That's awesome that you got it sorted out! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - if you're in a WTW program and NOT getting these payments automatically, definitely speak up. Sometimes there are system glitches or your program might not be coded correctly in their system. I had to push my worker to check why mine weren't coming through, turns out my vocational training wasn't marked as "approved" even though it was on the state list. Don't assume you're not eligible - advocate for yourself!

Great to see this thread helping so many people! I went through something similar when I started my pharmacy tech program. For anyone still confused about WTW supportive payments, here are the main types you might see: transportation (most common), childcare assistance, work clothes/uniforms, books/supplies, and tools/equipment. The amounts vary by county and your specific situation. If you're not getting payments you think you should be getting, ask your worker to review your WTW plan - sometimes they need to update it to include supportive services. Also, keep attending your program regularly because they do track attendance and can stop payments if you're not participating consistently. Good luck to everyone in their programs!

I'm new to CalWORKs and this thread is both helpful and terrifying! I just applied last month and my benefits are showing as pending too. Reading all these stories about people waiting weeks without any communication from their workers has me really worried. It seems like the system has some serious issues with transparency and communication. I had no idea that things like one-time child support payments or random system glitches could cause such long delays without anyone telling you what's happening. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and solutions like the Claimyr service and going to the office early in the morning. This community seems way more responsive and helpful than the actual CalWORKs system! Hopefully my case processes faster since it's a new application, but now I know what to look out for and what options I have if I get stuck in pending status too.

This whole thread really highlights how broken the CalWORKs communication system is! I've been dealing with similar pending benefit issues for the past month and it's incredibly stressful when you're already struggling financially. What I've learned from my own experience and reading everyone's stories here is that there are so many different reasons benefits can get stuck - child support payments, income reporting threshold changes, random system glitches, processing backlogs - but they never bother to tell us what's actually happening. We're just left to guess and worry while bills pile up. The fact that we have to rely on third-party services like Claimyr or show up at offices at 7:30 AM just to get basic information about our own cases is ridiculous. Thank you to everyone who's shared their experiences and solutions - this community provides way better support than the actual agency does. For anyone still dealing with pending benefits, definitely try the suggestions people have mentioned here. The system may be broken but at least we can help each other navigate it!

I work with families in similar situations and wanted to share some additional resources that might help. The California Department of Social Services has a specific handbook section (MPP 82-823) that covers adding household members who are caretaker relatives - you can reference this if your worker seems uncertain about the process. One thing I'd recommend is asking your sister if she has her birth certificate or any medical records that show your family relationship. While not always required, having documentation that proves you're siblings can make the process smoother. Also, don't worry too much about your mom's current benefit status. When you add your sister to your case, the county's computer system will automatically check for duplicate enrollment across cases. If there's an overlap, they'll work with you to resolve it - it's not something that will get you in trouble. The most important thing is that you're providing a stable home for your sister during a difficult family time. The CalWORKs program is designed to support exactly these kinds of situations. Make sure to emphasize on your SAR7 that this is a long-term living arrangement, not just temporary babysitting.

One thing that might help ease your worries - I had a very similar situation with my younger cousin who came to stay with me when her mom went through some struggles. The county was actually really understanding and helpful once I got connected with the right worker. Here's what worked for me: I called ahead before submitting my SAR7 and explained the situation over the phone. That way, when they received my paperwork, they were already expecting it and had flagged my case for review. It prevented any delays or confusion. Also, since your sister has been with you for 7 months already, make sure to note on the SAR7 the exact date she moved in. They may ask why you waited so long to report it, but as others mentioned, you're not required to report household additions immediately - just on your next SAR7. The school enrollment letter is definitely your best bet for proving residence. I'd also suggest getting a simple letter from a neighbor, family friend, or even her doctor if she's had any appointments while living with you. Having multiple sources confirming she lives at your address just makes everything smoother. You're doing an amazing thing for your sister during a tough time. Don't let the paperwork stress you out too much - the system is designed to help families exactly like yours.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! As someone who's been on CalWORKs for a few years, I know how terrifying it is when your benefits get stolen, especially when it's rent money. The skimming scams are getting really bad - they put these tiny devices on card readers that you can't even see, and they steal your card info without you knowing. Here's what I learned when my friend went through this same thing: 1. You did the right thing calling EBT customer service first. Make sure you get a reference number for your report. 2. When you fill out the EBT-2259 form, be as detailed as possible. Write down exactly where you were when the theft happened, that your card never left your possession, and include any receipts from legitimate transactions you made around that time. 3. For emergency help with rent - call your county office and specifically ask about "emergency assistance due to EBT theft." Some workers don't know about all the emergency programs available. If the first person says no, ask for a supervisor. 4. File a police report too, even if they say they can't investigate. Having that report number can help with your county case. The good news is that people ARE getting their money back from these thefts - it just takes time. Don't let them make you feel like you're lying. This is happening to so many people right now. You're going to get through this!

I'm really sorry this happened to you! This exact same thing happened to my sister - someone got $520 from her CalWORKs cash aid through an ATM withdrawal while she had her card the whole time. It turns out these criminals are using something called "shimming" now too, which is even harder to detect than regular skimming. They slide super thin devices into card slots that steal your info. A few things that might help you right now: 1. When you go to turn in that EBT-2259 form, ask to speak with an eligibility worker supervisor if possible. Sometimes they have more knowledge about emergency assistance options. 2. Mention that you're facing homelessness due to the theft - use those exact words. There are specific emergency housing assistance programs that might be available. 3. Ask about "Homeless Assistance Program" or "HAP" funds - these are sometimes separate from regular emergency aid and workers don't always think to mention them. 4. If your county has a CalWORKs advocacy group or legal aid clinic, try calling them too. They often know about resources that regular workers might not mention. The investigation process is frustrating but people really are getting their money back. My sister got hers replaced in about 18 days. Hang in there and don't let them brush you off about emergency help - you have every right to ask for assistance when you're a victim of theft!

Just to add some clarification on the reporting rules: 1. You must report new employment within 10 days of getting your first paycheck. 2. If your income exceeds your IRT (Income Reporting Threshold), you must report within 10 days. 3. Otherwise, you must report all income on your Semi-Annual Report (SAR 7). And about paybacks - yes, if you delay reporting and receive benefits you weren't eligible for, you'll have to repay the overpayment. However, as someone mentioned, CalWORKs has an earned income disregard, so you might still be eligible for partial benefits even with your new job.

Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm definitely going to report within 10 days of getting my first paycheck. I found my IRT letter and it says $1,790 for my household, which is more than I'll make at this part-time job. I'll make copies of my paystubs and upload them to BenefitsCal right away. Really appreciate all the help - definitely don't want to deal with overpayments or fraud accusations!