I want to address a few misconceptions I'm seeing in this thread: 1. The county should NOT freeze your upcoming benefits while investigating a theft claim. Those are separate issues. 2. You don't need to wait for your theft claim to be resolved before applying for Homeless Assistance - these are separate programs and you can access Homeless Assistance immediately if you're at risk of eviction. 3. There is no direct deposit option for benefit theft replacements - they always issue paper checks for security reasons. 4. The 30-day timeline is the maximum allowed by state regulations, not a suggestion. If you're having trouble reaching anyone, I strongly recommend going in person to your county office if possible. Theft claims with eviction risk should be prioritized.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - EBT theft is incredibly stressful, especially when you're facing eviction. I went through something similar earlier this year and here's what I learned: The 30-day timeline others mentioned is correct, but don't wait passively. Document every call you make (date, time, who you spoke with if anyone). If you can't get through by phone, definitely go in person like Sasha suggested. Bring copies of your police report, the theft claim form, and any eviction notices from your landlord. Also, ask specifically about "Immediate Need" payments - some counties can issue emergency funds within 72 hours for people facing homelessness due to circumstances beyond their control. Your situation definitely qualifies. One more tip: if going in person doesn't work, contact your county supervisor's office. They often have staff who can intervene when constituents aren't getting proper service from county departments. Sometimes political pressure is what it takes to get things moving. Hang in there - you WILL get your money back, it's just a matter of pushing the system to do its job properly.

u shud also apply 4 WIC if u havent already. its seprate from calworks but gives u food 4 pregnant women and kids under 5. formula is expensive AF so get on that program now

I want to add something important that others haven't mentioned. The pregnancy special need payment is separate from the Maximum Aid Payment (MAP) increases. If you're in the second trimester and verified your pregnancy, you get both: (1) the $47 special needs payment AND (2) your MAP increases because your household size is considered one larger while pregnant. So you actually get more than just the $47 that people are mentioning. When I was pregnant last year, my cash aid went up by about $150 total between both changes.

my sister had this same problem last year and she took her ex to court over it!! judge made him split the money with her. might be extreme but if he wont share and you have official 50/50 you could mention small claims court? sometimes just saying that makes them cooperate lol

Did you check if your child's school has you or your ex listed as the primary contact? That's what determines where P-EBT goes, not CalWORKs status. When my kids' school had outdated contact info, I had to provide proof of my custody agreement and current address. For next time, update your info with the school ASAP so future P-EBT cards come to you. Also - just so you know, P-EBT is supposed to be for the KIDS' food, so technically your ex should be using it only for them regardless. Maybe remind him that misusing the funds could cause problems if reported.

Thank you everyone for the helpful responses! I definitely was confused thinking my CalWORKs worker could help with this. I checked the IRS Get My Payment tool like many of you suggested, and it shows my payment will be mailed as a paper check next week. At least now I know what to expect and when. Really appreciate all the clarification about how the different systems work!

Never got any stomulus check welfare did collect thecmoney on a vargain colection

one thing nobody mentioned is that when u switch from calworks to ssi ur medi-cal might change too. my coverage got messed up for almost 2 months during the transition and i couldn't get my medications. make sure u ask about this specifically!!

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!