancies are usually pretty cut and dry when you have the documentation to back it up.

I'm going through something very similar right now! My eligibility interview was scheduled for next week and I've been preparing for hours, gathering every piece of documentation I can think of. Your post actually makes me feel a bit better about what to expect - I was imagining this intense hour-long interrogation but it sounds like they might already have most of what they need from the case file. The 7 months without benefits sounds absolutely brutal though. I've only been waiting 3 months and it's already putting serious financial strain on my family. Really hoping your decision comes back positive soon! Keep us posted when you hear back - stories like yours help the rest of us know what we're dealing with in this whole process.

PSA: If anyone else is struggling with EDD issues, there's a really helpful Facebook group called 'EDD Unemployment Help'. Lots of good info and people sharing their experiences.

I had the exact same blank page issue last month! Turns out it was a browser compatibility problem. Try using a different browser - I switched from Chrome to Firefox and it worked immediately. Also, if you're still missing weeks to certify, you can request backdating once you get through to someone. Make sure to explain that the technical issues prevented you from certifying on time. The EDD can usually backdate your claim to cover those missed weeks if you have a valid reason. Don't give up - the system is definitely broken but you'll get through it eventually!

Have you tried looking at the Amazon warehouse? They're always hiring and the pay is decent until you find something better in your field. That's what I did when my benefits ran out last year.

I'm sorry you're going through this tough situation. As others have mentioned, the pandemic-era extensions are gone, but there might still be some options worth exploring quickly since you have that one week of benefits left. Beyond the Training Extension that others mentioned, I'd also suggest: 1. Contact your local One-Stop Career Center - they often have emergency assistance programs and can help with resume optimization for the current tech market 2. Look into emergency rental assistance programs in your county - many are still active and can help with that rent payment 3. Check if you qualify for any union or professional association assistance programs (some tech groups have hardship funds) The key thing is to act fast on that Training Extension application while you still have benefits remaining. Even if it's just $112 for one week, it might be enough to qualify you for the program. Also, don't forget about food banks and local emergency assistance programs - they're designed exactly for situations like yours and can help bridge the gap while you figure out next steps. Hang in there, the tech market is brutal right now but you're not alone in this struggle.

Just checking back - have you had any success with the resources suggested here? One additional recommendation: If your mother banks with a credit union or local bank, their fraud department might be willing to help advocate on her behalf, especially if she's been a long-term customer. Also, the America's SBDCs (Small Business Development Centers) sometimes help with PPP fraud cases even for non-business owners. They understand SBA systems and may have contacts who can expedite the case. You can find your local office at americassbdc.org.

I'm so sorry your family is going through this nightmare. Identity theft targeting seniors is absolutely heartbreaking, and the fact that government agencies are making victims feel like criminals is unacceptable. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - consider reaching out to your state's Attorney General's office. Many AGs have elder fraud units that specifically handle these types of cases and can put pressure on federal agencies. Also, if your mom receives any more threatening collection letters, respond in writing (certified mail) stating that this is a case of identity theft under investigation and that you dispute the entire debt. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, they must stop collection efforts once you dispute it in writing. Document everything with photos/scans. The fact that she's been retired for 9 years and never owned a business should make this a slam-dunk case once you get the right people involved. Stay strong - you're doing everything right by advocating for her!