I'm in a similar situation right now and this thread has been a lifesaver! I wanted to add something that helped me specifically with the document gathering - when you get your unemployment award letter, make sure it's the most recent one that shows your current benefit amount. I brought an old one from when I first applied and they needed the updated version showing my current weekly benefit. Also, if you're having trouble getting through to your county office by phone, try calling right when they open (usually 8 AM). I've found the wait times are much shorter first thing in the morning compared to later in the day. One thing I learned the hard way - take a photo of every single document you submit, including any forms they have you fill out at the office. When my case worker changed, some of my paperwork got misplaced and having photos on my phone saved me from having to start over. Good luck with your application! The fact that you're being proactive about this while you still have time before the eviction is really smart. That alone puts you ahead of many people who wait until they're already on the street.

I work at a local legal aid office and wanted to jump in with some urgent advice since you mentioned having less than 30 days. First, in California, landlords must give you a 3-day notice to pay or quit for nonpayment, then file an unlawful detainer lawsuit, which gives you additional time to respond. Don't panic if you get court papers - you have 5 days to file a response. Here's what you should do TODAY: 1. Call your landlord immediately and ask if they'll accept a payment plan while you're waiting for assistance. Many will work with you if you're proactive. 2. Apply for CalWORKs online AND visit the office same day as others suggested. 3. Contact your county's emergency rental assistance program - many still have funding. 4. File for the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program if your county participates. For the CalWORKs application, when you mention "imminent homelessness," also mention you have minor children. This triggers additional protections and faster processing under federal McKinney-Vento Act requirements. Document everything with your landlord in writing (texts/emails count). California has strong tenant protections that can buy you time if you know how to use them. You're not powerless here - there are multiple safety nets designed exactly for your situation!

I've been on CalWORKs for about 8 months now and the deposit timing is seriously all over the place! Mine usually comes between 2-4am, but last month it didn't show up until almost 10am and I was convinced they'd cut me off. The worst part is when you're new to the system like I was - nobody really explains that these delays are "normal" (if you can call such an unreliable system normal). I've learned to screenshot my EBT balance the day before benefits are supposed to post, just so I have proof of what I started with in case I need to call and report an issue. Also found out that if you have direct deposit set up for any other programs, those might hit at different times even though it's the same card. The whole thing is honestly designed to keep us stressed out! Really glad your benefits finally posted though - that relief when you see the balance update is unmatched! 💙

I'm pretty new to CalWORKs (just got approved last month) and reading all these experiences is both reassuring and terrifying! My first deposit came exactly at midnight, so I was expecting the same this month, but it's been super inconsistent since then. Last week I called my worker about something else and she mentioned that the state is rolling out some new payment processing system in phases, which might explain why everyone's timing is so different. She said it could take several more months before everything stabilizes. In the meantime, I've started setting aside a tiny emergency fund from other sources when I can - even $10-15 helps with the anxiety of not knowing exactly when benefits will hit. It's frustrating that we have to plan around their technical issues, but at least knowing it's a widespread problem and not something wrong with our individual cases helps a little bit!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Got my CalWORKs approval on Tuesday and was told 3 days, but it's now Friday and still only seeing CalFresh when I check my balance. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a lifesaver - I had no idea this was so common! I was starting to think my worker made a mistake or forgot to submit something. The explanation about CalWORKs and CalFresh running on different systems makes total sense, and knowing that first-time payments can take the full 5 business days helps me stop panicking. I've been checking the automated line like every 2 hours but I'm going to try the ebtEDGE website and maybe call to speak with a representative like some people suggested. It's so reassuring to see that literally everyone here went through the same waiting period and stress but eventually got their benefits. Thanks to everyone who shared their timelines and tips - this community is honestly a lifeline when you're navigating all this for the first time!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now and this thread has been SO helpful! I got approved for CalWORKs last Thursday and my worker said benefits would be available in 3 days, but when I check my EBT balance it only shows CalFresh too. I've been panicking because I need the money for rent next week, but reading everyone's experiences here has calmed me down so much. It's such a relief to know that the CalWORKs and CalFresh systems process separately and that 5 business days is totally normal for first-time payments. I had no idea that the EBT phone system wouldn't show cash aid until it actually posts to the account. I've been calling the automated line obsessively but I'm going to try the ebtEDGE website and maybe call to speak with a representative like others suggested. Thank you to everyone who shared their timelines and explained the process - it's amazing how much stress this community can help relieve when you're navigating benefits for the first time and don't know what's normal vs what's a problem!

That's great news! Glad you got it sorted out before your deadline. Make sure to save/print the confirmation number for your new application just in case there are any future issues.

This is such a relief to hear that others have experienced this too! I've been dealing with CalWORKs for 3 years now and the BenefitsCal system has always been glitchy, but it seems like it's gotten worse lately. Last month my neighbor had a similar issue where her whole application just vanished mid-process. She ended up having to go to the county office in person with all her documents because she couldn't get the online system to work at all. For future reference, I always recommend taking screenshots after each page you complete and saving any confirmation numbers you get along the way. The system definitely has issues but documenting everything helps if you need to appeal or prove you were trying to meet deadlines. Hope everyone gets their issues resolved quickly!

I'm going through something similar right now - lost my retail job 2 weeks ago and just submitted my CalWORKs application yesterday. From what I learned researching this, you definitely don't need a formal termination letter. I brought my last paystub and filled out the unemployment declaration form they gave me. One thing that really helped me was calling 211 - they connected me with a local nonprofit that helps people navigate the application process for free. They even helped me gather all my documents before applying. Might be worth trying if you're feeling overwhelmed with all the paperwork. Also, since you mentioned having only $42 left, definitely ask about emergency aid when you call. Some counties have programs that can help with immediate needs while your regular CalWORKs application is being processed. Don't suffer in silence - there are people who want to help you through this!

I work as a CalWORKs eligibility technician and wanted to clarify a few things for you. You absolutely do NOT need a formal termination letter - your last pay stub plus a signed statement declaring unemployment is sufficient verification. If your former employer is uncooperative about providing documentation, we have other ways to verify job separation. A few important things to expedite your case: 1. Apply for expedited processing immediately - with only $42 and rent due in 3 weeks, you likely qualify for emergency CalWORKs 2. Bring ALL required documents to your interview: ID, Social Security cards for you and your child, birth certificate for your child, rent receipts/lease, bank statements, and that last pay stub 3. Don't wait for your interview to be scheduled - call first thing Monday morning at 8am when phone lines open Since you have a 4-year-old, your maximum aid will be higher, and yes, you'll need to cooperate with child support services. The whole process can take up to 30 days, but emergency aid can be issued within 3 business days if you qualify. Hang in there - you're doing the right thing by applying now rather than waiting until you're completely out of money.