OP, just checking in - were you able to get through to anyone at the county? If you still haven't reached someone, remember that you have 90 days from the date of discontinuance to request a state hearing if you believe your benefits were incorrectly stopped. The form is called DPA 479, or you can request one by phone at 1-800-952-5253. Also, if you're experiencing an emergency food situation, ask about expedited CalFresh. They can sometimes issue emergency benefits within 3 days if you qualify.

So glad you got it resolved! This is exactly why I always tell people to scan documents instead of taking photos when uploading to BenefitsCal. The system flags photo uploads for manual review which can cause huge delays. For anyone else reading this - if you don't have a scanner, most libraries and UPS stores offer free scanning services, or you can use scanning apps on your phone that create actual PDF files instead of just photos. The county workers told me photos often come through blurry or sideways which is why they get flagged. Thanks for updating us OP - stories like this help other people going through the same thing!

One more important point: If you're starting a GED program, make sure you ask about supportive services! CalWORKs can provide: - Transportation assistance to get to and from classes - Book and supplies money - Childcare during class and study time Don't miss out on these benefits - they're designed to help you succeed in your education while meeting your WTW requirements. Some counties also have specific CalWORKs counselors at community colleges and adult schools who can help you navigate the system.

I'm currently in the process of getting my GED approved for my WTW hours too! One thing I learned from talking to other people in my area is that you should ask your worker about "concurrent enrollment" if there's a community college near you. Some counties will let you take GED prep classes at the community college AND get college credit for them at the same time. That way when you finish your GED, you're already started on college courses which can also count toward WTW. Also, if you're worried about the 30 hours, ask about "barrier removal" activities. If you have any issues like transportation problems, childcare needs, or even mental health stuff, they sometimes count counseling or case management toward your hours while you're getting your GED. Every little bit helps when you're trying to make those 30 hours work with school! Good luck with getting everything approved - sounds like you're on the right track now!

One important recommendation: While you're waiting for your case to be resolved, you might qualify for emergency CalFresh (food stamps) if you haven't already maxed out your benefits. You can apply for an emergency allotment that can be approved within 3 days if you meet the criteria. Also, contact local food banks and community resource centers immediately. Many have emergency assistance programs specifically for situations like yours. For your EBT card security going forward: 1. Change your PIN as soon as you get a new card 2. Check your balance frequently (ideally daily) 3. Never share your PIN with anyone 4. Consider withdrawing your cash benefits all at once when they're deposited Wishing you the best with resolving this quickly.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is unfortunately becoming more and more common. I work at a community resource center and we see cases like yours every week. A few additional tips that might help: 1. Document EVERYTHING - take screenshots of your account balance showing $0, write down the exact date/time you discovered the theft, and keep records of all your calls and case numbers. 2. If you have trouble reaching your CalWORKs worker, you can also file the theft report online through your county's website in some counties, or visit any county office location - you don't have to go to the specific office where your worker is located. 3. While waiting for resolution, check if your area has any emergency rental assistance programs. Many cities and nonprofits have funds specifically to help prevent evictions. 4. Consider asking your landlord for a few extra days if possible - explain the situation and show them your theft report documentation. Many landlords are understanding when they see you're actively working to resolve the issue. Stay strong - I know this is incredibly stressful but you're taking all the right steps to get this resolved!

UPDATE: I finally got through to my worker today! She confirmed everything and gave me more details. It's officially called the "CalWORKs Family Support Supplement" and it IS happening in most counties including Alameda. Payment amounts are $500 for 1-2 family members, $750 for 3-4, and $900 for 5+. They'll be sending official notices in February and payments should start going out in March. She said it's for all CalWORKs families with children and we don't need to do anything special to get it. Just make sure your case is active and address is current! Thanks everyone for the help confirming this was real. I was starting to think I'd imagined the whole conversation!

This is such great news! I'm a single mom with 3 kids in Los Angeles County and every little bit helps. I haven't heard anything from my worker yet but I'm going to call and ask about it. The timing would be perfect since I'm behind on rent and my oldest needs new shoes. Does anyone know if this will affect our regular monthly cash aid amount or if it's truly separate? I don't want to get excited if it means they'll reduce our regular benefits to make up for it. Also wondering if this will count as income for other programs like SNAP or childcare assistance?

I used that Claimyr service that someone mentioned earlier today and it actually worked! Got through to my county office in about 4 minutes after trying for days on my own. The worker I spoke with said they've been seeing a big increase in EBT theft cases lately. She put a rush on my case after I explained my situation with the rent being due. Still have to wait for the investigation but at least I feel like someone is actually working on it now.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! This is absolutely terrifying and unfortunately becoming way too common. A few additional things that might help: 1. When you go to the county office Monday, bring copies of EVERYTHING - the police report, your EBT transaction history showing the unauthorized withdrawal, and any correspondence you've had about this. 2. Ask specifically about the "replacement within 10 days" rule - California is supposed to replace stolen benefits within 10 business days if you have all the required documentation. 3. If they give you the runaround, ask to speak with the EBT coordinator or fraud specialist. Every county office should have someone designated to handle these cases. 4. Consider contacting your local legal aid organization - they often have advocates who can help navigate the system faster than going it alone. The fact that this happened two months in a row suggests your card number/PIN was compromised early on. When you get the replacement card, consider only using it at your bank's ATMs if possible - avoid gas stations, convenience stores, and standalone ATMs where skimmers are more common. Stay strong - you WILL get through this. The system is broken but the money should eventually be replaced. Document everything and don't let them dismiss your case!