Can't reach CalWorks? Claimyr connects you to a live DSS agent in minutes.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the DSS
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the DSS drops your call
If I could give 10 stars I would
If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
Really made a difference
Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
Worth not wasting your time calling for hours.
Was a bit nervous or untrusting at first, but my calls went thru. First time the wait was a bit long but their customer chat line on their page was helpful and put me at ease that I would receive my call. Today my call dropped because of EDD and Claimyr heard my concern on the same chat and another call was made within the hour.
An incredibly helpful service
An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
Consistent,frustration free, quality Service.
Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
IT WORKS!! Not a scam!
I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
Join the conversation
Join the conversation
Thank you so much for sharing this success story! As someone new to the CalWORKs system, I had no idea that calling to expedite theft claims was even possible. The worker who helped me file my paperwork last month made it sound like the 10-30 day wait was set in stone. This thread is like a goldmine of practical advice that you just don't get from the official channels. The tip about calling right at 8am, asking for supervisors, and having documentation ready - these are the real-world strategies that actually work. I'm bookmarking this entire conversation in case I ever need it. It's so reassuring to see that when people advocate for themselves and know what to ask for, the system can actually respond quickly. Your same-day approval gives hope to everyone dealing with this increasingly common problem. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and tips here. This is exactly the kind of community support that makes navigating these challenges so much more manageable!
I'm so glad this thread has been helpful for you! When I first started dealing with CalWORKs, I felt completely lost and didn't know what questions to ask or what my rights were. It's frustrating that the workers don't always tell you about all your options - like being able to expedite emergency claims. One thing I've learned is that it really helps to come prepared with specific language when you call. Instead of just saying "I need help," try saying something like "I'm requesting emergency processing of my EBT theft claim due to financial hardship" or "I need to speak with a supervisor about expediting my case." Using their own terminology seems to get better results. Also, don't be discouraged if the first person you talk to says they can't help - sometimes you have to call back and try again with a different worker. The system is so inconsistent, but persistence really does pay off. This community has been such a lifesaver for navigating all these challenges. There's so much knowledge here from people who've actually been through it all. Definitely keep this thread handy - you never know when you might need these tips again!
This is such an inspiring thread to read! I just joined this community because I'm new to CalWORKs and honestly had no idea what to expect if something like theft ever happened to my benefits. Reading about Ethan's same-day success and all the practical advice everyone shared here is incredibly reassuring. The fact that so many people took the time to share their experiences and specific strategies (like calling at 8am, asking for supervisors, documenting everything) shows what an amazing support system this community is. I'm definitely saving this entire thread for reference. It's terrible that EBT theft is becoming so common, but knowing that there are ways to advocate for faster processing and that people here are willing to help each other navigate the system makes me feel so much more confident about managing any future challenges. Thank you to everyone who contributed their knowledge here - this is exactly the kind of real-world information that makes all the difference when you're dealing with bureaucracy and stress!
Welcome to the community, Carmen! I'm also relatively new here and this thread has been such an eye-opener for me too. When I first got CalWORKs benefits, I was so worried about all the things that could go wrong, but seeing how supportive and knowledgeable everyone is here makes me feel much more prepared. What really struck me about this whole conversation is how much advocacy matters. Like Ethan's experience shows - if he had just waited passively for the 10-30 day processing time, he might still be waiting and struggling to pay rent. But because he called and pushed for expedited processing, he got his money back the same day! That's such an important lesson for all of us. I'm also bookmarking this thread and planning to set up those text alerts that Marcus mentioned. It's amazing how many practical tips came out of one person's success story. This is definitely the kind of community where people look out for each other, and I'm grateful to be part of it!
