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this is why i always keep a little extra in my account from the month before if possible. never know when theyll mess up the timing and then your stuck with late fees and stuff. glad it worked out for you tho!
That's really smart advice! I wish I could save something from month to month but right now every dollar goes to rent, utilities, and food. Hopefully once I finish my job training program next month I'll be able to build up a little cushion. It would definitely help with the stress of situations like this.
I'm so glad your payment came through! This thread is really helpful for understanding that delays can happen even when everything is fine with your case. I'm new to CalWORKs and was wondering - is there any way to get notifications when payments are processed, or do we just have to keep checking our cards/BenefitsCal account? It would be nice to have some kind of alert system so we don't have to stress about checking all day.
Unfortunately there's no automatic notification system for when CalWORKs payments are processed. You have to manually check either your EBT card balance or log into your BenefitsCal account to see if the payment has posted. Some people set reminders on their phones to check periodically on the 1st rather than obsessively checking all day. The uncertainty is definitely one of the most stressful parts of the whole system!
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I'm really new to this community and just got approved for CalWORKs about 3 weeks ago, so I'm still learning how everything works. Reading through this whole thread has been both eye-opening and really comforting! I had no clue that payment delays like this were so common - if it happened to me right now, I'd probably be having a complete meltdown just like you did this morning. What really stands out to me is how supportive everyone is here and all the practical advice being shared. The emergency buffer tip that keeps coming up makes so much sense - even $20-30 could save so much stress in situations like this. I'm definitely going to start working on building that up, even if it's just a few dollars at a time. It's also really helpful to know the warning signs that it's just a processing delay (active case on BenefitsCal, paperwork submitted on time) versus something more serious. As someone brand new to navigating this system, having a community where people actually understand the anxiety of depending on these benefits is incredibly valuable. So glad your payment came through and thanks for updating everyone - it really helps us newcomers know what to expect!
Welcome to the community! I just joined recently too and this thread has been such a lifesaver for understanding what to expect with CalWORKs payments. Like you, I would have been absolutely panicking if this happened to me - the anxiety of depending on these benefits for essential expenses is so real. What I love about this community is how everyone shares actual experiences rather than just generic advice. The emergency buffer tip that everyone keeps mentioning is brilliant - I'm going to start putting aside even just $5-10 when I can to build up that safety net. It's amazing how much peace of mind even a tiny cushion can provide. Thanks for sharing your perspective as another newcomer! It's reassuring to know there are others who are just starting to navigate this system and finding support here. This community really seems to understand the unique stress that comes with these situations.
Welcome to the community, Val! I'm also very new here (just got approved for CalWORKs about a month ago) and this thread has been incredibly helpful for me too. Reading everyone's experiences really shows how normal these payment delays are, even though they feel like emergencies when you're just starting out and don't know what to expect. The emergency buffer advice that keeps coming up is something I'm definitely going to prioritize now. Even knowing that $15-20 could prevent that complete panic feeling makes it seem like such a worthwhile goal to work toward, even if it takes time to build up. What really strikes me about this community is how genuinely supportive everyone is. People here actually understand the day-to-day reality of living on these benefits and the constant anxiety that any disruption can cause. It's such a relief to find a space where you don't have to explain why a payment delay is so stressful - everyone just gets it. Thanks for sharing your perspective as another newcomer! It's comforting to know others are going through the same learning process and finding the same value in this community.
I'm completely new to both CalWORKs and this community - just got approved for benefits two weeks ago and still figuring everything out. Reading through this entire thread has been such a relief! I had no idea that payment delays like this were so common. If this happened to me right now, I would absolutely be in full panic mode just like you were this morning. What really impresses me about this community is how everyone jumps in to help with real, practical advice based on their actual experiences. The emergency buffer tip that multiple people mentioned is something I'm definitely going to start working on, even if it's just $10-15 to begin with. I can see how having even that small cushion would make such a huge difference for peace of mind. It's also really helpful to learn about the warning signs that indicate it's just a processing delay versus a real problem with your case. As someone brand new to navigating this system, having access to this kind of real-world knowledge from people who actually live this experience every day is invaluable. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for updating everyone when your payment came through - it really helps newcomers like me understand what to expect and that these scary situations usually do work out okay!
Welcome to the community, Oliver! I'm also really new here (just started receiving benefits about a month ago) and this thread has been such an education for me too. Like you, I would have been absolutely terrified if this payment delay happened to me - the stress of depending on these benefits for basic needs makes any disruption feel like a crisis. What I'm taking away from reading everyone's experiences is that these delays are way more common than I realized, and the community knowledge here is invaluable. The emergency buffer advice that keeps coming up throughout this thread is something I'm going to make a priority too. Even starting with $10-15 like you mentioned seems so much more manageable than trying to save a huge amount all at once. It's incredible how supportive this community is - everyone shares real experiences and practical solutions rather than just generic advice. As someone new to navigating this system, having access to this kind of genuine understanding and support makes such a difference. Thanks for sharing your perspective as another newcomer! It's reassuring to know others are going through the same learning process.
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This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm also in LA County and had my benefits stolen about 3 months ago. Got reimbursed in 16 days, which seems pretty typical based on what everyone is sharing here. One thing I want to add that saved me a lot of stress - when you call to check on your claim status, ask specifically if there are any "pending verifications" or documents they need from you. Sometimes they'll sit on your case waiting for something you didn't know they needed. Also, if anyone is struggling to get through on the phone, try calling right at 8am when they open - I had much better luck getting through early in the morning. The whole experience really taught me to be way more careful with my EBT card. Now I check my balance obsessively and transfer money out immediately!
