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Just to add to the chorus here - absolutely request a replacement card immediately AND set up direct deposit as soon as you get access. Money Network was a nightmare for me too. The worst part is that they claim they can't track these cards, which is complete nonsense in 2025. Every other financial company can track mail but somehow they can't? Ridiculous!
Thank you all for the advice! I just got off the phone with Money Network (after waiting on hold for 45 minutes...) and requested a replacement card with expedited shipping. They confirmed my address was correct but admitted there might have been a 'processing delay' with my original card. They're charging me $15 for the expedite fee, which is annoying, but at least I should have it in 3-5 business days. Will definitely set up direct deposit the SECOND I get access to my funds!
This reminds me of when I got disqualified back in 2023 because my former employer claimed I quit when I was actually laid off. My appeal hearing was scheduled for 3 months out too but then I got lucky because they had a cancellation and offered me an earlier slot. So sometimes you might get it sooner. The whole thing was really stressful though. I had to borrow money from family the whole time I was waiting.
One more important tip: When you attend your hearing, whether it's phone or video, make sure you're in a quiet place with good reception/internet. I've heard stories of people missing crucial questions or having their testimony cut off due to connection issues. The judge may not be sympathetic if you can't participate properly due to technical problems on your end.
Good point - my hearing is going to be via phone. I'll make sure I'm somewhere quiet with good reception. Did you get any kind of practice run or tech check before your actual hearing?
idk why EDD makes it so hard just to get basic info. the whole system is designed to trip people up i swear
Update: I finally got through to EDD after using that Claimyr service. The agent confirmed I need to report the hours I worked even though I haven't been paid yet. She also helped me calculate exactly how much my benefit will be reduced. Thanks everyone for your help! For anyone facing the same situation - yes, there will be a gap where your UI is reduced but you don't have a paycheck yet. Just part of the process unfortunately.
To answer your specific questions: 1. After a hearing decision (assuming it's in your favor), EDD typically takes 7-14 business days to update your claim status. This can be longer during busy periods. 2. For the Money Network card, first-time recipients usually get their cards 7-10 business days after the first payment is processed. If it's been longer, call Money Network directly at 1-866-320-8699. 3. About the pending certification weeks - you absolutely need to speak with an EDD representative to have these released for certification. They will not automatically become available, even after a favorable hearing decision. 4. Regarding your closed claim - yes, you'll need to have it reopened. This is something the EDD representative can help with when you reach them. For getting through on the phone, here are some tips: - Call the 833-978-2511 number (not the main 800 number) - Try calling Tuesday-Thursday between 8:15-8:45am or 1:30-2:00pm - When you do get through, be sure to ask them to release ALL pending certification weeks and to reopen your claim if the hearing decision was favorable Good luck!
Andre Dupont
The EDD phone system is GARBAGE. Been dealing with them for months about my claim and every time it's like pulling teeth to get through. I've tried all the "tricks" - calling at 8:01am, calling at 4:55pm, trying different prompts, hanging up and calling again if I get certain messages. None of it works consistently. The system is INTENTIONALLY designed to keep you from reaching a human being. It's absolutely infuriating. And don't get me started on their website that looks like it was built in 1997 and constantly has "scheduled maintenance" exactly when you need to certify.
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Ethan Taylor
•So true! And after waiting forever, sometimes they just disconnect you for no reason! 😡
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Aisha Khan
Since we're talking about SDI specifically - make sure you have your claim number and ID ready when you call. The SDI department typically asks for verification before discussing your claim details. Also, if your question is about medical certification, sometimes reaching out to your doctor to make sure they submitted their portion correctly is faster than waiting on EDD to sort it out. One lesser-known tip: If you're having issues with your claim that you can't resolve by phone, you can actually schedule an in-person appointment at certain EDD offices. These are often easier to get than successfully reaching someone by phone.
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Nia Jackson
•I had no idea you could do in-person appointments! That might actually be easier than dealing with the phone system. Do you know how to schedule those?
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Aisha Khan
•You need to call the main SDI number and specifically request an in-person appointment. Not all offices offer them and they're limited, but worth asking about. You can also check the EDD website for office locations that handle SDI claims since not all of them do.
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