I want to add one more thing - make sure you're not confusing CalWORKs and CalFresh rules. They're similar but not identical. For CalFresh (food stamps), tax refunds don't count as income OR resources for 12 months after receipt. But for CalWORKs, they only don't count as income - they DO count as resources after a month. It's easy to get the programs mixed up since many of us have both.

Just wanted to share my experience from this year - I got a $4,100 refund (mostly EITC) and was panicking about the same thing! Called my worker and she confirmed what everyone here is saying - tax refunds don't count as income for CalWORKs so no need to report on SAR7 and won't affect your cash aid amount. BUT she also warned me about the resource limit thing. I made sure to spend it all within 30 days on necessities - paid rent ahead, bought groceries in bulk, got my kids school supplies and clothes, and fixed some things around the apartment. Kept all my receipts just in case. The key is understanding the difference between "income" (which affects your monthly benefit amount) and "resources" (which is just about how much you can have saved up). Tax refunds don't count as the first but do count as the second after a month. Hope this helps ease your worry!

Update: I called my worker this morning and she said it should take 10 business days for processing, and then the next payment after that should go to direct deposit. So basically like 3 weeks total if everything goes smoothly. I'm going to just avoid using my EBT card completely until then. Thanks everyone for the advice!

Good luck with the direct deposit switch! I went through the same thing last year after my benefits got stolen. One thing I learned is to keep checking both your EBT balance AND your bank account during the transition period because sometimes they don't switch over exactly when they say they will. Also, even after you get direct deposit working, keep your EBT card somewhere safe - don't throw it away. Sometimes the county will randomly revert back to the card for certain payments (like emergency aid) and you'll need it. The whole system is confusing but direct deposit is definitely safer once it's working properly.

Just a friendly reminder to anyone reading - if you haven't done so already, sign up for text or email alerts about your EBT card balance/deposits through the EBT website or app! That way you don't have to keep checking manually. It's saved me so many times when there were unexpected deposit date changes.

Another tip that might help - if you have a smartphone, you can download the ebtEDGE mobile app to check your balance and transaction history instantly. It's way faster than calling the customer service number or going to an ATM. Plus you can set up push notifications for deposits so you'll know the exact moment your CalWORKs payment hits your account. Really helpful for planning around rent due dates like yours!

I was in the same boat a few months ago. It took me FOREVER to get through to someone. When I finally did, they told me I was supposed to have received an orientation packet in the mail weeks earlier, which I never got. They were about to start the sanction process even though they never properly notified me! Make sure you document EVERYTHING - dates you called, who you spoke with, etc. They might try to blame you for their mistake.

I went through something similar when my case changed last year. Here's what worked for me: First, don't panic about sanctions - they have to follow specific steps before they can actually reduce your benefits, and it sounds like your worker skipped some important ones. Try calling your county office first thing in the morning (around 8 AM) - that's when you're most likely to get through to a real person. Have your case number ready and specifically ask to speak with your assigned worker or their supervisor. If you still can't reach anyone, consider filing a complaint with the county's CalWORKs program manager. Every county has to have a process for handling complaints about WTW services. You can usually find this information on your county's website. Also, check if your county has a WTW contractor (like MAXIMUS or another company) that handles the workshops separately from the county office. Sometimes they have their own phone numbers that are easier to get through to. Keep trying - you have rights in this process and they can't sanction you without proper notice and giving you a chance to comply!

I went through something similar last year and it's so stressful! The key thing is to act fast on that appeal - you really do only have 90 days from the denial letter date. While you're waiting for the hearing, try to gather any evidence you can: work schedules, school attendance records, receipts from other stores showing you were elsewhere, anything that proves you couldn't have made those transactions. One thing that helped me was requesting the detailed transaction report from the county - it shows exactly what stores, times, and amounts. Sometimes there are obvious red flags like multiple transactions minutes apart at stores across town from each other. Also, if you haven't already, file a police report. Even if the police don't investigate, having that report number shows you're taking it seriously and aren't trying to commit fraud yourself. Keep using the replacement money for your normal expenses - that's what it's there for - but definitely don't treat it like "extra" money since you might have to pay it back. Good luck with your appeal! The system is frustrating but people do win these cases when they have evidence.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! This whole situation sounds incredibly stressful and confusing. From what everyone is sharing, it seems like appealing is definitely your best option - don't give up hope yet! One thing I wanted to add that I haven't seen mentioned is to also check if you can get surveillance footage from any stores you were actually at during the time of the fraudulent transactions. I know it sounds like a long shot, but some stores will provide footage to help with fraud cases, especially if you can show you were a regular customer there during the timeframe in question. Also, document EVERYTHING from this point forward - every phone call you make, every person you speak with, dates and times. Keep copies of all letters and forms. This paper trail can be really important if your case drags on. You've got a lot of good advice here about gathering evidence like location data and work records. The fact that you still had your physical card is definitely in your favor. Hang in there - it sounds like many people have successfully fought these denials with the right documentation and persistence!