Hey is anyone still having trouble withdrawing cash from the ATMs or is it just me only?

Hey @Chippale! Based on this thread, it seems like EBT card withdrawal issues happen pretty regularly for different reasons. Have you tried calling the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677 first to check if there's a hold on your account? As others mentioned, trying multiple ATMs can sometimes trigger a fraud alert that locks your card temporarily. If your account looks fine, you could try the cashback option at grocery stores or convenience stores - buy something small and get cash back. That seems to work even when ATMs don't. Also check if you've hit any daily withdrawal limits or if the specific ATMs you're using have restrictions. If you're still stuck after trying these options, definitely call that EBT number - they can tell you exactly what's going on with your card and unlock it if needed. Hope this helps!

The irony of a system designed to "help" people that punishes someone for taking care of their sick parent... RIDICULOUS. CalWORKs is nothing but trap after trap designed to kick you off. You're SUPPOSED to be able to leave temporarily but they'll use ANY excuse. Don't expect help from your worker either - they're looking for reasons to close cases and make their numbers look good.

Quick update on possible solutions: 1. Call your county office ASAP and explain the situation 2. If you can't get through, try the BenefitsCal website and send a message through your account 3. Ask specifically for an "ongoing benefits reinstatement" while they review your case 4. Mention you believe this was an error based on temporary absence rules 5. Be ready to submit proof of your CA apartment and return travel plans Also, you have the right to request an administrative hearing if they don't restore your benefits. The deadline is 90 days from when the action was taken.

Just wanted to add that your mom should also ask about emergency aid when she applies! Since she's caring for the kids due to your sister's sudden incarceration, she might qualify for immediate temporary assistance while her regular CalWORKs application is being processed. This can help with urgent needs like food, utilities, or clothing for the kids. Also, when she goes to her interview, she should bring any documentation about your sister's incarceration if she has it (like court papers or jail records). This will help establish the timeline and circumstances that led to her taking care of the children. One more tip - if your county has long wait times for interviews, she can ask about doing a phone interview instead of in-person. Many counties offer this option now and it can be much more convenient, especially when you're caring for young kids. Your mom sounds like she's doing an amazing thing taking care of her grandchildren during this difficult time. The system is designed to help families like yours!

I just wanted to share some encouragement - your mom is in a really good position to get approved! Home ownership is absolutely not a barrier for CalWORKs, and grandparents caring for grandchildren is exactly the type of situation the program is designed to support. A few practical tips for the application process: - Apply online at GetCalFresh.org or YourBenefitsNow.org to avoid long office waits - Make copies of all documents before submitting them - Keep a record of when she submits the application - CalWORKs has 30 days to process it - If approved, benefits are retroactive to the application date Also, don't forget about other programs she might qualify for: - CalFresh (food stamps) - separate application but can be done at the same time - Medi-Cal for the kids if they don't already have it - WIC if either child is under 5 (which the 4-year-old is) - Utilities assistance through LIHEAP Your mom is doing something incredible taking in those kids during such a difficult time. The community resources are there to help families exactly like yours navigate these challenges. Wishing you all the best with the application process!

Hey, I've been following this thread and wanted to add something that might help your friend. I went through a similar situation last year when my county started really cracking down on immunization compliance. One thing I learned is that the quality of the Good Cause explanation really matters. Like CosmicVoyager mentioned, just writing "I don't believe in immunizations" probably won't be enough. When I helped my neighbor with her form, we made sure to be very specific about her religious beliefs and how they specifically conflicted with vaccination requirements. Also, even if the initial Good Cause claim gets denied, don't panic! The appeal process (State Hearing) gives you another chance to present your case with better documentation. I'd recommend your friend start gathering supporting documents now - letters from religious leaders, documentation of specific religious teachings, etc. - just in case she needs them for an appeal. The most important thing is to stay in communication with her worker and respond to any requests for additional information quickly. Counties sometimes deny claims just because people don't provide enough detail, not necessarily because the reason itself is invalid. Hope this helps and that everything works out for your friend!

I'm pretty new to navigating CalWORKs myself, but I wanted to share what I learned from my case worker about the timeline for appeals since someone just asked about it. When you request a State Hearing, they're supposed to schedule it within 90 days, but it's usually much faster - like 30-45 days in most counties. The good news is that if you request the hearing before your benefits get reduced, you can ask for "aid continuing" which means they keep paying your full amount while the appeal is pending. You have to specifically ask for this though - it's not automatic. One thing that really helped me when I was dealing with a different CalWORKs issue was keeping a simple log of every phone call and interaction. I just wrote down the date, who I talked to, and what they said. It sounds like overkill but it actually saved me when there was confusion about what documents I had already submitted. Also wanted to mention that some counties have CalWORKs advocates or legal aid services that can help with appeals for free. It might be worth looking into if your friend's situation gets more complicated. The whole system can be really overwhelming when you're dealing with it alone!

UPDATE: Finally spoke with my worker! You were all right - the Cash Aid amount won't change but I can report the higher rent expense for CalFresh. My mom wrote a letter stating the new rent amount and I submitted it through BenefitsCal. My worker also gave me info about the Housing Support Program but said there's a waitlist in my county right now. At least my CalFresh should increase a bit which will help. Thanks everyone for the advice!

Glad you got it sorted out! That's exactly how it works - CalWORKs cash aid is a flat rate but CalFresh does factor in housing costs. Even a small increase in CalFresh benefits can make a real difference when you're stretching every dollar. Good call on getting your mom to write that letter too, having documentation makes everything smoother with the county. Hope the Housing Support Program waitlist moves quickly for you!