When you're navigating the process of receiving unemployment benefits, understanding your payment options is key. For many in Massachusetts, the U.S. Bank ReliaCard® emerges as a primary method, especially if direct deposit isn't your preference or isn't set up.
Think of the ReliaCard as a prepaid debit card, designed to make your unemployment benefits accessible. It's issued by U.S. Bank and works wherever Visa debit cards are accepted. This means you can use it for everyday purchases – whether you're shopping in a store, buying something online, or even over the phone. It's a pretty straightforward way to manage your funds without needing a traditional bank account for direct deposits.
Getting cash is also a breeze. You can withdraw money from ATMs, and importantly, the reference material highlights that there are no fees for ATM balance inquiries or for withdrawals within the U.S. Bank, MoneyPass®, or Allpoint® ATM networks. That's a nice perk, as ATM fees can add up. If you happen to use an ATM outside of these networks, there's a small fee of $0.75, which is good to keep in mind. You can also get cash over the counter at a Visa member bank or credit union, or even get cash back at many grocery and convenience stores.
When you first apply for unemployment benefits, you'll typically be asked to choose how you want to receive your payments. Direct deposit is one option, and the ReliaCard is the other. If you decide on direct deposit, you'll need your bank's routing and account numbers. It usually takes a few business days for that information to be verified, so in the meantime, you'll still want to request your weekly benefits. Payments are generally deposited a couple of business days after you request them.
What if you change your mind about direct deposit or want to switch back to the card? You can usually update your payment method by logging into your Unemployment Services for Workers account online or by calling the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Call Center. If you cancel direct deposit, future payments will automatically be issued to your ReliaCard.
Once your ReliaCard arrives in the mail, it's crucial to activate it. You can do this by visiting the U.S. Bank ReliaCard® website and following their instructions. You'll set up a PIN for ATM use and should also sign the back of the card. Keep it somewhere safe! The card is valid for three years, and if you need to reopen a claim or file a new one within that period, your benefits will be deposited onto the same card. It's worth noting that if you don't activate the card within a year, you might lose access to the funds on it.
Customer service for your ReliaCard is available 24/7. You can find help on the U.S. Bank ReliaCard® website or by calling 1-844-532-0696. If your card is ever lost or stolen, that same number is your go-to for reporting it immediately.
It's also good to know that your funds on the ReliaCard are FDIC insured, offering a layer of security. And for general information about prepaid accounts, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) website (cfpb.gov/prepaid) is a helpful resource. Remember, the card doesn't have overdraft or credit features, so you can only spend what's loaded onto it. All the nitty-gritty details about fees and services are usually included with the card when it's mailed to you, or you can find them online or by calling customer service.