Join the conversation
Reading through all these responses has been so educational! I'm a new CalWORKs recipient and had no idea about the Homeless Assistance program until seeing this thread. It's concerning that this crucial information isn't being shared proactively during the application process. For anyone else who might be in a similar situation in the future, I found this thread incredibly helpful in understanding: - The difference between temporary and permanent homeless assistance - The once-in-a-lifetime limitation (which is really important to know!) - The specific documents needed and timeline for emergency processing - Alternative resources like 211 and legal aid partnerships @Ava Rodriguez - I hope your payment processes smoothly! You've been such a great advocate for yourself and your kids by acting quickly and getting all the right documentation together. Please keep us updated on how everything turns out. This community is amazing - the level of detailed, practical advice from people with real experience is invaluable. I'm definitely saving this thread for future reference and sharing it with other families I know who might benefit from this information. Thank you to everyone who took time to share their knowledge and experiences! 🙏
I completely agree that this information should be shared during the initial CalWORKs application process! As someone who just joined this community, I'm shocked that such an important program like Homeless Assistance isn't mentioned upfront. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been eye-opening - from the emergency processing timelines to the once-in-a-lifetime limitation that could really impact families' decisions about when to use this resource. It's clear that word-of-mouth through communities like this is often how people actually learn about these crucial programs. @Ava Rodriguez I m'really hoping your situation works out smoothly and that your payment gets processed in time! Your quick action and thorough documentation gathering gives me hope that the system can work when people know how to navigate it properly. Thank you everyone for sharing such detailed and practical advice - this thread is going to help so many families who find themselves in similar emergency situations.
This thread is exactly why I love this community! @Ava Rodriguez, I'm so relieved you got your application submitted and that your landlord is willing to work with you while the payment processes. I wanted to add one more resource that helped me when I was struggling with housing costs - the CalWORKs Housing Support Program (HSP) that someone mentioned earlier. It's different from the emergency Homeless Assistance and provides ongoing rental subsidies (up to $500/month in some counties) to help prevent future housing crises. You have to meet certain requirements like being at risk of homelessness or spending more than 80% of your income on housing, but it sounds like you might qualify. Also, since you mentioned losing your part-time job, make sure to ask about the Welfare-to-Work (WTW) program services. They can help with job search assistance, education/training programs, and even provide supportive services like transportation and childcare while you're looking for work. The fact that so many people in this thread didn't know about these programs until they were in crisis really shows how much the system needs to improve communication. But I'm so grateful for communities like this where we can share real experiences and help each other navigate these challenges. Keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly with your payment! 🤞
Join the conversation
I'm going through something very similar with my sister as our childcare provider! She's been watching my 6-year-old for about 8 weeks now and we're still waiting for the first payment. After reading all these responses, I realize there are so many things my CalWORKs worker never explained to us. I had no idea about TrustLine requirements or provider numbers - they just said to submit the paperwork and wait. My sister is getting frustrated because she's been covering all the costs for meals and activities out of her own pocket. I'm definitely going to call the Alternative Payment Program office directly tomorrow instead of going through my regular worker. It sounds like that's the key to actually getting answers. This whole thread has been so helpful - at least now I know what specific questions to ask and what to look out for. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences! It really helps to know other people have dealt with this same nightmare and gotten it resolved eventually.
Welcome to the community! Your situation is unfortunately all too common - the lack of clear communication from CalWORKs workers about these requirements is really frustrating. When you call the Alternative Payment Program office tomorrow, make sure to have your sister's full name, date of birth, and your case number ready. They'll need that info to look up her application status. Also ask them to send you a written summary of what they find and what steps need to be completed - having everything documented has saved me multiple times when dealing with this system. If they say her TrustLine is still pending, ask for the specific case number so you can track it independently. And don't be afraid to escalate to a supervisor if the first person you talk to isn't helpful. Your sister shouldn't have to keep paying out of pocket for something that's the state's responsibility. Keep us updated on how the call goes!
I'm new to this community but dealing with almost the exact same situation! My aunt has been watching my twin 4-year-olds for about 6 weeks while I'm in the WTW program and we haven't received any payments yet. My CalWORKs worker keeps giving me the runaround saying "it takes time to process" but never mentioned anything about TrustLine or provider numbers. Reading through everyone's experiences here is so eye-opening - I had no idea there were so many specific requirements that could be holding things up. My aunt is on disability and really can't afford to keep covering snacks, activities, and supplies much longer. I'm definitely going to call the Alternative Payment Program office directly tomorrow and ask about all these specific issues you've all mentioned. It's so frustrating that they don't explain these potential roadblocks upfront! Thank you all for sharing your stories - it really helps to know I'm not the only one struggling with this broken system and that there's hope for getting it resolved.
