Just to clarify something important - once approved, your benefits will be backdated to the date of application. So even if it takes the full 30 days, you'll receive benefits for that entire period. For example, if you applied on May 1 and get approved on May 30, you'll receive benefits for all of May in your first payment.

Hey! I just went through this exact same situation last month. My worker was assigned on a Tuesday and I got my benefits the following Monday - so about 6 days. BUT I think it really depends on how complete your paperwork is and honestly your worker's caseload. I'd recommend calling first thing in the morning (like 8 AM sharp) to check in with your worker about your status. Also, make sure to mention your rent situation - they can sometimes push urgent cases through faster. Don't stress too much though, most people I know got theirs within 7-10 days of worker assignment. You got this!

I went through something very similar last year! The key thing is to act quickly and get all your documentation together. Since your combined income is around $3,108/month, you're likely over the CalWORKs limit but should still qualify for CalFresh. Here's what I'd recommend doing right away: 1. Call and report both incomes immediately (don't wait for SAR7) 2. Gather all recent paystubs for both you and your husband 3. Ask specifically about transitional benefits when you talk to your worker 4. Request a fair hearing if they try to discontinue benefits without proper notice The income limits change slightly each year, so make sure you're getting current numbers from your worker. Also, remember that CalWORKs has earned income disregards that might help reduce how much of your income counts against your benefits. Don't panic - even if CalWORKs ends, there are other programs that can help bridge the gap while your husband's hours potentially increase. You've got this!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share what I learned when I was in a similar situation with my family of 4. The discontinuance letters can be really scary, but don't panic! A few things that helped me: - When you call, ask them to explain exactly WHY they're considering discontinuing benefits. Sometimes it's just because they need updated income verification, not because you're automatically over the limit. - Make sure you understand the difference between gross income (what you earn before taxes) and net income (after deductions). Some calculations use gross, others use net. - If you do lose CalWORKs, ask about the Cal-OAR (California Ongoing Assessment of Recipients) program - it provides job training and support services even after cash aid ends. - Document everything! Keep notes of who you talk to and when, because sometimes different workers give different information. Your combined income of around $3,100 does put you close to the CalWORKs limit, but there are still deductions and disregards that might help. The earned income disregard alone could make a significant difference in your benefit calculation. Don't give up hope - there are often more options available than the initial letter suggests!

I just wanted to follow up and ask if your money showed up yet? I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

So glad to hear your money finally showed up! This gives me hope for others dealing with the same situation. It's really helpful that you shared the exact label it appeared under ("REPL BENEFITS") - I'll remember that for future reference. The 3 business day timeline after approval seems to be pretty consistent based on what others have shared here. Thanks for updating us with the resolution!

I work with a legal aid organization that helps with benefit issues. Here's what you need to know about EBT theft: 1. California passed a law (AB 1168) that requires counties to reissue stolen benefits, but the implementation has been spotty 2. You have 90 days from the theft to report it 3. You can request what's called a "hardship waiver" of the 10-day investigation period if you're facing eviction or utility shutoff 4. If denied replacement, you have the right to appeal through a state hearing One thing not everyone knows: if your regular worker isn't helping, ask to speak with the county's EBT Coordinator specifically. They handle theft cases and can often expedite the process. Don't let them dismiss your claim - this is happening to many CalWORKs recipients and is a recognized problem the state is trying to address.

I'm so sorry this is happening to you - EBT theft is becoming a huge problem and it's devastating for families. A few things that might help while you're waiting for your replacement benefits: 1. Contact your local food bank immediately - they don't require paperwork and can help bridge the gap 2. Call 211 and ask about emergency rental assistance programs in your county - many have funds specifically for people waiting on benefit replacements 3. If you have kids under 5, WIC offices sometimes have emergency formula/baby food even if you're not enrolled For preventing future theft, I've started taking a photo of every ATM card reader before I use it - if something looks different or loose, I don't use that machine. Also, some people I know withdraw their entire benefit amount the second it hits (like 12:01 AM) and then immediately pay bills or buy money orders. The system absolutely should protect us better. You're not doing anything wrong - these criminals are getting more sophisticated and targeting people who can least afford the loss. Keep pushing your worker for that expedited review and don't let them make you feel like this is your fault.

Update: just wanted to let everyone know I tried this again today (called at 7:57am on Wednesday) to ask about adding my newborn to my case and it worked again! Only waited about 15 minutes this time. They said they needed my baby's birth certificate, which I already submitted through BenefitsCal but they didn't process it yet. The worker was able to find it in the system and process my case update while I was on the phone. So the early morning trick is working consistently at least in my county!

This is amazing, thank you so much for sharing! I've been struggling to reach someone about my case for over a month now. My benefits got suspended because they said I didn't report my part-time job income, but I DID report it on my SAR7 form back in January. I've been calling every day during lunch breaks at work but can never get through. I'm definitely going to try the 7:57 AM trick tomorrow morning - I'll have to wake up extra early but it's worth it if I can finally get this mess sorted out. My kids need their benefits restored ASAP. Did you have all your paperwork ready when you called, or were they able to look everything up in the system?