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One more thing I forgot to mention - if you end up needing to apply for an exemption from cooperation (like if there's domestic violence involved), that process can take longer. But if you're just providing the information they need, it should be relatively quick to lift the penalty. Just make sure when you call that you get confirmation they've received everything they need. The LCSA and CalWORKs don't always communicate well with each other, so you might need to follow up with both offices to make sure the information gets where it needs to go.
Thanks for the additional info. There's no DV situation, so hopefully it's straightforward. I'll definitely follow up with both offices to make sure they're communicating properly. This whole system seems so complicated!
Just checking back - were you able to get through to your worker? Did they give you any timeline for fixing this?
I spent ALL morning trying to get through on the phone with no luck. I finally went directly to the office and had to wait for 3 hours, but I got to speak with someone. They gave me the CW 51 forms to fill out and said once I complete them and turn them in, they'll remove the penalty - but it won't be fixed until August 1st at the earliest. So we're still going to have reduced benefits for July. At least I know what I need to do now, but I'm still frustrated by the whole situation.
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I'm going through this exact same situation right now and this thread has been incredibly reassuring! I just got my SSDI approval letter yesterday ($1,150/month) and have been terrified about what would happen to my CalWORKs benefits for me and my twin daughters. Reading everyone's experiences, especially @Quinn Herbert and others who ended up better off with child-only cases, has given me so much hope. I had no idea that was even an option - I thought it was all or nothing. A few things I'm taking away from this thread that I want to confirm: 1. Report the approval immediately, don't wait for first payment 2. Specifically ask about child-only case for my kids 3. Make sure to ask about keeping Medi-Cal active 4. Get everything documented in my case file 5. Be prepared with all my SS paperwork One question I have - has anyone dealt with this while also receiving WIC benefits? I'm wondering if the income change affects that program differently than CalFresh. Thank you all so much for sharing your real experiences. This community is amazing and I feel so much more prepared to advocate for my family now!
@Sebastian Scott Congratulations on your SSDI approval! Your summary of takeaways is spot-on and shows you ve'been paying close attention to everyone s'advice. Regarding WIC - yes, your SSDI income will affect your WIC eligibility since they use gross income limits just like CalFresh. However, WIC income limits are typically higher than CalFresh, so you might retain some WIC benefits even if your CalFresh gets reduced. The key difference is that WIC looks at your household size differently - they only count you and your twin daughters, not extended family members who might be in your CalWORKs case. When you call your worker, definitely mention that you re'also on WIC so they can help coordinate the reporting between programs. Some counties can help facilitate that communication, which saves you from having to navigate multiple phone systems. One additional tip based on your situation with twins - make sure your worker understands you have two children when calculating the child-only case. Sometimes the system defaults incorrectly and you want to ensure both girls are included in the assistance unit from the start. You ve'got this! The fact that you re'going in prepared with all this knowledge puts you way ahead of where most people are when facing this transition.
This is such a comprehensive thread - thank you everyone for sharing your real experiences! I'm in a similar situation where I'm expecting my SSDI decision soon and currently receive CalWORKs for myself and my daughter. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly educational and honestly a huge relief. What strikes me most is how many people mentioned that their workers didn't automatically suggest the child-only option - it seems like you really have to advocate for yourself and specifically ask about it. That's both frustrating and good to know going in. I'm definitely taking notes on everyone's practical tips, especially about calling right at 8am, keeping detailed documentation, and making sure to ask about ALL benefits (Medi-Cal, CalFresh, etc.) during the transition. The point about asking the worker to put notes in the case file is brilliant too. For those who successfully got child-only cases set up - did you find that your workers were generally knowledgeable about this option once you brought it up, or did you have to educate them about it? I'm trying to prepare for the possibility that I might need to really push for this if my worker isn't familiar with the process. Thanks again to everyone who took the time to share detailed experiences. This community support makes navigating such a complex system feel so much more manageable!
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This is such a relief to read your update! I'm actually going through something similar right now - my SAR 7 got processed last week but I'm still worried about my payment coming through on time. Your post gave me hope that even when the BenefitsCal system doesn't update properly, the benefits can still arrive as scheduled. Definitely going to use that EBT phone tip to check Friday night. So happy your son got his birthday celebration! The stress of waiting for benefits when you have urgent needs is absolutely awful, but it sounds like you handled it perfectly.
