Update: I tried that Claimyr service and IT WORKED!!! Got through to a person in 20 minutes after trying for a week on my own. Turns out they needed verification of my new job's pay stubs because the format looks different from my old ones. They're giving me 10 days to submit them and said my benefits won't stop if I get them in. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for the help!

I'm so glad you got through and figured it out! This whole thread is such a perfect example of how broken the communication system is. Like seriously, how hard would it be for them to just include a checklist in the notice that says "Missing: new paystub format verification" instead of just "incomplete"?? For anyone else reading this - definitely save Claimyr and that assembly member tip for future reference. And @Javier Torres thanks for explaining the 30-day restoration rule - I had no idea that existed and it could save people so much stress and reapplication hassle! It's crazy that we have to crowdsource this basic information because the actual system is so hard to navigate. But at least we're all helping each other out! 💪

UPDATE: I spoke with a supervisor yesterday and got some clear answers! 1. I do NOT have to make up a rent amount. Free housing can count as "in-kind income" but they can't just cut off my CalWORKs completely for this reason. 2. Since the baby's father and I aren't in a relationship (we're just co-parenting and I'm temporarily staying with him), I need to submit a statement explaining our living arrangement. The supervisor said they'll review it case-by-case. 3. For the address issue - the previous resident needs to update her address with the county ASAP. The supervisor said they won't automatically assume fraud if she self-reports, but continuing to use an incorrect address could cause problems. Thanks everyone for your help! My original worker was definitely giving me incorrect information.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress, especially while pregnant! I went through something similar last year. The worker was definitely giving you wrong information - they can't just cut off your CalWORKs because you're not paying rent. What helped me was writing down everything the worker told me, then calling back to speak with someone else to verify. I also found it helpful to ask them to explain exactly which policy or regulation they're referring to when they make these claims. For the living situation with the baby's father - document everything about how you maintain separate finances and aren't in a romantic relationship. Write down dates, who pays for what, etc. This will help when you meet with the supervisor. And yes, that other person absolutely needs to update their address immediately! I've seen people get hit with fraud investigations for much less. Better to be proactive about it. Hang in there - you're advocating well for yourself and your kids!

my sister had same problem they didnt take her calworks but the next year they took her tax return without telling her first so watch out for that part

I went through something similar last year. EDD said I owed them about $800 from unemployment overpayment, but when I got my CalWORKs emergency assistance payment, they didn't touch it. The two systems really don't talk to each other that way. However, I did end up setting up a $15/month payment plan with EDD after they started sending threatening letters about wage garnishment (even though I wasn't working at the time). It was worth it for peace of mind. Also, definitely keep all your paperwork about the stimulus payment - you'll need it for your next reporting period. Your CalWORKs worker should be able to tell you exactly how to report it so it doesn't mess with your regular benefits.

@original poster - If it helps, the law actually requires them to make a determination on your theft claim within 10 business days, but doesn't necessarily guarantee payment within that time. Once approved, it can take an additional 1-3 days for the funds to appear on your EBT card. For those reading who haven't experienced theft yet, start using the EBT BenefitsCal app to freeze your card when not in use. It's the best prevention method we've seen so far.

I'm so sorry you're going through this! I had my CalWORKs stolen about 6 months ago and it was such a nightmare. Mine took 16 business days to get replaced - way longer than they initially told me. The key things that helped me were: 1) calling every single day to check status, 2) asking to speak with a supervisor when regular workers couldn't help, and 3) documenting EVERYTHING (dates, times, who I spoke with, reference numbers). Also definitely apply for that emergency assistance/immediate need payment while you wait - even if it's partial, it's better than nothing when you have kids to feed. And if you haven't already, make sure you've changed your PIN and requested a new card. The person who stole your benefits might still have access otherwise. Hang in there - I know it's incredibly stressful but most people do eventually get their money back. The system is just overwhelmed right now with all the theft cases. 💙

That's great news! Glad you got it sorted out before your deadline. Make sure to save/print the confirmation number for your new application just in case there are any future issues.

This is such a relief to hear that others have experienced this too! I've been dealing with CalWORKs for 3 years now and the BenefitsCal system has always been glitchy, but it seems like it's gotten worse lately. Last month my neighbor had a similar issue where her whole application just vanished mid-process. She ended up having to go to the county office in person with all her documents because she couldn't get the online system to work at all. For future reference, I always recommend taking screenshots after each page you complete and saving any confirmation numbers you get along the way. The system definitely has issues but documenting everything helps if you need to appeal or prove you were trying to meet deadlines. Hope everyone gets their issues resolved quickly!