UI Debit Cards for California

It's about damn time the state of California finally joined the 21st Century when it comes to paying out benefits. And if you read the whole press release, we get telephone and web access too! I can't believe I was able to do all this in Oregon years ago and now California is finally getting a clue.

Starting July 8, EDD will begin distributing 10,000 cards a day to unemployment claimants, a phasing-in transition from check to card that will take a couple of months to complete. Last year at the height of the recession, EDD issued approximately 41.2 million unemployment checks, a record number.
Benefits of the EDD Debit Cards include:

• No check cashing fees for customers without a personal bank account.
• Transfer options for customers who do have their own bank accounts.
• No fees with careful use of the card.
• Stability in the event of a disaster, avoiding mail disruptions that can occur with checks.

So, if you are currently unemployed in CA, and haven't used up your 99 weeks, have you gotten the debit card yet? Is it as easy as the video claims?

I'm still waiting for my next check ... the cupboards are looking pretty bare.

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Leave a Comment Bank of America, California, unemployment