I'm so glad this thread helped you feel more confident about your situation! That EBT phone check trick is honestly a lifesaver - I wish more people knew about it. The waiting and uncertainty is the worst part of this whole process. Fingers crossed your payment comes through smoothly too! It's really reassuring to see when things work out despite all the system glitches and stress.
I've been through this exact same panic multiple times and it's honestly traumatic every month wondering if your benefits will actually show up. The fact that you got through to a worker who confirmed everything was processed is actually a really good sign - they don't usually say that unless it's actually done in the system. I've noticed that BenefitsCal is basically useless for real-time updates, especially during SAR 7 processing periods. The backend systems they use to actually load the money onto cards seem to work independently from what we see on the website. That EBT phone check tip is golden - I use it every month now because it's literally the only reliable way to know for sure. Really hope everything works out for your son's birthday!
This is exactly why I think CalWORKs needs to completely overhaul their technology systems. It's not right that families have to live in constant anxiety about whether their basic survival benefits will show up on time. The disconnect between what workers can see in their systems versus what recipients see online is just cruel - especially when people are dealing with emergencies like broken appliances or kids' birthdays. I'm new to this program and already feeling overwhelmed by how unreliable the information systems are. Thank you for sharing that EBT phone tip - definitely going to bookmark that for future use!
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wait i didnt even know this was a thing!!! my daughter is 2 and ive been on calworks for a year… does anyone know if theres a form on benefitscal for this or do u have to call?
There's no form on BenefitsCal for this specifically. You need to contact your worker, either by phone or by leaving a message in your BenefitsCal account. Make sure to mention that you'd like the diaper benefit added AND retroactive payments for any months you should have received it but didn't.
I just went through this exact same situation last month! I have a 15-month-old and was shocked to find out I'd been missing out on $30/month for over a year. When I called my worker, she said the diaper benefit should have been added automatically when my case started, but there was some kind of system glitch. The good news is they gave me all the backpay from when my daughter was born - it was like getting a $360 check! Definitely call ASAP because the longer you wait, the more money you're missing out on. And don't let them tell you it's "per family" - I had one worker try to tell me that but it's absolutely per child under 3. Pro tip: when you call, ask them to email or mail you a summary of what they added to your case so you have it in writing. That way if there are any issues later, you have proof of what was discussed.
Wow $360 backpay sounds amazing! That's a great tip about getting it in writing too. I'm definitely going to ask for that when I call. Did you have any trouble getting through to your worker or did you use that Claimyr service someone mentioned?
Oliver Cheng
One important recommendation: While you're waiting for your case to be resolved, you might qualify for emergency CalFresh (food stamps) if you haven't already maxed out your benefits. You can apply for an emergency allotment that can be approved within 3 days if you meet the criteria. Also, contact local food banks and community resource centers immediately. Many have emergency assistance programs specifically for situations like yours. For your EBT card security going forward: 1. Change your PIN as soon as you get a new card 2. Check your balance frequently (ideally daily) 3. Never share your PIN with anyone 4. Consider withdrawing your cash benefits all at once when they're deposited Wishing you the best with resolving this quickly.
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Alina Rosenthal
•Update: Finally got through to my worker! They're sending me a form to fill out and said they can usually process benefit theft claims within 10 business days. She also approved emergency assistance for us while we wait - $200 that I can pick up at the office tomorrow. Not the full amount but at least something to help with groceries. Thanks everyone for your advice!
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Luca Esposito
I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is unfortunately becoming more and more common. I work at a community resource center and we see cases like yours every week. A few additional tips that might help: 1. Document EVERYTHING - take screenshots of your account balance showing $0, write down the exact date/time you discovered the theft, and keep records of all your calls and case numbers. 2. If you have trouble reaching your CalWORKs worker, you can also file the theft report online through your county's website in some counties, or visit any county office location - you don't have to go to the specific office where your worker is located. 3. While waiting for resolution, check if your area has any emergency rental assistance programs. Many cities and nonprofits have funds specifically to help prevent evictions. 4. Consider asking your landlord for a few extra days if possible - explain the situation and show them your theft report documentation. Many landlords are understanding when they see you're actively working to resolve the issue. Stay strong - I know this is incredibly stressful but you're taking all the right steps to get this resolved!
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