Pennsylvania Unemployment Compensation Prepaid Debit Card
Unemployment compensation (UC) benefits are paid onto Money Network prepaid debit cards. This began in March 2023, when the Money Network prepaid debit cards replaced the U.S. Bank ReliaCard® previously in use.
The Money Network prepaid debit card will arrive in a plain white envelope with an Omaha, Nebraska, return address. Be sure to remove the card before you discard this envelope.
Here is a sample of the Money Network prepaid debit card:
When you receive the Money Network prepaid debit card, you must activate it according to the activation sticker on the card. You must create your own unique PIN for the Money Network prepaid debit card as part of the activation process. IMPORTANT: Failure to activate your Money Network prepaid debit card within 90 days may result in funds being returned to the Commonwealth for redeposit.
If you’re receiving UC benefits via prepaid debit card, the funds should be pre-loaded when you receive your Money Network prepaid debit card. However, there are circumstances where a card may arrive without any funds pre-loaded. If you have questions about your disbursement or method of payment, please contact Treasury’s Bureau of Unemployment Compensation Disbursements at 877-869-1956.
No. The PIN created for the Money Network prepaid debit card is not the same PIN that you use to file weekly claims using the PA Teleclaims System. For better security, you should create a different PIN.
The Money Network prepaid debit card will offer convenience and security:
- Benefit payments will be automatically loaded to your card.
- Your card can be used to get cash, pay bills, and make purchases everywhere Visa® is accepted.
- Your funds are protected if the card is lost or stolen.
It is essential that the Department of Labor & Industry has your current address to ensure that you receive your prepaid debit card. Please immediately confirm that your address on record is correct. If you have moved since applying for UC benefits – or have an incorrect address for any reason – visit Labor & Industry’s UC website to update your mailing address immediately. (Here’s a direct link to log into your UC Dashboard. You can also email UCHelp@pa.gov or call the Labor & Industry Service Center at 888-313-7284.)
ReliaCard balances WILL NOT transfer to the Money Network prepaid debit card. You should continue to use your ReliaCard until the balance reaches zero ($0.00). You may also choose to transfer remaining funds to personal savings or checking accounts.
No. Your ReliaCard will remain active until the balance reaches zero ($0.00).
However, note that ReliaCards have a three-year expiration. If your card has a balance and is active, U.S. Bank will automatically reissue a card to the mailing address on file about 45 days prior to the expiration printed on the card.
Yes. The ReliaCard cardholder website and U.S. Bank ReliaCard mobile app will remain available to support claimants with remaining balances on their ReliaCard.
Yes. If you would prefer to receive benefit payments by direct deposit, you can change your payment method on Labor & Industry’s website: https://www.uc.pa.gov/faq/claimant/Pages/Direct-Deposit-FAQS.aspx
A cardholder agreement, activation instructions, user guide, and complete fee schedule will be included in the envelope with your Money Network prepaid debit card. You can also review the Money Network Prepaid Disclosures:
Money Network Prepaid Disclosures (English): https://www.patreasury.gov/pdf/debitcard/MoneyNetworkPrepaidDisclosuresEN.pdf
Money Network Prepaid Disclosures (Spanish): https://www.patreasury.gov/pdf/debitcard/MoneyNetworkPrepaidDisclosuresES.pdf
PA Office of Unemployment Compensation: https://www.uc.pa.gov
PA State Workers’ Insurance Fund (Workers’ Compensation): https://www.dli.pa.gov/Businesses/swif/Pages/default.aspx
More information is available at www.patreasury.gov/UCdebitcard. If you have questions, email UCDtreasuryweb@patreasury.gov or call 877-869-1956.
In 2022, as its contract with U.S. Bank for the ReliaCard was coming to an end, the Pennsylvania Treasury Department selected Money Network as the successful bidder to provide debit card services to the UC program following an extensive and open competitive procurement process.
Money Network Financial, LLC, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiserv, headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The Money Network prepaid debit card is issued by My Banking Direct, a service of New York Community Bank.
