ok update - i just txted my cousin who works for san benito county (next to monterey) and she said right now ALL counties are backed up with benefit theft claims cuz theres been a huge spike in EBT fraud. so monterey aint the only slow one fyi

I'm so sorry this happened to you! I went through the same thing in Monterey County about 6 months ago. The wait was absolutely nerve-wracking, especially with bills piling up. What really helped me was documenting everything - I kept a log of every phone call, who I spoke with, and what they told me. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you request a card replacement in addition to the benefit replacement. They're separate processes and you'll need the new card to access your benefits once they're restored. One more thing - see if your local food bank or churches have emergency assistance programs while you wait. I found a few places that helped with groceries so I could save whatever little money I had left for rent. Hang in there, you'll get through this!

I'm so glad to hear you figured out what happened! The address issue is SO common - I've seen this happen to multiple people where DPSS somehow reverts to an old address even after you've updated it. It's like their system has a mind of its own. Just wanted to add that when you get your benefits restored, double-check that your current address is showing correctly on ALL your paperwork and in your BenefitsCal account. Sometimes you have to update it in multiple places. Also, if you haven't already, consider signing up for text alerts through BenefitsCal so you get notified when they need something from you - it might help prevent this from happening again. Really hoping you get your benefits back quickly! Keep us posted on how it goes.

Wow, this is exactly what I'm dealing with right now too! My CalWORKs got cut off two weeks ago in Riverside County and I'm still trying to figure out what happened. Reading through all these responses is so helpful - I had no idea about the expedited processing option or that I could get my worker's direct number. The address issue you mentioned is concerning because I moved about 6 months ago and thought I updated everything properly. Now I'm wondering if that's why I didn't get any notices either. I'm definitely going to call tomorrow and specifically ask them to verify they have my correct address in ALL their systems. Thanks for sharing your experience and keeping us updated! It gives me hope that this can actually get resolved relatively quickly if I stay on top of it. I'm also going to check out that Claimyr service someone mentioned since I've been trying to call DPSS for days with no luck.

After you get this resolved, make sure you stay on top of any LCSA communications going forward. They typically schedule annual review appointments to update information on the absent parent. Missing those will put you right back in non-cooperation status. And one clarification - if you successfully appeal or resolve this, you CAN get retroactive benefits for the months they reduced your grant, but you must specifically request this. It won't happen automatically even after they determine you were cooperating all along.

Just wanted to add that you should also ask LCSA for a copy of your case file when you call them. They're required to show you what information they have on record and what attempts they made to contact you about appointments. Sometimes there are discrepancies in addresses or they'll admit they never actually sent the notice. Having this documentation will be super helpful if you end up needing that state hearing. Also, when you do get through to someone, ask them to email you a summary of what was discussed - having everything in writing protects you if there are any future issues with your case.

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at the county office! They confirmed they received my pregnancy verification but it was sitting in a queue waiting to be processed. The worker I spoke with went ahead and updated my case while I was on the phone. My benefits will increase starting next month AND they're giving me back pay for this month since I was already past 6 months when I submitted my verification. Thank you all for your help! For anyone dealing with this same issue - definitely keep calling until you reach someone. The squeaky wheel gets the grease!

That's such great news! I'm so glad you were persistent and got it resolved. It's frustrating that these benefits don't update automatically like they should, but your experience gives me hope for my own case. I'm currently 5 months pregnant and want to make sure I'm prepared to follow up right when I hit 6 months. Did they mention anything about what specific documentation they need beyond just the pregnancy verification form? And was there a particular time of day you found better for getting through on the phone?

thats so good they fixing it!! the system is always messing up peoples benefits its like they dont even care that were real people who need to pay bills and feed are kids!

I'm so glad you got this resolved! This is exactly why we need better communication from the county when these system errors happen. Nobody should have to panic about rent money because of a software glitch. It's ridiculous that they can just cut people's benefits by 90% without any notice or explanation. Thank you to everyone who shared helpful advice - especially about Claimyr and knowing our rights to emergency hearings. This community really helps when the system fails us.