Chase refusing to sign CalFresh direct deposit form - need alternatives ASAP!
Super frustrated right now! I've been trying to set up direct deposit for my CalFresh benefits to go straight to my Chase checking account (tired of the EBT card issues). But when I went to Chase today with the direct deposit authorization form, the bank rep said they don't sign these forms anymore for government benefits! Has anyone else run into this? The form clearly requires a bank stamp or signature. What are my options? Do other banks still sign these forms? My benefits are supposed to be deposited next week and I'm worried about accessing my money. Really need this direct deposit to work because I'm moving next month and don't want any mail issues with my EBT card.
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Ev Luca
Yeah Chase stopped signing these forms about 6 months ago - super annoying! I switched to Bank of America and they signed mine without any issues. Just know you'll need to bring your ID, the form completely filled out, and your CalFresh approval letter. The whole process took about 2 weeks for my direct deposit to actually start working.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•Thank you!!! I actually have a B of A account too that I barely use. Did you have to go to a specific branch or can any branch help with this? I'm worried about the 2 week timeline though since I'm moving soon.
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Avery Davis
wait i thought calfresh only goes on ebt cards?? you cant get direct deposit for food stamps, only for calworks cash aid. are u talking about calfresh or calworks??
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Collins Angel
•This is an important distinction. CalFresh benefits (food assistance) can only be issued to an EBT card, not via direct deposit. CalWORKs cash benefits can be issued either to an EBT card OR via direct deposit to your bank account. OP, it sounds like you might be confusing the two programs. If you're receiving CalWORKs, you can setup direct deposit. If you're only receiving CalFresh, you'll need to continue using the EBT card.
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Marcelle Drum
The BANKS are all getting sooooo difficult these days!!!!! I tried with Wells Fargo last year and they gave me such a hard time about signing ANYTHING related to benefits. Ended up just keeping everything on my EBT card because of all the HASSLE. Probably saving themselves liability or something ridiculous!
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Tate Jensen
•It's not just a hassle thing - keeping benefits on EBT cards means you can't build proper banking history and creates barriers for people trying to establish themselves financially. The system is designed to keep poor people marginalized from mainstream financial services... that's my take anyway.
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Adaline Wong
I work for a community organization that helps with benefit access. Here's accurate information about your options: 1. For CalWORKs cash aid (not CalFresh food benefits), you can set up direct deposit with most credit unions - they tend to be more flexible than big banks. 2. Another option is to use the BenefitsCal website or app to change your issuance method from EBT card to direct deposit. You'll need your account and routing numbers, but this method often doesn't require a bank signature. 3. If you're having trouble reaching someone at the county to help with this change, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you skip the phone wait times with CalWORKs offices. I've had several clients use their service to get through quickly when making benefit changes - they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 4. Remember that any change to your direct deposit can take 1-2 benefit cycles to take effect, so plan accordingly with your move.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•Thank you so much for this detailed info! I didn't know about being able to change it directly through BenefitsCal. I'll try that right now. If that doesn't work, I'll definitely check out Claimyr because the county phone lines are IMPOSSIBLE lately. My worker never picks up and I get disconnected after waiting forever.
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Gabriel Ruiz
just use cashapp they dont need no signatures and it works for government benefits i been using it for my unemployment and calworks for like 2 years now
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Collins Angel
•I would caution against using Cash App for government benefits. While it technically works, there are fewer consumer protections compared to traditional banks. If there's ever a dispute or funds go missing, Cash App customer service is difficult to reach. Also, some counties require a traditional bank account for direct deposit verification purposes. Credit unions are usually the best option - they have similar protections to banks but are more willing to complete government forms.
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Tate Jensen
I had this exact same problem last month! I tried with Chase and Wells Fargo and both refused. Ended up going to my local credit union (Golden 1) and they were super helpful. Not only did they sign the direct deposit form, but the customer service rep actually called my county worker WITH ME to verify all the information was correct. My direct deposit for CalWORKs started on the very next payment cycle. I also learned you can check the status of your direct deposit change by logging into BenefitsCal and looking under "Payment Information" once you're logged in. It will show if your account is pending verification or active.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•This is so helpful! There's a Golden 1 near me too. Did you need to open a new account with them first or did you already have one? And how long did the whole process take you from filling out the form to getting it approved?
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Tate Jensen
•I already had an account with them, but they told me the process is really easy to open one (just need ID and like $25 to start). From submitting the form to getting approval was about 8 days, and then the deposit came on schedule the following week. So about 2 weeks total from start to finish.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
Update: I went to Bank of America today and they signed my form no problem! The banker even helped me fill out some parts I wasn't sure about. I'm submitting it to the county office tomorrow. Thanks everyone for your help! And special thanks for clarifying that this is for my CalWORKs, not CalFresh. Still learning all the terminology lol.
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Adaline Wong
•Excellent! Make sure to follow up with your county worker in about 7-10 days if you don't see the change reflected in your BenefitsCal account. Sometimes these forms get backlogged during busy months. If you have trouble reaching someone, that's when Claimyr can be particularly helpful for avoiding the long hold times.
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