I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and it's so frustrating! My kids spend equal time with both me and their dad, but only his household got the P-EBT cards even though I'm the one who handles most of their school paperwork and doctor visits. What I've learned from talking to other parents in our situation is that the P-EBT system is really outdated when it comes to shared custody. It sounds like you've gotten some great advice here about contacting the school district's nutrition department specifically and filing a formal complaint with your county office. One thing that helped me was documenting how much I spend on groceries for the kids during my custody time. I tracked receipts for a few weeks to show that I'm providing half their meals, which made it easier to argue why the benefits should be shared. Even if the system can't split the cards automatically, having that documentation helps when you're trying to work things out with your co-parent or if you need to escalate to the county. The whole situation is unfair to families like ours, but don't give up! There are ways to make it work even if it takes some persistence.

I'm going through something very similar right now! My ex got our kids' P-EBT cards even though we have 50/50 custody and I'm the one who gets CalWORKs benefits for them. What's really helped me so far is calling the school district's nutrition services department directly (not just the main school office) - they told me that sometimes the P-EBT system uses old data from when the kids were first enrolled or from whoever filled out the original free lunch application. I also found out that you can request a "benefit inquiry" through your county CalWORKs office specifically about P-EBT distribution issues. My caseworker initially didn't know about this process, but when I pushed and mentioned that other counties handle shared custody situations, she was able to connect me with someone who specializes in P-EBT problems. One practical tip - I started keeping detailed records of all my grocery receipts during my custody time and took photos of meals I prepare for the kids. It's helped me show exactly how much I'm contributing to their nutrition, which has been useful in conversations with both my ex and the county. The system definitely isn't set up for modern custody arrangements, but don't give up! There are people who can help once you find the right department to talk to. Keep pushing for a fair solution - those benefits are meant for your kids regardless of which mailbox they showed up in.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm also on CalWORKs and had the exact same confusion about stimulus payments vs. regular benefits. Like others mentioned, I got my first stimulus on my tax refund card but the second one came as a check that took weeks to arrive. It's really good to know that CalWORKs caseworkers can't help with this since it's handled by the IRS - I was planning to call my worker about it too! The Get My Payment tool on the IRS website is definitely the way to go. For anyone still waiting on their check, I'd also recommend signing up for USPS Informed Delivery like someone else suggested - it really helps you track what's coming in the mail so you're not constantly checking your mailbox wondering if today's the day.

This thread has been so educational! I'm also receiving CalWORKs benefits and had the same exact confusion about stimulus payments. I actually spent over an hour on hold trying to reach my caseworker last week about this very question, so I'm glad I found this discussion before wasting more time calling the wrong agency! It makes so much more sense now that these are completely separate systems - federal IRS vs state CalWORKs. I checked the IRS Get My Payment tool like everyone suggested and it shows my payment will be direct deposited since I filed my 2024 taxes with direct deposit info. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences with the payment method changes between rounds - it helps to know this has been a common issue and not just something wrong with my specific case. Thanks to this community for always being so helpful in explaining how these different programs work!

Just want to add - during my CBEST interview, they also asked about my living situation and daily routine in detail. They wanted to know things like how I manage household tasks, shopping, personal care, etc. Don't downplay your limitations but be honest about what you struggle with. The interview is really about painting a complete picture of how your condition affects your daily life, not just your ability to work. Also, if you haven't already, start keeping a daily pain/symptom diary - it can be really helpful evidence if you need to appeal. Good luck with your process!

I went through this exact same process about 6 months ago! After my CBEST interview, I was so anxious about the waiting period too. Here's what helped me get through it: First, make sure you have copies of everything they took during your interview - I actually took photos of all my documents before handing them over. Second, if you haven't already, ask your CBEST worker for a letter confirming your SSI application is pending - this can help with your CalWORKs worker if there are any questions about your status. The hardest part is really just the waiting, but try to stay positive. My approval came through at month 4, which was faster than I expected. Also, don't be afraid to call your CBEST worker every few weeks for updates - it's their job to help you through this process. You've already taken the hardest step by completing the interview!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is unfortunately becoming more common. Since you've already filed the police report, that's a great first step. A few additional things that might help: 1. When you go to the county office tomorrow, arrive early (they usually open at 8am) and ask to speak with a supervisor if regular workers can't help immediately 2. Bring copies of EVERYTHING - police report, your ID, EBT card, and any documentation of the fraudulent transactions 3. Ask specifically about "expedited processing" for theft cases - some counties can fast-track these if you explain the urgency 4. Document who you speak with (get names) and ask for case numbers for both your theft report and any emergency assistance requests Also, many food banks and community organizations can provide emergency food assistance while you wait for your benefits to be restored. Call 211 for local resources. You shouldn't have to choose between feeding your kids and paying rent while waiting for the system to work. Stay strong - you're doing everything right!

I went through this exact same situation 6 months ago and it was terrifying! Here's what worked for me: When you go to the county office tomorrow, ask specifically for the "EBT Fraud Unit" - they handle these cases faster than regular workers. Also, if you have a smartphone, download the ebtEDGE app and take screenshots of all the fraudulent transactions with timestamps. The investigators told me this helped speed up my case because they could see exactly when/where the fraud occurred. One thing that saved me was asking about the "Replacement Benefits Pending Investigation" option - they gave me 50% of my stolen amount within 5 days while they completed the full investigation. Don't let them tell you this doesn't exist! And definitely follow up every 3-4 days by phone or in person. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with CalWORKs unfortunately. You've got this - stay persistent!

Hey Luca! I've been through a similar situation with early morning shifts. One thing that wasn't mentioned yet - if you end up qualifying for CalWORKs childcare assistance, make sure to ask specifically about "non-traditional hours" care. Since you're starting at 4am, you'll need a provider who can do overnight/very early morning care, and not all childcare providers accept the CalWORKs payment rates for those hours. Also, while you're waiting for the CalWORKs application to process (it can take 45 days), you might want to look into local churches or community centers that sometimes offer emergency childcare assistance. I know it's a long shot, but some have programs specifically for parents starting new jobs. Good luck with everything!

Hey! I work for a childcare resource & referral agency in LA County and can help with that question about finding providers who accept CalWORKs rates for non-traditional hours. You can call Child Care Resource Center at (213) 380-0560 - they maintain a database of all licensed providers in LA County and can filter by those who accept subsidies AND offer overnight/early morning care. Also, when you apply for CalWORKs, ask your eligibility worker about the "emergency childcare" option. If you have a job start date, they can sometimes expedite the childcare approval (within 10 days instead of 45) if you can document that you need childcare to accept or maintain employment. Bring your job offer letter with the hours listed when you apply - this really helps speed things up! One more tip - LA County has a 24-hour childcare pilot program through some family daycare providers. It's limited spots but worth asking about specifically since your hours are so early.