Just to clarify something important - CalWORKs and CalFresh (food stamps) have different processing timeframes. CalFresh has to be processed within 30 days, but can be expedited in 3 days if you qualify. CalWORKs technically has a 45-day processing timeframe, though many counties try to do it in 30. Make sure your cousin applied for both programs! And yes, benefit start date is the application date, not the interview date, as long as she meets all the eligibility requirements on that date.

december and january are ALWAYS backed up with appointments. the holidays mess everything up. plus lots of workers take vacation time so there's even fewer people answering phones. ur cousin should definitely try calling but also prepare for the possibility that jan 2 might be the earliest they can do

Quick update on timelines - the state actually implemented new rules in 2024 that require counties to process EBT theft claims faster. They're supposed to provide provisional credit within 10 calendar days now while they investigate. Make sure you mention the "expedited timeframe requirement" when you call. Also, for San Bernardino County specifically, try contacting: - Inland Empire United Way (909-980-2857) - they sometimes have emergency rental funds - Community Action Partnership of SB County (909-723-1500) - emergency assistance program Document EVERYTHING - date and time of when you discovered the theft, transaction details from your EBT account, who you spoke with and when. This will help speed up the investigation.

BTW did u check if they got ur food stamps too or just the cash aid? sometimes they take everything!

That's definitely a deduction they should have applied! The childcare expenses alone could make a significant difference in your benefit calculation. When you get through to them, make sure to tell them about those expenses. And definitely ask about enrolling in the Stage 1 Childcare program - they should pay your childcare costs directly while you're working, which would save you that $350/week!

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at the county office! You all were right - I qualify for CalWORKs childcare assistance even with the tiny cash grant. The worker is sending me the forms today. This will save us around $1,500 a month in childcare costs! They're also reassessing my Cash Aid amount since they didn't factor in my childcare expenses. Thank you all so much for your help and advice!!

One important update: when you request the appeal, make sure you specifically say you want "aid paid pending" in writing. This means they have to continue your old benefit amount until the hearing if you request it within 10 days of the notice date. It's your right, but they don't always tell you about it! Also, double-check if they're incorrectly counting any exempt income. Child support that's assigned to the county shouldn't count against your grant.

let us know what happens! this stuff makes me so nervous cuz i might need to add someone to my case next month

Can I ask how you got your benefits stolen? I'm terrified of this happening to me. Did you report it to the police too or just to the county? I keep hearing about people getting their EBT cards skimmed.

Update us after you go to the office! I'm curious if they give you a check or actual cash. When I had to get an emergency payment once, they actually gave me a cash voucher that I had to take to the cashier window. The whole process was confusing.