Here's something that might help - I've found that Credit Union ATMs are often really reliable for EBT withdrawals too. Places like Golden 1 Credit Union or Schools First Federal Credit Union usually don't charge surcharge fees for EBT transactions. Also, if you're in a bind and need cash fast, some Walmart locations have customer service desks where you can withdraw cash directly with your EBT card and ID - no ATM needed. They can usually do larger amounts than the ATM limits too. Just make sure to bring your ID and know your PIN. The customer service option has been a lifesaver for me when all the ATMs seemed to be down or out of service.

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who shared their tips! As someone who's also pretty new to CalWORKs (got approved about 6 months ago), I remember how overwhelming it was trying to figure out the whole EBT card system. One thing that really helped me was calling the customer service number on the back of my EBT card - they can tell you your exact balance and also help you find ATMs near you that work with the card. The wait time isn't usually too bad, maybe 5-10 minutes. Also, I've had good luck with ATMs at Costco and Sam's Club if you have memberships there. They never seem to have issues with EBT cards and don't charge extra fees. It's such a relief when you find reliable spots where you know your card will work!

Just to clarify something important: even though the COLA is a "known" change, the different benefit systems (CalWORKs, CalFresh, SSI) don't automatically talk to each other as well as they should. The best practice is: 1. If the COLA puts you over your IRT - report immediately (required for CalWORKs) 2. If the change is more than $50/month - report for CalFresh (technically required) 3. If under both thresholds - you can wait until your next SAR7, but reporting now prevents any possible issues Report it through BenefitsCal and get a confirmation number as proof. This covers you completely.

Just wanted to add my experience - I'm a former county eligibility worker and can confirm that yes, you should report the COLA increase even though it seems redundant. The issue is that while SSI data flows into CalWIN, the actual benefit calculations for CalWORKs and CalFresh run on different schedules and sometimes don't sync up properly. What happens is SSI reports the COLA to the state, but your individual case might not get recalculated until your next review period unless YOU trigger it by reporting the change. This is especially true if your county is backlogged (which most are). The safest approach: Report any income change over $50 through BenefitsCal within 10 days. Take a screenshot of the confirmation. This way you're covered for both programs and won't get hit with an overissuance later. The system should work automatically, but it doesn't always, and the burden falls on you to prove you reported it.

Hey Ellie! Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🎉 As someone who works closely with CalWORKs recipients, I can't stress enough how important it is to report your pregnancy right away. You're absolutely doing the right thing by asking these questions! A few things I wanted to add that might be helpful: When you call, ask specifically about the Pregnant Woman Supplemental Nutrition benefit - it's separate from the regular food assistance and provides additional monthly support. Also, if you're currently required to do any work activities or job search requirements, pregnancy gives you an automatic exemption, so make sure they update that in your case. One tip for getting through to your worker faster - try calling right when they open at 8 AM or during lunch hours around 12-1 PM when the hold times are usually shorter. If you do get disconnected, ask for your worker's direct extension so you can try reaching them directly next time. You're already showing what a great mom you'll be by being so proactive about this! Don't worry about "messing up" - pregnancy is a common change they handle all the time, and there are so many programs designed to help you and your baby. You've got this! 💕

Hi Ellie! Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🎉 I just wanted to add one more resource that might be helpful - many counties also have Healthy Start programs that provide additional support for pregnant women and new moms. They often include home visits from nurses, help connecting to services, and even things like car seats and baby supplies. When you call your worker tomorrow, it might be worth asking if Los Angeles County has a Healthy Start program you could be referred to. Also, don't forget to ask about the Newborn Supplement - it's a one-time payment of around $100 that CalWORKs provides when your baby is born to help with initial baby expenses. You're doing such a great job advocating for yourself and your baby already! The fact that you're being so proactive about learning all your options shows you're going to be an amazing mom. Wishing you all the best with your pregnancy journey! 💕

anyone else notice that sacramento county ALWAYS does this right when rent is due??? like they know exactly what theyre doing cutting ppl off at the end of the month smh

Just wanted to add - if you're going in person tomorrow, write down exactly what happened and what you need resolved. When you check in, ask if there are any CalWORKs supervisors available. Sometimes they can resolve issues on the spot, especially when it's clearly an error in their system. Also, if you have any documentation showing your income has been consistent (pay stubs, employer letters, etc.), bring multiple copies so they can keep one for their records. If they restore your benefits but say the payment will take days to process, ask specifically about emergency payment options. Sacramento County can issue same-day payments in true emergency situations, though they don't advertise this option. Keep us updated on how it goes! Many people are dealing with the same issue right now.

I'm a benefits advocate, and I've been seeing this issue a lot with the CalSAWS transition. Here's what's happening: The new system is flagging income as "changed" even when it's stable because it's comparing to a different baseline than the old system used. It's a programming issue. Everyone affected should: 1. Request an immediate case review for "administrative error" (use those exact words) 2. Ask for "expedited aid restoration" due to imminent harm (potential eviction) 3. Request retroactive benefits from the date of discontinuance 4. File for a State Hearing using the back of any CalWORKs notice you've received or online at https://acms.dss.ca.gov/ If you request the hearing and specifically check the box for "aid pending" before the 10-day deadline, they must restore your benefits while investigating. The deadline is usually 10 days from the discontinuance notice date - but since you didn't receive notice, argue that the clock hasn't even started. Don't give up! This is a clear violation of your due process rights under MPP Section 22-072.

I'm so glad you got through to someone and they're reopening your case! This exact same thing happened to me 3 weeks ago - benefits cut off with no warning, same income for months. The worker told me it was definitely a system glitch where the new CalSAWS was flagging stable income as "changes." Mine took 4 days to get restored once they reopened it, but I did get all the back pay from when it was cut off. Make sure you ask them to put a note in your file about this being a system error so it doesn't happen again next month. And definitely keep all your documentation showing your income never changed - I had to prove it twice before they finally flagged my case as "stable income, do not auto-discontinue." Fingers crossed you get this sorted before your rent is due! The stress is unreal when you're just trying to keep a roof over your kid's head.