hey did u fix this yet? I'm having the same problem and just wandering if you found a solution? My cash aid shows as issued too but cant get it out of ATM.

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.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm going to apply for just CalFresh through BenefitsCal and make sure I don't check the CalWORKs box. It's such a relief to know I can get food assistance without messing up my co-parenting situation. I'll update if I run into any issues with the application!

I'm so glad you found the help you needed here! Just wanted to add one more tip - when you're filling out the BenefitsCal application, there's a section where it asks which programs you want to apply for. Make sure you ONLY select "CalFresh" and leave "CalWORKs" unchecked. The application might seem long because it covers all programs, but don't let that confuse you - just answer the questions honestly and stick to your CalFresh-only plan. Your kids deserve to eat well, and you shouldn't have to sacrifice your peaceful co-parenting relationship to get that help. Wishing you the best with your application!

Yes, have your neighbor write a statement with: - Her name, address, phone number - The children's names and ages - Exactly what days/hours she watched them in February - How much you paid her ($100/week) - Her signature and date This is absolutely worth doing because it could significantly impact your grant amount! Every $100 in verified childcare costs can make a difference.

Good luck with your SAR7! Just wanted to add one more tip - when you submit through BenefitsCal, make sure to save or screenshot the confirmation page that shows your submission was received. That way you have proof you submitted it on time if there are any issues later. Also, if you have any problems with the website (it can be glitchy sometimes), don't panic - you still have the fax and mail options as backup. The most important thing is getting it submitted by March 1st with all your income and childcare expenses properly reported. You've got this!

After you get through this immediate crisis, remember to practice these security steps for the future: 1. Change your PIN immediately (and don't use obvious numbers like birth dates) 2. Check for skimming devices at ATMs (wiggle the card slot before inserting) 3. Use ATMs inside banks when possible, not standalone ones 4. Set up text alerts for all transactions 5. Consider withdrawing all cash aid at once instead of making multiple smaller withdrawals Also, counties are now implementing enhanced security measures for EBT cards. Ask your worker if your county has the new chip-enabled cards yet.

I went through this exact same situation 6 months ago and want to share what worked for me. First - breathe, you WILL get your money back if you follow the right steps. I submitted my EBT 2259 form and police report on a Tuesday and had my benefits restored by the following Friday (8 days total). A few things that helped speed up my case: - I submitted everything in person at the county office (not by mail/email) and got a receipt with the date stamp - I brought bank statements showing my regular spending patterns to prove the fraudulent withdrawals were out of character - I emphasized the emergency nature due to rent being due For immediate help with rent, also ask your worker about the Emergency Aid program - it's separate from regular CalWORKs and can sometimes provide a one-time payment for housing emergencies while your theft claim is being processed. Don't let them tell you that you have to choose between programs - you can apply for both. Stay persistent with following up every 2-3 days. Document every phone call and conversation. You've got this!

Glad to hear your payment came through! For future reference, if this happens again and causes serious problems (like late fees on bills), you can request an "Immediate Need" payment from your CalWORKs office if the delay was their fault. You might also want to ask your worker at your next appointment if your regular deposit day or time has permanently changed. Sometimes they adjust batch processing schedules without clearly communicating it to recipients. It's worth making a note of exactly when your deposits have been arriving for the last few months to see if there's a new pattern forming.

This is so stressful when you're depending on that money! I'm in LA County and we had similar issues a few months back where payments were coming 4-6 hours late consistently. What helped me was setting up text alerts through the EBT app so I'd get notified the moment anything hit my account instead of constantly checking manually. Also, if you have a smartphone, the "ebtEDGE" app lets you check your balance and transaction history in real-time, which might be faster than calling the EBT customer service line. Really glad yours finally came through today - hopefully this gets sorted out system-wide soon because the stress isn't worth it!