Any update? Were you able to resolve this issue? I'm curious if it was related to your recent recertification or if it was something else entirely.

So glad you got it resolved! This is super helpful info for anyone else who might run into the same issue. The automatic fraud protection makes sense but it's frustrating when you're trying to pay rent and don't know why your card suddenly won't work at ATMs. Good to know that calling EBT customer service directly (not the county office) can fix these blocks immediately. Definitely saving this thread for future reference!

I'm dealing with the same issue right now - my payment is 5 days late and I'm getting really worried. I called the main number yesterday and actually got through to someone after about an hour wait (kept hitting redial when it disconnected). The worker told me there's been a statewide system glitch affecting payments processed between March 19-22, which explains why so many of us are having problems this month. She said they're working on it but couldn't give me an exact timeline. Really frustrating when you're counting on that money for basic necessities. At least knowing it's a widespread issue makes me feel less like it's something wrong with my specific case. Hang in there everyone - sounds like we're all in this together!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - my payment was supposed to come 4 days ago and nothing! I've been calling nonstop but keep getting the busy signal or getting disconnected after waiting forever. It's so stressful because I need to pay utilities and buy groceries for my kids. Reading through all these comments makes me feel less alone though - sounds like this system glitch is affecting a lot of us. I'm going to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned and also see if I can get to my local office in person tomorrow. Really hoping this gets resolved soon because I can't keep waiting much longer. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and tips!

One last thing to consider - while on CalWORKs, you'll likely qualify for subsidized childcare, MediCal, and possibly other benefits that might outweigh the loss of direct child support payments. Be sure to ask about the full package of benefits you'd be eligible for when making your decision. Sometimes the total value of all services (especially childcare, which can be very expensive) makes CalWORKs worthwhile even with the child support situation.

This is such a frustrating situation and I feel for you! I went through something similar when I first learned about this policy. One thing that might help with your decision - you can always apply for CalWORKs and then discontinue it later if your ex becomes more consistent with payments. The system allows you to close your case voluntarily, and then all future child support would come directly to you. It's not ideal to have to make these calculations, but at least you have some flexibility to adjust as your circumstances change. Also, don't forget that even though they keep most of the child support, they're still actively pursuing collection from your ex through wage garnishments, tax intercepts, etc. - enforcement you might not be able to do as effectively on your own.

Update: Finally got through to my worker today! She confirmed that the one-time gift won't affect my ongoing eligibility since I'm still under my IRT even with that added. My benefits might be slightly less for the next payment period, but I won't lose them. Also, my SAR 7 was processed yesterday - it took 8 business days total. The worker said they're just backed up right now because it's SAR 7 season and they're short-staffed. Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance!

So glad to hear your update! This is a perfect example of why it's so important to report everything honestly on your SAR 7, even when you're worried about it. You did exactly the right thing by including the gift from your mom, and it sounds like your caseworker handled it appropriately. For anyone else reading this thread who might be in a similar situation - this shows how the system is actually supposed to work. One-time gifts get counted as income for the month you receive them, but they don't automatically disqualify you if you stay under your IRT. The key is always being transparent in your reporting. The processing delays are definitely frustrating, but 8 business days is actually pretty typical during SAR 7 reporting periods. Counties get swamped with submissions around the 5th of each month. Thanks for sharing your resolution - it'll really help other community members who find themselves in the same situation!

One thing nobody mentioned yet - if you've been on CalWORKs for a while, be careful about your 48-month time limit. You might want to consider asking for an exemption during really tough times (like now) so you don't use up your months when you really need them. There are exemptions for various reasons including lack of childcare, domestic violence, caring for an ill family member, etc. Those exempt months won't count against your lifetime limit.

This whole situation is so frustrating! I'm in the same boat - that extra payment was helping me cover my daughter's after-school program so I could work more hours. Now I had to pull her out and I'm back to part-time only. Has anyone had luck with the county's emergency rental assistance? I heard they have some funds left but the application process is confusing. Also wondering if anyone knows about getting help with car repairs - mine needs new brakes but I can't afford it and need it to get to my WTW activities. Hang in there everyone, we'll figure this out together. It shouldn't be this hard just to keep a roof over our kids' heads.