Make sure you're also documenting the identity theft issue separately from your CalWORKs case. Since this involves your child's SSN, you should: 1. File a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov 2. Place a credit freeze with all three credit bureaus (yes, even for a child) 3. Contact the Social Security Administration to flag the number for monitoring As for your CalWORKs case, you have the right to request a Reasonable Accommodation as I mentioned before. But also ask specifically for your case to be marked with a Special Indicator for identity theft. This can help prevent automatic discontinuance during the computer processing of your recertification.

did u try going in person to the calworks office?? sometimes thats way better than trying to call. the workers at the front desk might be able to help u right there or at least tell u what forms to fill out

this one time i got an email at like 3am about my calworks interview lol. freaked me out but everything was fine

I think u should call them anyway, just 2 b safe. once I got discontunued even tho I sent everything on time bcuz they said they "lost" my stuff. but really they just didnt want to admit they messed up!!!

Just wanted to update that my coworker had the same issue and she finally resolved it. What worked for her was requesting that the P-EBT cards be reissued with "care of" in the address. So instead of being addressed to "Child Name" they were addressed to "Child Name c/o Parent Name" which the post office then delivered without issue. When you finally get through on the P-EBT hotline, specifically ask for this. Also explain that the post office is refusing delivery to minors so they understand the situation. They might need supervisor approval but they can adjust the mailing format.

if u still cant get thru try the ebt card customer service number 877-328-9677 and hit option 4, sometimes that gets u a real person faster. also i heard they opening new round of p-ebt this summer so dont wait 2 long 2 get it fixed

Just following up - were you able to get this resolved? One additional thought: could your worker have been referring to the CalWORKs Housing Support Program? Some of those housing assistance components have time limits that might be around 9 months, but that would be separate from your regular Cash Aid.Also, if you're being told incorrect information, remember you can file for a fair hearing. You have 90 days from any negative action to request this, and it's your right to have your case reviewed by an Administrative Law Judge who is separate from the county.

I finally got through yesterday! Turns out my worker WAS confused. She mixed up my case with someone else who was in some special refugee program that does have different time limits. She apologized and confirmed I'm still eligible and don't need to take any 3-month break. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and support!

@original poster - I'm glad you got your benefits replaced! Just a heads-up though - technically CalWORKs benefits are supposed to be used for the specified benefit period, and moving large amounts to a personal bank account could potentially be flagged in an audit. I understand completely why you did it given what happened, but just be aware that in rare cases, workers might question this practice during redetermination.For additional security, consider requesting a new EBT card with a different card number entirely. The old one might be compromised in a database somewhere.

Oh I didn't know that could be an issue. Thanks for the warning. I'll definitely request a new card altogether. Do you know if there's any way to block certain types of transactions? Like I never use my card at ATMs but that's where most thefts happen, right?