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Glad you got it fixed! Did they say anything about this happening again in the future or how to prevent it? I'm paranoid now and thinking I should withdraw all my cash the minute it hits my card each month...
They said this was a rare technical glitch during system maintenance that shouldn't happen again. But tbh I'm with you - I'm definitely going to withdraw my rent money as soon as it deposits from now on. Can't risk going through this stress again!
For anyone still confused about this payment: 1. It's officially called the Child Poverty Reduction Supplement (CPRS) 2. One-time payment for CalWORKs households with children 3. Payment amounts: $47 (1-2 children), $52 (3-4 children), or $61 (5+ children) 4. Distribution dates vary by county and sometimes by case number 5. It will appear on your EBT card with your regular Cash Aid 6. You should receive a notification, but many aren't going out 7. You can check BenefitsCal for the payment (listed as "CPRS Payment") 8. This is separate from your regular monthly benefit Hope this helps clear things up!
i just checked my account and i got the money!!!! showed up this morning!! check ur accounts everyone
Have you tried going to your local CalWORKs office in person? Sometimes they can help with P-EBT issues even though it's technically a different program. I always have better luck dealing with things face-to-face than over the phone.
I haven't tried that yet. Our office is pretty far from me and I don't have transportation until next week, but that might be my next step. Thanks for the suggestion!
UPDATE: I talked to a supervisor at the P-EBT hotline today about a similar issue for another family I'm helping, and they told me there's a new expedited process for these address errors. If you can provide: 1. Your child's student ID number 2. The last 4 digits of their Social Security Number 3. A copy of their school registration showing your current address They can now process an emergency address correction within 3-5 business days instead of the usual 10-15 days. The supervisor mentioned they're aware of the P.O. Box issue specifically and have created a special code for it in their system. Be sure to mention "system error code P-EBT 2206" when you call - this flags it as one of the known database errors.
This is so helpful! I'm going to try calling with this specific information tomorrow. Thank you for sharing this update!
Im so confused bc I thought CalWORKs is different from CalFresh? My friend had her food stamps stolen but I didnt know they could steal the cash aid part too? Do they come on same card?
Yes, your CalFresh (food benefits) and CalWORKs (cash aid) both come on the same EBT card, but they're separate accounts on that card. When you use it at an ATM or for cash purchase, it takes from your cash account. When you buy food at a grocery store, it uses your food account. Thieves can steal from both accounts if they get your card info and PIN.
UPDATE: I just got a call from my caseworker with more info. Apparently they caught the person INSIDE THE STORE trying to use a cloned version of my card! That's how they were able to shut it down so fast. I didn't even know they could clone these cards?! My worker said I should opt into text alerts for any transactions over $25 moving forward. Didn't even know that was an option but I signed up right away.
Paolo Ricci
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!!
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Keisha Williams
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
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Yara Nassar
•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?
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Keisha Williams
•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.
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