If you get desperate and the bank is closed, some check cashing places can do cash withdrawals from EBT cards. But WARNING - they charge really high fees, like $5-$10 per transaction. I had to do this once when my rent was due on a holiday weekend. It's not ideal but it's an option if you're truly stuck.

Great to hear you got it resolved! One more tip - you can actually call the number on the back of your EBT card and request a higher daily ATM withdrawal limit. It's not guaranteed they'll approve it, but if you explain your situation (needing to withdraw rent money once a month), they might increase your limit. Worth trying for next month!

my cousin had this EXACT problem!!!! her son was having potty training issues too and she got a note from the doctor saying he had some kind of developmental delay with toilet training (i forget the fancy name they used) and they gave her an extension on her exemption for like 3 more months! worth asking about

After reading through all the responses, I wanted to add a few more details that might help: 1. The specific program I mentioned earlier is called the "Family Stabilization Program" (FSP). It's part of CalWORKs and specifically designed to help families overcome temporary barriers to WTW participation. 2. For your situation, you'd request an FSP assessment specifically mentioning your child's potty training challenges as a temporary barrier to childcare placement. 3. The reduction amount others mentioned is correct - you'd lose approximately 1/3 of your grant during a sanction period. 4. If you do end up getting sanctioned, know that you can cure the sanction at any point by agreeing to comply with WTW requirements, and your full benefits would be restored the following month. 5. Document EVERYTHING - keep records of all your calls, who you spoke with, and what was discussed.

Just wanted to add something important - if you have any barriers that make it hard to complete your 30 hours, tell your worker ASAP. Things like: - Physical or mental health issues - Domestic violence situation - Transportation problems - Childcare issues These might qualify you for a temporary exemption or modified WTW plan with fewer hours. Don't struggle in silence trying to meet requirements that aren't realistic for your situation. The 30-hour requirement can be adjusted based on your circumstances.

To answer your follow-up question - yes, how you distribute hours throughout the week is flexible as long as you meet your total weekly requirement. Some people do more hours early in the week, others spread them out evenly. Regarding your son's specialist appointments - YES, that could potentially qualify you for an adjustment to your WTW plan. Document all appointments and speak with your worker about a "family stabilization" referral, which is specifically for parents dealing with children's special needs. Keep in mind that CalWORKs has supportive services that can help - they can provide transportation assistance (bus passes or mileage reimbursement) and childcare assistance while you complete your WTW activities. Don't miss out on these benefits!

Honestly depends on whether the worker actually submits the paperwork when they say they will... my sister had to wait 3 MONTHS because her worker "forgot" to process it even though she signed everything. When the worker finally did it, the benefits were backdated but that didn't help her when she needed money for those 3 months! The system is a joke sometimes.

One important thing to remember: once you're added to the case, you'll need to meet your WTW hours consistently. Make sure you understand exactly how to document your job search activities and your work hours. Each county has specific forms and procedures for this. For job search documentation, generally you need to show: - Names and contact information of places you applied - Dates of applications/interviews - Follow-up actions - Time spent on each activity Keep detailed records of everything. If your worker determines you aren't meeting the requirements, they can issue a sanction, which would remove your portion of the grant (though not affect your mom's or brother's portions).

UPDATE: I just called my county office to ask about this situation (I work with CalWORKs recipients). The worker explained that California recently implemented an expanded educational support program for teens in alternative education programs like Independent Studies. The payments include: - Basic educational support: $600 for 16-17 year olds - Enhanced educational support: $1,200+ for 18-19 year olds still completing high school requirements - Additional incentives for maintaining good grades (like your daughters' 4.0 GPAs) This is still being rolled out county by county, which is why some people haven't heard about it. You should still verify with your specific worker, but it sounds like this may be legitimate!

idk but i wouldnt question free money lol just spend it quick before they figure out if its a mistake 😂