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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.
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
Since we're talking about extra money - don't forget to check if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit too if you're working. It's tax season and that can be a huge help. Not related to CalWORKs but just wanted to mention it since we're discussing possible extra funds.
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!
Maxwell St. Laurent
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
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Talia Klein
•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!
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Jean Claude
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.
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Talia Klein
•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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