I'm glad you were able to get through and that it was just a system issue! For future reference, if you ever face a situation where your benefits are delayed and it causes you to be late on rent, you can request a letter from your eligibility worker explaining the delay. Many landlords will accept this as documentation and waive late fees. Also, if you ever face a complete discontinuance without proper notice, you have the right to request a state hearing and can get aid paid pending the hearing result in many cases.

I'm so glad you were able to get this resolved! System glitches like this are way too common and it's awful that families have to stress about basic needs because of technical issues. For anyone else reading this who might face similar problems, I'd also recommend documenting everything when this happens - take screenshots of your BenefitsCal account showing no pending payments, keep records of when you called and couldn't get through, etc. This documentation can be really helpful if you need to escalate the issue or request aid paid pending like Oscar mentioned. It's frustrating that we have to be our own advocates just to get the benefits we're entitled to, but sadly that's the reality of navigating this system.

It sounds like you did all the right steps so far! Based on recent cases I've heard about: - CalFresh replacement: Usually 3-10 days - Cash Aid replacement: Usually 10-14 days, but can take up to 30 days Since the theft just happened last week, give them a few more days before panicking. But definitely follow up! The squeaky wheel gets the grease with CalWORKs issues. ALSO - one important thing to know: There's a limit to how many theft claims they'll approve in a 12-month period. I believe it's usually 2 theft replacements max per year for Cash Aid, so be extra careful with your new card when it arrives.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! I've been through CalWORKs benefit theft twice and it's absolutely terrifying when you have kids to feed and bills due. From my experience, here's the realistic timeline: - CalFresh: 5-7 days (they're pretty good about this) - Cash Aid: 10-21 days (despite what they tell you about "processing it") DEFINITELY go ask about emergency assistance/immediate need payment ASAP! They can give you a portion of your benefits (usually around $200-400) while your claim processes, but you have to specifically ask for it and emphasize that you have children with immediate needs. Pro tip: When you call to follow up (and you'll need to call A LOT), always ask for the claim status AND ask if there's anything additional they need from you. Sometimes they're waiting for one tiny piece of paperwork but won't tell you unless you ask directly. Also, once you get your replacement benefits, seriously consider setting up direct deposit for the Cash Aid portion. I did this after my second theft and it's been a game changer - no more worrying about someone stealing my card. Keep pushing and don't let them brush you off. Your kids need to eat and you deserve to get your stolen benefits back quickly!

Just wanted to share another tip that helped me when I was new to CalWORKs - if you're having trouble remembering all the important dates and deadlines, create a simple note in your phone with your key info: your deposit date (7th for you!), your SAR7 due date, your county office phone number, and your case number. That way you always have it handy when you need to call or check something. Also, the BenefitsCal website has a message center where you can sometimes get answers without having to call - it's under the "Contact Us" section. Hope this helps and congrats on getting approved!

One thing that really helped me when I first started getting CalWORKs was setting up a simple budget tracker on my phone. Since you know your deposit will hit on the 7th each month, you can plan backwards from there - like if rent is due on the 1st, you'll have about a week cushion each month which is actually pretty good! Also, don't be afraid to ask your worker to slow down during appointments - you have the right to understand what they're telling you. I used to bring a notebook and pen to write things down because I'd get nervous and forget everything too. The whole system can feel overwhelming at first but once you get into the rhythm of it, it becomes much more manageable. Good luck with everything!

This is such a relief to hear that the grocery store cash back worked! I'm dealing with the same issue right now - my benefits show as issued but ATMs keep declining my card. I was getting so panicked about rent too. Which grocery stores have you all had success with for EBT cash back? I know some stores have limits on how much you can withdraw at once, so I'm wondering if I need to make multiple trips or if there are stores that let you take out larger amounts.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My CalWORKs benefits show as issued on the app but every ATM I've tried just says "transaction cannot be completed" or something similar. It's so stressful when you need the money for rent and bills. I'm going to try the grocery store cash back method that Sofia mentioned - seems like that's working for people when ATMs aren't. Has anyone figured out if this is happening statewide or just certain counties? Really hoping this gets resolved soon because I can't keep doing multiple small transactions just to access my own benefits.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact same worry! I was terrified to apply for any benefits because I thought it would automatically trigger child support stuff with my ex. But I can confirm what everyone else is saying - CalFresh truly does NOT require child support cooperation. I've been receiving CalFresh for my 4-year-old for about 8 months now and there has been zero contact with child support services. My ex and I have our own arrangement that works for us, and the county has never interfered with that. The key is being very clear during your application and interview that you ONLY want CalFresh. Don't let anyone talk you into CalWORKs if you don't want the child support involvement. Your kids need food, and you deserve that help without drama!

I went through this same situation about a year ago and I'm happy to share my experience! I was a single mom with a 2-year-old and desperately needed food assistance, but I was terrified about the child support thing because my daughter's dad and I had worked out our own informal arrangement that was actually working pretty well for both of us. I ended up applying for ONLY CalFresh through the BenefitsCal website, and I can confirm that there was absolutely no involvement from child support services. During my phone interview, the worker did mention that I might qualify for CalWORKs cash assistance too, but when I politely declined and said I only wanted food benefits, they respected that completely. The key things that helped me: 1. Only checked the CalFresh box on the application 2. Was very clear during the interview that I only wanted food assistance 3. Kept all my paperwork focused on CalFresh eligibility It's been over a year now and I've never had any contact from child support enforcement. My ex and I still have our arrangement, and getting CalFresh has been a huge help for groceries without any of the drama I was worried about. You've got this! Your kids deserve to eat well and you shouldn't have to choose between that and keeping peace with your co-parent.