Just wanted to share my experience since I went through something similar last month! I requested case closure when I got a job offer and was really worried about the timing too. The good news is they did honor the March benefits since I requested closure after the 10th, just like everyone is saying here. One thing that really helped me was asking my worker to send me an email confirmation of our conversation about the closure request - that way I had something in writing right away while waiting for the official NOA. Also, definitely keep track of your exact start date and first paycheck amount because if they ever question anything later, having those details documented will save you so much stress. The whole process took about 3 weeks for me from request to actual closure, so you should be all set for March! Congrats on the new job - it's such a relief to be moving forward!

Congratulations on your new job! From everything I've seen in this thread, it sounds like you're in good shape for March benefits since you requested closure after the 10th. I went through something similar about 6 months ago and they definitely honored my benefits for that month. One thing I'd add that I don't think anyone mentioned yet - make sure to ask your worker about the impact on any other family members if you have them. When I closed my case, I had forgotten that my teenage son could still qualify for CalFresh on his own, and we almost missed out on that because I didn't ask the right questions. Also, if you have any pending WTW requirements or activities, make sure those get properly cancelled too so you don't get hit with any compliance issues after your case closes. Really great advice from everyone here about keeping all the paperwork and getting everything in writing. This community has been such a lifesaver for navigating all these confusing rules!

Just wanted to add my experience - I successfully set up direct deposit about 6 months ago and it's been working great! A few tips that helped me: 1. When filling out form CW 2208, use black ink and write very clearly - I've heard messy handwriting is a common reason for rejection 2. Double-check your routing and account numbers against your bank's website, not just your checks (sometimes printed checks have errors) 3. If you submit through BenefitsCal, take screenshots of the upload confirmation page in case you need proof later 4. Keep using your EBT card for a few cycles after submitting - don't assume it worked until you see the money in your bank account The whole process took about 3 weeks for me from submission to first direct deposit. Way better than dealing with the EBT card for cash! Good luck getting yours set up.

I went through this exact same process last month and wanted to share what worked for me! After reading all the comments here, I downloaded form CW 2208 from my county's website (didn't even need to call). The key things that made my submission successful: - Used the BenefitsCal upload method mentioned by @Angelica Smith - so much faster than mailing - Got a bank verification letter instead of using a voided check (my bank gave me this for free) - Made sure to sign and date EVERYTHING on the form - Uploaded a crystal clear scan, not a blurry phone photo The whole thing took about 10 days to process and I got a confirmation message through BenefitsCal when it was approved. Now my Cash Aid goes straight to my checking account on the same day it would have hit my EBT card. Still keep the EBT card though since CalFresh benefits stay on there like others mentioned. Hope this helps someone avoid the phone wait times!

Welcome to the community @Elin Robinson and @Ava Kim! This thread is a perfect example of why this community is so valuable - the official channels often leave us in the dark about changes like the MAP increase, but members here share real experiences that actually help. I've been on CalWORKs for about 3 years and I still learn new things from posts like this. Definitely keep checking your BenefitsCal accounts regularly - I've found notices there weeks before they show up in the mail (if they ever do). And don't hesitate to post questions here - this community is super supportive and knowledgeable about navigating all the confusing aspects of the system!

This is such a great thread for understanding the MAP increases! I'm also new to CalWORKs and had a similar experience - my payment went up unexpectedly and I panicked thinking it was a mistake. Reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel so much better about it. It's frustrating that the county doesn't proactively communicate these changes clearly, but I'm grateful for communities like this where people share real information. I'm definitely going to start checking my BenefitsCal account regularly like everyone suggested. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge - it's incredibly helpful for those of us still learning how this system works!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - EBT theft is becoming way too common and the system makes it so hard to get justice. Based on what everyone else has shared, definitely file for that state hearing ASAP since you only have 90 days. The fact that you reported it immediately and have location proof showing you weren't at the ATM should work in your favor. One thing I'd add is to also check if there were any other suspicious transactions around the same time - sometimes thieves will test the card first or hit multiple ATMs. Also, if you haven't already, try to get a detailed transaction history from the EBT customer service line (1-877-328-9677) showing the exact time/location of the theft versus your normal usage patterns. Having that side-by-side comparison can really help show it wasn't you. Don't give up - from what I'm reading here, a lot of people win these cases at the hearing level even after getting denied initially. The system is definitely designed to discourage appeals, but you have strong evidence and deserve to get your money back!

I'm really sorry this happened to you - it's so frustrating when you do everything right and still get denied! I went through something similar with my EBT card being skimmed at a gas station. The most important thing right now is filing for that state hearing within 90 days like others mentioned. When I did mine, I also requested a "fair hearing packet" which included forms and instructions that made the process clearer. One tip that helped me - try to get a printout of ALL your EBT transactions for the past few months, not just around the theft date. This helped show my normal spending patterns versus the theft. Also, if you used your phone or any apps that track location during the time of the theft, screenshot those too. Every piece of evidence helps! The whole system is designed to make you give up, but don't let them win. You have solid proof it wasn't you, so keep fighting. And definitely look into legal aid - many of them specialize in CalWORKs issues and know exactly how these hearings work.

Hey! I'm also new to working while on CalWORKs and this thread has been super helpful. Just wanted to add that when I started my job, my worker told me to keep ALL my paystubs and any documentation about hours worked - they want to see everything during your next eligibility review. Also, if you have any gaps in employment or your hours vary a lot week to week (which sounds like might happen with your 22-25 hour range), make sure to explain that when you report. They prefer consistent reporting over surprises. Good luck with the Target job - retail can be tough but the experience is valuable!

Great job on landing the Target position! One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you understand how your work schedule might affect your WTW (Welfare to Work) requirements. Since you're working 22-25 hours per week, those hours should count toward your participation requirements, but you'll want to confirm with your worker that they have this documented correctly. Also, Target often offers benefits like employee discounts and sometimes health insurance options for part-time workers after a certain period - these benefits don't count as income for CalWORKs purposes, so don't worry about reporting those. One last tip: if your Target location offers direct deposit, I'd recommend setting that up. Having consistent pay dates makes it easier to track your monthly income totals for IRT purposes. Keep doing what you're doing - being proactive about understanding the rules will definitely pay off!