Join the conversation
This has been such an informative discussion! I've been on CalWORKs for about 4 months now and had no idea about any of this travel stuff. My mom lives in New Mexico and I've been wanting to visit her but was scared my benefits would get messed up somehow. Reading through everyone's experiences - especially the confirmation that cards work nationwide and the 30-day rule - makes me feel so much more confident about planning a trip. The ATM fee advice is really smart too, I definitely would have just used whatever machine was closest without thinking about the extra charges. It's crazy how much practical stuff like this isn't explained when you first get benefits. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories, and @Nathaniel Stewart I'm really glad everything worked out for you and hope your mom is feeling better!
This whole conversation has been such a lifesaver! I just got approved for CalWORKs last week and I'm still figuring out all the ins and outs. My cousin lives in Oregon (funny coincidence!) and I was already stressing about whether I'd be able to visit her for her wedding next month. Seeing @Nathaniel Stewart s'actual experience there and everyone else s'helpful advice makes me feel so much better about the whole thing. The bank ATM tip is definitely something I ll'remember - every dollar counts when you re'on benefits! It s'really nice to see a community where people actually come back to share how things turned out instead of just disappearing after getting help.
This thread has been incredibly helpful! I've been on CalWORKs for about 2 months and my sister just had a baby in Utah. I was worried about traveling there to meet my new nephew because I wasn't sure how the EBT system worked out of state. Reading everyone's experiences here - especially @Nathaniel Stewart's detailed update about Oregon working perfectly - gives me so much peace of mind. The tip about using bank ATMs instead of convenience store ones is really valuable too, since those fees can definitely add up when you're already on a tight budget. It's frustrating that this kind of practical information isn't covered during the application process, but I'm so grateful for communities like this where people share real experiences. Thanks everyone for being so helpful, and @Nathaniel Stewart I hope your mom is doing much better now!
Congratulations on becoming an aunt/uncle! Meeting your new nephew is such a special occasion and you definitely shouldn't have to worry about your benefits while traveling for something so important. Based on all the experiences shared in this thread, your trip to Utah should go smoothly - just remember to look for bank ATMs to keep those fees down. It's really heartwarming to see how this thread has helped so many people feel confident about traveling to see family. That's what these benefits are supposed to do - help you maintain those important relationships and be there for the big moments. Hope you have an amazing time meeting your nephew!
Connor Gallagher
This post is so helpful! I've been putting off switching to direct deposit because I was worried about the process being complicated, but after reading everyone's experiences I'm definitely going to do it this week. Had no idea the benefits arrive earlier too - that's a huge bonus since I'm always stressed about timing with rent. Quick question for anyone who's done this - do you still get the same notification when your benefits are deposited, or do you just have to check your bank account? My EBT card always sends me a text when money gets added and I rely on that to know when my benefits hit.
0 coins
Paolo Rizzo
•Hey Connor! You won't get the same text notifications that EBT sends, but most banks and apps like Chime, Cash App etc. have their own notification systems you can turn on. I get push notifications on my phone whenever money hits my account - sometimes even faster than the old EBT texts! You can usually set these up in your banking app under notifications or alerts. Way better than wondering if your benefits posted or not. Definitely make the switch - you'll wish you did it sooner!
0 coins
Vanessa Chang
Just wanted to add my experience - I switched to direct deposit about 6 months ago after getting hit with theft twice in one month. Best decision I ever made! The process was actually super simple once I got to my county office. My worker had me fill out one form and I just needed my routing and account number from my bank app. One thing that really surprised me was how much stress it eliminated. I used to constantly worry about checking ATM machines for skimmers and would drive to different locations just to be safe. Now I don't have to think about any of that. My benefits just show up in my account like clockwork. For anyone still on the fence about this - the theft problem is only getting worse. My neighbor just had her card cloned at a grocery store last week. The criminals are getting more sophisticated with the skimming devices. Direct deposit is really the only way to protect yourself right now.
0 coins