That's really helpful advice about asking for "pending verifications"! I had no idea they might need additional documents and not tell you. The 8am tip is great too - I bet most people don't think to call right when they open. 16 days seems pretty consistent with what others are reporting here. Thanks for sharing your experience! It's reassuring to hear from someone else in LA County who actually got their money back. This whole thread has made me feel a lot more confident that the system does work, even if it takes a while.
I'm so sorry this happened to you! Benefit theft is unfortunately becoming more common. Based on what everyone's shared here, it sounds like LA County is actually pretty responsive compared to other areas. A few things that might help while you're waiting: 1) Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they often have emergency rental assistance programs that can help bridge the gap until your benefits are restored, 2) Reach out to local food banks so you're not going hungry while waiting, and 3) Definitely ask your worker about that Immediate Need request that QuantumQuest mentioned - explaining that you're facing eviction could really speed things up. Also document everything - dates, times, who you spoke with, reference numbers. If you end up needing to escalate this, having a paper trail helps. Keep your chin up - from what everyone's saying here, you will get your money back, it's just a matter of when. The system does work, even though it's frustrating how long it takes when you're in crisis mode.
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Since you're pregnant, make sure you're also on WIC if you're not already. It won't replace Cash Aid, but it provides nutritional support during pregnancy and after baby arrives. Also look into the Pregnancy Special Needs payment through CalWORKs which gives you a small additional amount each month while pregnant. After reporting your change in living situation, if your benefits are reduced significantly, ask your worker about what will happen after the baby arrives. Once the baby is born, you'll need to provide verification (birth certificate, hospital documents) to add the child to your case within 10 days. At that point, the situation changes again because you and your boyfriend will share a child, which affects how they consider your household composition.
Yes I'm on WIC already! It's been really helpful. I'll definitely ask about what happens after baby comes too. So much to keep track of with all these different programs and rules.
Congratulations on your pregnancy! I went through something similar when I was expecting my second child. Here's what I learned from my experience: You definitely need to report the address change within 10 days - that's a firm requirement regardless of how it affects your benefits. When you call, be very specific about your living arrangement. Tell them: - You're pregnant with your boyfriend's child (due July) - Who's on the lease - Exactly how much each of you pays toward rent/utilities - That you're not married Since you're pregnant with his child, they may treat this differently than if you were just roommates. Ask specifically about: 1. The Pregnancy Special Needs payment ($47/month) 2. How they'll calculate any "in-kind income" from shared housing costs 3. What happens to your case after the baby is born One tip: if possible, try to contribute something toward the rent from your Cash Aid (even if it's just $50-100) and document it. This shows you're using your benefits for housing costs, which can sometimes work in your favor during their calculations. The rules change again once baby arrives since you'll share a child together, so ask them to explain both scenarios. Getting everything in writing helps too - workers sometimes give different info and having documentation protects you. Good luck mama! The system is confusing but being proactive and honest is always the best approach.
This is such thorough advice, thank you! The tip about contributing something to rent from my Cash Aid is really smart - I hadn't thought about that. I'm definitely going to ask for everything in writing too since everyone seems to get different answers from different workers. It's reassuring to hear from someone who went through this successfully. Did you find that having documentation of what you paid toward expenses made a big difference in how they calculated your benefits?
Caesar Grant
Hey StarGazer101! Welcome to CalWORKs! I see you've gotten some great advice already about the payment schedule and withdrawal limits. Just wanted to add that if you're really worried about timing, you can also call the EBT customer service number (1-877-328-9677) to check your balance before heading to the ATM. The automated system is available 24/7 and will tell you exactly how much is available on your card. Also, since you mentioned you're new - make sure to keep all your receipts and paperwork organized from day one. It makes everything so much easier when you have to do your redetermination or if any issues come up with your case. Good luck with getting your rent sorted out!
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Dylan Wright
•Thanks Caesar! That's really helpful about the EBT customer service number. I didn't know you could check your balance that way. I'm definitely going to call that tonight before going to the ATM. And you're absolutely right about keeping paperwork organized - I'm already feeling overwhelmed with all the forms and notices I've gotten in just one week! Do you have any tips for what specific documents are most important to keep? I don't want to lose something crucial later on.
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Hattie Carson
•@Caesar Grant That EBT customer service number is a lifesaver! I just tried it and was able to check my balance instantly. For organizing paperwork, I keep a folder with my original approval notice has (all your important case info ,)any NOAs Notice (of Action you) get, your monthly budget worksheets if your worker gives you those, and definitely save any correspondence about changes to your case. Also keep receipts from any required activities like job search or appointments - you might need to prove you did them later. A simple accordion folder works great and costs like $3 at the dollar store.
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Jamal Brown
Hey there! I'm also pretty new to CalWORKs (got approved about 6 months ago) and wanted to share what I learned about the cash withdrawal situation. Everyone's given you great advice about the payment schedule, but here's something that really helped me: I always test my card the day before I absolutely need the money. Even though your case number ends in 3 so you should get benefits on the 1st, I'd still recommend checking at like 11:50pm on the 31st just to be safe. Also, regarding the withdrawal limits - I found out that some banks (like Bank of America) will let you withdraw more at their actual branch ATMs compared to the standalone machines. My regular ATM only lets me take out $400 at a time, but at the bank branch I can get $600. Just something to keep in mind for future rent payments! One more thing - if you end up having to split your rent payment over multiple days due to withdrawal limits, most landlords are understanding if you explain the situation ahead of time. I told my landlord about the EBT limits and now he knows I might pay in two parts on the 1st and 2nd of each month.
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