Sorry for the slow answer. DPSS's direct deposit guide says you fill in Section 1 and staple your CalWORKs/RCA Detail printout to the form, along with a signed PA 1918. If you're not sure what goes in the vendor fields, ask your worker before mailing it: forms with missing or mismatched details get rejected. For a checking account, attach a voided check. For a savings or credit union account, the credit union completes Section 2. The guide doesn't mention a bank letter. The form goes by mail to the Auditor-Controller in the pre-addressed envelope (address on the back), and processing can take up to 20 calendar days.

Great to hear you got the form! One more tip that really helped me - when you fill out the direct deposit form, use a black pen (not blue) and write very clearly. Some counties scan these forms and blue ink doesn't always scan well. Also, if your bank has multiple routing numbers (like for wire transfers vs ACH), make sure you use the ACH routing number - that's usually the one on your checks. I made that mistake initially and it delayed my setup by another month. Hope yours goes smoother than mine did!

This thread is amazing! I've been struggling with CalWORKs for months and getting nowhere with my caseworker who seems to rush through every conversation. Reading everyone's detailed experiences here has been more helpful than anything I've gotten from the official channels. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service that Shelby mentioned - spending hours on hold just to ask basic questions is absolutely ridiculous. Has anyone else had success with it for CalWORKs specifically, or was it mainly for other benefits? Also want to say thanks for all the banking tips. I'm with a small local bank and was worried they might not handle government deposits well, but based on what everyone's shared about calling ahead and giving them a heads up, I think I'll be okay. The tip about getting everything in black ink and triple-checking routing numbers could save me weeks of delays. One quick question - for those who've had direct deposit working for a while, do you ever have issues around holidays when banks are closed? Like if your normal deposit day falls on a federal holiday, does it come early or get delayed?

I'm so sorry this happened to you! As someone who's navigated the LA County system, I can confirm what others have said - there is absolutely NO 9-month limit on CalWORKs cash aid. That worker gave you completely false information. A few things to try when you call back: - Ask for the worker's name and ID number - Request to speak with a supervisor immediately - Ask them to explain in writing why your grant was reduced - Request they review your case file while you're on the phone If you can't get through by phone, try going to your local DPSS office in person. Sometimes face-to-face gets faster results. Bring copies of all your recent paperwork (SAR7, any verification docs, etc.) and ask them to print out your case history. This sounds like either a data entry error or someone mixed up your case with another client's. These mistakes happen way too often in LA County unfortunately. Stay strong and keep pushing - you deserve your full benefits!

My boyfriend just moved out n now he's paying rent where he's @ now so he reported it to the county worker so from 221.00 monthly they now give him 88.00 a month , how is he supposed to pay rent n still be able to get the things he need ?? Not only did they cut his payment they lowered his food stamps as well from 298.99 to 240.00 monthly.. I

I'm so sorry you're going through this - having a newborn is stressful enough without having to fight for benefits you're entitled to! Unfortunately, this delay is way too common. I went through something similar when I had my daughter and it took them 4 months to process adding her to my case. One thing that helped me was documenting everything - dates I called, who I spoke with, what they said. When I finally got a supervisor, having all those details helped show the pattern of delays. Also, if you haven't already, make sure to ask specifically about the "restoration of lost benefits" that Connor mentioned - it's worth a shot even if they usually say no. The diaper stipend through CalWORKs is definitely real and should be automatic, so definitely follow up on that. And don't give up on pushing for those retroactive CalFresh benefits - you reported everything properly and the delay was on their end. Keep fighting for what you and your baby deserve! 💪

I'm really sorry this happened to you! Three months is absolutely ridiculous for adding a newborn to your case. While CalFresh typically doesn't backdate benefits, there are some exceptions for county processing errors. A few things to try: 1. Request a "fair hearing" if you believe the county made an error - you have 90 days from when they denied your request for retroactive benefits 2. File a complaint with the state if the delay was unreasonable (which 3 months definitely is!) 3. Make sure you're getting all the benefits you qualify for now - the $30/month diaper stipend through CalWORKs, WIC for formula, and check if you qualify for any emergency food assistance programs in your area Document everything moving forward and don't let them brush you off. You did everything right by reporting within 10 days and providing documentation. The delay was entirely on their end and your baby needed that support during those months. Keep pushing - sometimes persistence pays off even when they initially say no!