Netspend Unemployment Benefits: Eligibility Criteria
You can get unemployment benefits on your Netspend card through direct deposit. Most states allow this, but check your eligibility first and use your Netspend routing and account numbers when setting up payments.
You still need to pay your monthly bills if you have your hours reduced or you have temporarily or permanently lost your job. That’s where the unemployment benefits come into place.
In this article, we’ll discuss how Netspend unemployment benefits work along with the eligibility criteria and sign-up process.
Step-by-Step: Set Up Netspend for Unemployment Benefits
Log in or open a Netspend account
Go to Netspend.com or use the Netspend app. If you don’t have a card yet, apply for one, approval is usually instant.
Find your Netspend routing and account numbers
Open your Online Account Center or app.
Go to “Add Money” → “Direct Deposit.”
You’ll see a routing number and account number (unique to your card).
Visit your state’s unemployment website
Log into your unemployment benefits account (e.g., state labor or workforce portal) and Go to Payment Options or Direct Deposit Setup.
Enter your Netspend account info
Select Direct Deposit as your payment method.
Enter your Netspend routing number and account number exactly as shown.
Choose “Checking” (not savings) if prompted.
Confirm and save your payment setup
Double-check for typos, wrong digits can delay payments. Save and confirm. Some states send a verification deposit before activating it.
File your weekly/biweekly claims as usual
Continue certifying your benefits on schedule. It may take 1–2 pay cycles for the first deposit to appear.
Unemployment Benefit Deposit Options by State
| State | Direct Deposit (to Bank/Netspend) | Prepaid Card Option |
|---|---|---|
| California | Yes | Yes, State also issues prepaid debit cards |
| Texas | Yes | Yes, Default is state debit card unless changed |
| Florida | Yes | Yes, as it Uses Way2Go prepaid debit card |
| Illinois | Yes | No. State ended prepaid card program |
Unemployment Benefits: Eligibility Criteria
It’s important to note that not all unemployed people can get unemployment benefits. You can qualify for this program if you fulfill the following:
- You won’t be eligible for this program if you had quit your job yourself.
- You meet the wage and work requirements issued by your state. Most states look at your 12 to 24 months of work history.
- You must be willing and ready to work, and you must also be actively searching for a new job.
- You must also meet the additional state requirements. You can look at the guideline of your state’s unemployment benefits for more information.
How Can I Become Eligible for Unemployment Benefits?
The eligibility criteria of every state are different. However, the following are some common steps that you can take to become eligible for unemployment benefits.
- Earned sufficient wages during the base period
- Lost job through no fault of your own
- Physically able to work
- Available for suitable work
- Actively seeking employment
- Filing weekly or biweekly certifications
- Reporting any income or work performed
- Meeting state-specific requirements
The CARES Act
Many people not only in the United States but also across the globe lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic. To help these unemployed people, the government of the United States passed the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economy Security) Act.
This act helped many people, who couldn’t qualify for the traditional unemployment benefits criteria, to get financial assistance from the PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) program.
The eligibility criteria of the PUA program are as follows:
- You can’t continue working because you need to care for one or more of your family members because of COVID-19.
- You can’t work because of the risk of COVID-19 exposure.
- You’re spending time in quarantine.
- You lost income because of COVID-19, and you were self-employed.
- Your employer reduced your working hours.
- Your employer temporarily or permanently laid you off.
The CARES Act allowed gig economy workers and self-employed people to receive unemployment benefits for the first time.
How Is Netspend Helpful to Get Unemployment Benefits?
As mentioned earlier, you can sign up for the Netspend direct deposit program using your prepaid card to get your unemployment benefits directly deposited into your card account.
You’ll need to open a new account on Netspend to get your prepaid debit card and receive a direct deposit of your unemployment benefits.
Why Should You Use Netspend for Your Unemployment Benefits?
Netspend allows you to access your money sooner than your traditional bank account. You won’t need to wait for the paper check that takes some time to arrive via mail. The Netspend card account allows you to receive the money of your unemployment benefits up to 2 days early with a direct deposit.
You can also use this feature for your government benefits or salary check. The company also offers Netspend Premier that you can use to save almost 50 percent on a monthly fee. The following are some other reasons why you should use a Netspend card account to receive your unemployment benefits.
1. Your Check Can Get Lost.
It’s possible to use a paper check, but you won’t need to deal with the hassle of keeping your paper check safe with a Netspend prepaid card. You only need to set up a direct deposit, and your money will be directly deposited into your account.
2. Avoid the Bank and Save Time.
You will receive your money up to 2 days earlier than a traditional bank if you use the Netspend Direct deposit facility. It’ll also save you a whole lot of time.
3. No Need to Carry Cash.
You won’t need to carry cash as your fund will automatically be added to your account. You can use the direct deposit facility of Netspend even if you don’t have a bank account.
How to Set Up Netspend Direct Deposit for Unemployment Benefits?
First, you need to find out what important information your local unemployment office requires. It varies from state to state, but it generally includes:
- Your basic personal details, including your Netspend account number
- The address, name, and phone number of your financial institution will be Netspend in this case.
- The routing number of your bank.
You might also need to provide your local unemployment office with your social security number. Once you have all the required information in place, you’ll need to submit it to your local unemployment office.
The office will set up your direct deposits, and you’ll start receiving your unemployment benefits in your Netspend account.
