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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
I didn't know the app showed pending deposits! That would help a lot with my anxiety about this. Going to download it right now, thanks for the tip!
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.
You're right, I should have been clearer. I meant my regular Cash Aid payment, not a special COVID benefit. I started receiving CalWORKs during the pandemic and sometimes still call it that by mistake.
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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.
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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.
wait how do u get the text alerts?? i want that!
You have to call the EBT customer service number and ask for "transaction alerts" to be set up. You can choose the minimum amount you want to get alerts for. The worker recommended $25 but I set mine for any transaction over $10 just to be safe.
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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!
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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