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Quick tip: make sure you sign up for text or email reminders about your SAR 7 due dates! I almost missed mine too, but got a text reminder 10 days before it was due. You can set this up on BenefitsCal.com or ask your worker to add those alerts to your account. Has saved me from this exact situation multiple times.
UPDATE: I used that Claimyr service and got through to my worker! She said they'll process my SAR 7 by the end of the week and my Cash Aid should be restored within 3-5 business days after that. She also submitted an emergency request so I might get it faster. CalFresh won't be retroactive but will start again once the SAR 7 is processed. And I asked about the diaper supplement - apparently I was already getting it but didn't realize it was included in my regular payment. Everyone who commented - THANK YOU SO MUCH for your help during this stressful time!!! Lesson learned about turning in forms on time.
Dont even get me started on this!!! They act like were lying when we report theft!!! My worker basically accused me of making it up!!! Im so done with the whole system!!
Here are some practical steps to protect yourself going forward: 1. Switch to direct deposit if your county offers it (most do now) 2. If you must use the EBT card: - Change your PIN monthly - Check for skimmers before inserting card (wiggle the card reader) - Only use bank branch ATMs (not standalone ones) - Never use at gas stations or convenience stores - Consider withdrawing all cash on benefit day 3. If theft happens again: - Report to BofA immediately (same day) - Report to county worker same day - Specifically request "immediate need" replacement - Cite AB 1614 about the 10-day replacement requirement - Document everyone you speak with 4. Keep checking your EBT account regularly even if you think you've emptied it
This is super helpful!! No one at the county office gave me ANY of this info. All they said was "don't share your PIN" which I NEVER did! I'm going to ask about direct deposit this week. Do you know if there's a specific form I need to fill out for that?
You'll need to fill out form CW 8 (Direct Deposit Authorization) and provide a voided check or a direct deposit form from your bank. Your worker should have this form, but if they don't, you can find it online by searching "California CW 8 form". Not all counties process these quickly, so follow up if you don't see action within a couple weeks.
Does the child support situation matter? My friend got denied because she refused to name the father of her kid (bad domestic violence situation). Will your daughter have to deal with child support enforcement?
Yes, CalWORKs typically requires cooperation with the Local Child Support Agency (LCSA) to establish paternity and pursue child support from the absent parent. HOWEVER - there are important exceptions for domestic violence situations! Your daughter can request a "good cause" exemption from the child support cooperation requirement if: - Cooperation would risk harm to her or the children - The children were conceived through rape or incest - She's in the process of adopting the children - Other compelling safety reasons If your friend was denied, she should have been offered the opportunity to claim good cause. She may want to reapply and specifically request the good cause exemption form. The county must evaluate these claims and shouldn't just deny benefits outright.
I forgot to mention another IMPORTANT thing! If your daughter gets approved for CalWORKs, make sure she asks about the HOUSING SUPPORT PROGRAM (HSP) if she's having trouble with rent. San Bernardino County has this program for CalWORKs families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They can help with security deposits, rental assistance, and even help finding affordable housing!
That would be so helpful! She's currently behind on rent and worried about eviction. I'll definitely have her ask about this program. Does she need to be approved for CalWORKs first before asking about housing support?
Yes, she needs to be a CalWORKs recipient first to qualify for the Housing Support Program. But once approved for CalWORKs, she should immediately tell her worker about her housing situation. If she's facing imminent eviction, she might also qualify for Homeless Assistance, which is emergency aid that can provide temporary shelter or help prevent eviction. If she's already received an eviction notice, bring that to the interview as it can help qualify for expedited processing of her application under hardship rules. The county can sometimes issue emergency payments to prevent homelessness while the regular application is being processed.
u should also check ur EBT app if u have it set up. sometimes it will tell u when the deposit is scheduled even before it hits ur account
Just to clarify a common misconception - there are no more "COVID deposits" for CalWORKs. Those emergency allotments ended back in 2023. What you're referring to is just your regular CalWORKs Cash Aid payment. The deposit schedule hasn't changed, so if your normal deposit day is the 5th, that's when you'll get it, Easter or not.
CosmicCommander
Just wanted to say congrats on the new job though! I went through something similar last year and it was rough at first but after a few months I was actually doing better overall than when I was just on aid. Hang in there while you get this sorted out.
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Connor O'Neill
•Thank you! That's really encouraging to hear. I'm hoping once I get past this rough patch it'll be worth it. Just scary when you're trying to do the right thing and it immediately makes your situation worse.
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QuantumQuester
Update us after you talk to them! I'm curious what the actual issue was. Based on your income, the $66 amount definitely seems incorrect unless there are other factors involved.
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