Update: My payment finally showed up in my account this morning! So it took about 3-4 business days from when it showed 'paid' in the system. Definitely longer than the card payments used to take. Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance!

Glad to hear your payment came through! This is such valuable information for others going through the same switch. I've been thinking about switching from the Money Network card to direct deposit myself, but was worried about potential delays. Your experience confirms what others have said - there's an initial delay for the first payment but then it becomes more reliable. Did you notice any other differences between the card and direct deposit, like timing of when payments typically arrive each week?

I feel for you on this - penalty weeks are brutal financially but everyone here is right that the money is gone forever. One thing I learned during my penalty period last year is to keep detailed records of everything during this time. Save all your certification confirmations and any correspondence from EDD. Sometimes there can be processing delays when your benefits resume, and having documentation helps if you need to contact them. Also, consider looking into local community resources like 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they can connect you with emergency assistance programs for utilities, food, etc. The penalty system is harsh but you're handling it the right way by staying on top of certifications. Just a few more weeks and you'll be back to receiving benefits!

I went through penalty weeks myself about 8 months ago and can confirm what everyone is saying - no backpay for those weeks, unfortunately. The money is just gone as part of the penalty. What I found helpful was setting up a strict budget for those penalty weeks and reaching out to my bank about temporary overdraft forgiveness since I knew exactly when my benefits would resume. Also, don't forget that food banks don't usually require proof of income - just that you're in need. Many churches and community centers have pantries open to anyone struggling. The penalty weeks feel endless when you're in them, but you'll get through this. Make sure to keep certifying on schedule and your payments should automatically resume once you complete all 7 weeks.

Congratulations Diego! This is such a relief to read - I've been following your thread because I'm in a similar situation (had my interview 8 days ago and still waiting). Your update gives me so much hope that things will work out. It's really reassuring to see that the delay didn't mean anything bad, just that EDD moves at their own pace. Thanks for taking the time to update everyone - I know how stressful this waiting period is and your follow-up is incredibly helpful for others going through the same thing. Hope your payments hit your card soon!

This thread has been so helpful to follow! I'm currently on day 11 after my EDD interview and was getting really anxious, but reading through everyone's experiences - especially Diego's successful outcome - has given me so much peace of mind. It's clear that EDD's processing times are all over the place right now, but the consensus seems to be that delays are normal and don't indicate a negative decision. For anyone else in this waiting period: definitely keep certifying weekly (as multiple people mentioned), check your spam folder regularly, and try to be patient even though it's incredibly stressful when money is tight. The advice about calling right at 8 AM if you need to reach them is also really valuable. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines and experiences - this community support makes such a difference during these nerve-wracking waits!

Have you considered looking into job training programs? Sometimes EDD offers extensions if you're enrolled in approved training. Might be worth checking out!

I went through this exact same situation a few months ago! What ended up working for me was filing an appeal through the online portal - sometimes there are computational errors in how they calculate your remaining balance. Also, check if you qualify for any of the federal extension programs that might still be available. In the meantime, make sure you're still certifying for benefits even if it shows $0, because if an extension gets approved, you don't want to miss out on back payments. The whole process is super confusing, but don't give up! 💪

hey OP, did u get ur SDI application submitted? My sister is going thru almost the same thing right now.

Great to hear you got your SDI application submitted! Just wanted to add that you should also start gathering documentation for your future UI claim while you're recovering. Keep records of your layoff date, any severance paperwork, and your doctor's return-to-work clearance. Having everything organized will make the transition from SDI to UI much smoother when you're ready to start job searching again. Hope you feel better soon!