Make sure when u report u also tell them if ur breastfeeding!! U can get WIC benefits and also it cud affect ur WTW hours and participation reqirements if ur on welfare 2 work. I got a 3 month exemption from work requirements when I had my baby cuz i was breastfeeding!

Just wanted to add - if you're having trouble getting through by phone, try calling right when they open (usually 8am) or right after lunch around 1pm. Those tend to be the best times to actually reach someone. Also, some counties have specific "baby born" hotlines that are faster than the general CalWORKs number - ask when you do get through if they have one for future reference. And congrats on your new little one! The first few weeks are tough but hang in there. Make sure to take care of yourself too while you're dealing with all this paperwork stuff.

Hey Isaiah! I'm also pretty new to CalWORKs and had the exact same confusion when I first got my EBT card. Everyone here has given you amazing advice! Just wanted to add that when I was figuring this out, I found it helpful to think of your EBT card like having two separate accounts on one card - the CalFresh side is like a gift card that only works for food, and the CalWORKs side is like a regular checking account with actual cash you can use for anything. One thing that really helped me was doing a small test withdrawal first (like $20) just to make sure I understood how to use the ATM correctly before withdrawing a larger amount for bills. Also, keep your receipts! They show your remaining balance for both benefits, which is super handy for budgeting. You've got this - paying that electric bill with your cash aid is totally the right move!

Hey Isaiah! I just wanted to add something that might help you and others who are new to this - when you go to withdraw your CalWORKs cash aid, make sure you have your PIN memorized and not written down anywhere on or near your card. I learned this the hard way when I first started using my EBT card and had my PIN on a sticky note in my wallet. Also, if you're ever at an ATM and it seems like it's not working or giving you error messages, try a different ATM before panicking. Sometimes the machines just have connectivity issues, especially at smaller locations. I've had this happen a couple times and thought my benefits were frozen, but it was just the ATM. One more thing - once you get comfortable with withdrawing cash, you might want to look into which grocery stores and pharmacies near you offer cash back with EBT purchases. It can be really convenient when you need smaller amounts and don't want to make a special trip to an ATM. Good luck with everything!

I just wanted to add one more thing - make sure to document everything. Take screenshots of your submitted SAR7 in BenefitsCal, write down the dates/times you called, names of anyone you spoke with, etc. If there is a problem with your March benefits, having this documentation will help you if you need to file for a fair hearing to get retroactive benefits. CalWORKs is required to follow certain timelines for processing your paperwork, and if they fail to do so but you submitted on time, you have rights to appeal any benefit interruptions.

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress! I had a similar situation a few months ago where my SAR7 got stuck in processing limbo. What really helped me was calling first thing in the morning right when the office opens (usually 8am) - that's when you're most likely to get through to someone. Also, if you have your confirmation number from when you submitted online, have that ready when you call because it helps them locate your case faster. The good news is that since you submitted before your deadline, your benefits should technically continue even if they haven't finished processing yet. Keep us posted on how it goes - we're all rooting for you!

I got this deposit too and just called my worker who confirmed it's for diapers. She said they're rolling it out to everyone with kids under 3 on CalWORKs. You're free to spend it! It's all legit.

This is such a relief to hear about! I'm a single mom with a 18-month-old and diapers have been eating up so much of my budget lately. I haven't gotten my deposit yet but after reading all these comments I'm hopeful it's coming soon. Does anyone know if there's a specific day of the month they're sending these out? I'm with LA County if that makes a difference.

I'm really glad you got through to your worker and are switching to direct deposit! I've been following this thread because I'm in a similar situation. Just wanted to share that I made the switch about 6 months ago after my neighbor got skimmed twice. The peace of mind is worth it - no more worrying every time I use my EBT card for cash. My bank also sends me instant notifications when any money gets deposited, so I know right away when my benefits come through. The only downside is it does take a couple days to process, but honestly that's a small price to pay for the security. Hope everything goes smoothly with your direct deposit setup!

I'm so glad this thread exists! I've been putting off dealing with this EBT skimming issue but reading everyone's experiences has convinced me I need to act fast. My sister got her benefits stolen last month and she's still fighting to get the money back - it's been a nightmare for her family. I had no idea direct deposit was even an option for CalWORKs cash aid! My case worker never mentioned it when I asked about keeping my benefits safe. Does anyone know if there are any fees from the county for switching to direct deposit? And do all banks accept these direct deposits or are there restrictions? I bank with a credit union so I want to make sure before I start the paperwork. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories - it's scary but helpful to know what to expect!