This thread has been so helpful to read! I'm currently dealing with a similar situation where I'm stuck in Washington state helping my elderly aunt and just discovered these EBT cash restrictions exist. I had no idea this was even a thing until my card got declined at every ATM I tried. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it's clear this is a major communication failure on the state's part - they absolutely should be explaining these restrictions upfront during the application process instead of people finding out during family emergencies. I'm going to try the Zelle transfer method that so many people mentioned worked for them. It's honestly both reassuring and frustrating to see how common this problem is. Thank you to everyone who shared their solutions and workarounds - this is exactly the kind of peer support we need when the system fails us!

I'm really sorry you're going through this! The same thing happened to me when I was visiting family in Oregon and my EBT cash got blocked. It's so frustrating that they don't tell us about these restrictions when we first sign up - I had to learn the hard way too. From reading all these responses, it sounds like having your sister withdraw the cash in California and send it through Zelle or another money transfer app is your best bet for getting help quickly. Also definitely try calling Nevada 211 like people mentioned - they might have local emergency assistance while you're sorting out the money transfer. I hope your mom's recovery goes well and you can get this resolved today. It's crazy how many of us have been caught off guard by this same situation during family emergencies!

Update: I called the county and reported my income change. The worker said my benefits will be reduced but not completely cut off. They're sending me a notice with the new amount. Thanks everyone for the help! And they did say I was right to report since I was over the IRT.

Great that you reported it and everything worked out! For anyone else reading this thread, I want to add that if you're having trouble finding your IRT amount, it's usually printed right on the front page of your CalFresh approval notice under a section that says something like "You must report if your income goes over $X.XX per month." You can also find it on your SAR7 form. If you can't locate either document, you can always call and ask your worker what your current IRT is - they should be able to tell you right away. Better to ask than risk an overpayment later!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress! I went through a similar CalWORKs investigation about a year ago when my living situation changed, and I know how scary and overwhelming it feels when your family's benefits are at risk. From reading your post and all the great advice others have given, it sounds like you're already handling this the right way by being honest and gathering documentation. The most important thing to remember is that these investigations are often triggered automatically by their computer systems - it's usually not personal or because someone reported you. Here's what helped me get through my investigation: - I organized all my documentation in a folder before meeting with the investigator - I got a notarized statement from the person who moved out confirming dates and new address - I took photos of empty closet/dresser spaces as visual proof - I gathered utility bills showing usage changes after the person left - I documented everything in writing (dates of conversations, what was discussed, etc.) My investigation took about 5 weeks to resolve, and my benefits actually increased once they verified the correct household composition. The investigator was fair and professional once I showed I was being cooperative and transparent. Try not to panic - based on everything you've shared, you're telling the truth and providing documentation to support that. This verification process will likely work out in your favor and result in increased assistance for you and your kids. Stay organized, respond promptly to their requests, and remember you have nothing to hide. You've got this!

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this stressful situation! As someone who works in social services advocacy, I wanted to add a few points that might help ease your mind. First, the fact that the investigator left his card and asked you to call back (rather than demanding an immediate interview) is actually a good sign - it suggests this is a routine verification rather than a high-priority fraud case. These investigations are usually triggered by data matches in their system, like your ex's name appearing at your address in another database. A few additional suggestions: - When you call the investigator back, ask specifically what documentation would be most helpful and get a timeline for when they need it - Keep copies of everything you submit and get written confirmation they received it - Consider reaching out to your county's CalWORKs ombudsman if you feel the process isn't being handled fairly The silver lining here is that once they verify your ex no longer lives with you, your Cash Aid amount should increase since you'll qualify as a smaller household size. Most people in your situation see their benefits go up after these investigations are resolved. Stay organized, be completely honest, and remember that you're doing nothing wrong by accurately reporting your living situation. This process typically takes 4-6 weeks, and your benefits should continue during the investigation unless they find evidence of intentional fraud (which clearly isn't the case here). You've got this!

I'm so glad to see this question being asked and all the helpful responses! As someone who recently went through a CalFresh renewal after experiencing financial difficulties, I can absolutely confirm what everyone is saying - credit card purchases and cash advances are NOT considered income for CalFresh purposes. I was in a very similar situation last year where I had to use my credit card for groceries and even took a cash advance to help with rent. I was terrified about how to handle this during my renewal, but my eligibility worker explained it clearly: credit is debt that you have to repay, not income. CalFresh only cares about money coming in that you don't have to pay back - like wages, unemployment benefits, disability payments, etc. What really helped me was preparing documentation of my actual income changes rather than worrying about credit usage. Since your hours were cut to 22 per week, focus on gathering recent pay stubs to show that income reduction. You'll likely qualify for increased CalFresh benefits, which could help reduce your reliance on credit cards for food purchases going forward. I also want to echo what others have said about CalWORKs - definitely worth applying! Many people don't realize you can qualify for cash assistance while working part-time. The program is designed to supplement employment, and it could help you avoid those expensive cash advances in the future. Don't stress about your renewal appointment. Workers see situations like yours all the time, especially with how many people have had their hours reduced lately. You're being responsible by asking questions and making sure you understand the rules correctly!

I'm really grateful to have found this discussion! I've been in a similar situation where I had to use my credit card for essentials after my work hours were reduced, and I was also worried about how this might affect my CalFresh benefits. Reading through everyone's responses has been such a relief - it's clear that credit card purchases and cash advances are definitely NOT income for CalFresh purposes since they represent debt that has to be repaid, not money you actually get to keep. What I found especially helpful was learning about all the additional resources people mentioned - CalWORKs eligibility while working part-time, partial unemployment benefits for reduced hours, the 211 service for local assistance, and food banks that can help stretch CalFresh benefits further. I had no idea about most of these options! @Madeline Blaze - I hope your renewal goes smoothly! It sounds like you have a great plan now with documenting your reduced hours and looking into additional assistance programs. This community really shows how much people are willing to help each other navigate these complex systems. Thank you for asking the question that so many of us needed answered!

So glad to see this update! This is exactly why I always tell people in this community to double-check with their worker even when the online system shows approval. The CalWORKs system can be confusing but it sounds like everything worked out perfectly in your case. For anyone else reading this who might be in a similar situation - the key takeaway is that if you submit all required documents on time and there are no changes to report, the interview might just be a formality. But it's always worth confirming directly with your worker for peace of mind. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

This is so helpful to read through! I'm relatively new to CalWORKs and had no idea that SAR 7 interviews could sometimes be waived if all your paperwork is complete and there are no changes. I've been dreading my first SAR 7 coming up because I keep hearing horror stories about the process. It's really reassuring to see that sometimes the system actually works smoothly, and that the community here is so supportive in helping each other navigate these situations. Thanks @Lara for sharing your experience and keeping us updated - it really helps those of us who are still learning the ropes!