| JackWhite | 24 Feb 2009 10:52 a.m. PST |
For the first time in my life, I've applied for Unemployment. I get my debit card in the mail, which of course has to be activated by calling the toll-free number on the card. "Press 1 to speak in English." (Press) No beep. No response. Using the impeccable logic  , I proceed to push the 1 a dozen more times in an attempt to irritate it into working. (Recording): Let's try something else. :-) Input your card number. (Input card number) "We have no record of that card number. Input it again. No  , Sherlock. You have no record of it because I haven't activated it yet. (insert sarcasm here)] (Recording) But we are unable to help you until you've activated your card. I can't activate my card until you let me talk to a human being who will then activate my card.
JW |
 John the OFM  | 24 Feb 2009 11:00 a.m. PST |
What the does "" have to do with idiotic … Never mind. |
| the Gorb | 24 Feb 2009 11:02 a.m. PST |
I understand in several states banks are charging up to $3 USD a transaction to give you access to your benefits and also hit you with overdraft fees: link Make sure you understand the rules and fees. Good Luck, the Gorb |
 Saber6  | 24 Feb 2009 11:09 a.m. PST |
Let me see if this is right, the debit card is how they distribute benefits? Sounds like you just need to "play stupid" and talk to a person to get this set up. Automated systems are set up to make someonelse's job easier. Not usually for the end user. |
| Mike G | 24 Feb 2009 12:30 p.m. PST |
The State of Michigan gives you the option of having a debit card or a check (they do not tell you that you can get a check). You get a debit card in the mail, with very little explanation. So I start looking at the fine print. If I do not use the issuers ATM machine, I am charged something like $4.50 USD per transaction. There are only two ATM's within 20 minutes of my house, one at a gas station. The other is in a bar, great I have to pay a cover charge to withdraw money. Then the kicker, if there are no transactions on the account for three months, a monthly service charge will be assessed, I do not think so. I am getting a check from the great state of Michigan. Mike |
| DesertScrb | 24 Feb 2009 1:16 p.m. PST |
|
| Saber6 | 24 Feb 2009 1:38 p.m. PST |
IIRC a "political" adjective |
| Jana Wang | 24 Feb 2009 3:54 p.m. PST |
My husband got one of those a few months ago. It wasn't that hard to figure out. Yes, there are fees for using it like an ATM card. However, when you use it at checkout like a regular debit or credit card (which it is) there are no fees. There is also no fee for simply having the balance and each weekly payment direct deposited to your bank account. You can get on their website to do that. It took all of 5 minutes to set up. ATM fees and inactivity fees are par for the course when dealing with banks these days. They will nickle and dime you any way they can. JW, if you got no "beep" tone maybe you should have your phone checked out, or use a different handset. |
| John the OFM | 24 Feb 2009 4:03 p.m. PST |
Pennsylvania gives you a choice. Either an ATM card, or a direct deposit to your checking account. |
 Jlundberg | 24 Feb 2009 5:46 p.m. PST |
My one experience with unemployment was also frustrating. I left a company that hired me to be an investment analyst then wanted me to sell insurance and demanded that I ignore the do not call registry. The state agreed that I was eliglible for unemployment based on being asked to violate the law, but that I was not eligible for any money since I was drawing a military retirement. |
| Old Slow Trot | 03 Mar 2009 7:44 a.m. PST |
"That's some catch,that Catch-22" "It's the best in the world." |
