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UPDATE: Just got off the phone with my worker! She confirmed that I will get my October benefits through the restoration process since I completed recertification within the same month I was discontinued. The money should be on my EBT card within 3 business days. She said this is standard procedure when someone completes recertification in the same month they were cut off. For anyone dealing with this in the future - make sure to specifically ask about "restoration of benefits" like @person_2 suggested. My worker knew exactly what I was talking about when I used that term! Thanks everyone for the advice. Such a relief!
That's awesome!!! So glad you got it resolved! The system is so confusing and they never explain things clearly. I'm saving this thread for future reference lol
So happy to hear you got it sorted out! This thread is super helpful - I had no idea about the "restoration" process. I'm going to screenshot this whole conversation in case I ever run into this situation. The fact that they don't automatically tell people about restoration is really frustrating. Thanks for sharing the update and helping other people who might be in the same boat!
This is such valuable information! I'm new to CalWORKs and had no idea there were these kinds of processes in place. It's really concerning that caseworkers don't automatically inform people about restoration options - seems like something that should be standard practice when someone calls about a missed recertification. Thank you @Zoe for sharing your experience and outcome, and thanks to everyone who provided the technical details about restoration vs backpay. Definitely bookmarking this thread!
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Make sure when you talk to your worker tomorrow that you emphasize this is an EMERGENCY situation. Sometimes they won't mention all available programs unless you specifically ask or make it clear how urgent it is. Also ask about community partners they work with - many counties have relationships with non-profits that can help with rent when CalWORKs can't directly. If your regular worker isn't helpful, ask to speak with a supervisor.
Good advice - I'll definitely make it clear this is an emergency. I'm going to make a list of all the programs everyone has mentioned so I can specifically ask about each one. And asking for a supervisor is smart if my worker doesn't know about some of these options.
Just wanted to add - if you're working part-time, also ask about the Cal-Learn program if you're under 19 or the Young Parent Program if you're under 24. They sometimes have additional housing supports. Also, some counties have "Flexible Family Strengthening" funds that can be used for emergency rent when other programs are exhausted. One thing that helped me was creating a budget breakdown showing exactly how much I need vs what I have coming in - workers sometimes respond better when they can see the specific dollar amounts. And if you have any documentation of your ex contributing to rent before (like old text messages about splitting costs), bring that too to show this is a sudden change in your housing situation. Fingers crossed your worker can connect you with something tomorrow! 🤞
Thank you so much for all these additional program names! I'm 26 so I don't think I'll qualify for the young parent programs, but I'll definitely ask about the Flexible Family Strengthening funds - that sounds promising. Creating a budget breakdown is a great idea. I can show exactly how my ex was paying half the rent ($650 of our $1300 monthly rent) and now I'm short that amount each month. I do have some old Venmo transactions and texts about rent splitting that I can bring as proof this was a sudden change. Really appreciate everyone's help on this thread. I feel much more prepared for my call tomorrow with specific programs to ask about instead of just hoping my worker knows what's available. Will update if I get any help! 🙏
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UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know that my benefits did load on time this morning! So if anyone searches this in the future - yes, benefits CAN load on your regular day even if recertification was just completed the day before. Thank you all for your help!
Great news! Thanks for updating us. This is helpful information for others who might face the same situation with their CalWORKs recertification timing.
yayyy!! so glad it worked out!! 🙌
So happy to see this worked out for you! I'm going through my recertification right now and was worried about the same thing. My interview is next week and my issuance date is the 15th, so this gives me hope that if everything gets processed in time, I won't have to stress about delays. It's really frustrating how they don't explain the timing of when benefits actually load after approval - seems like basic info they should tell everyone during the interview process.
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I got a completely new card with new number. The worker strongly recommended it. Said even changing the PIN isn't always enough because sometimes the scammers have ways to access the card info regardless of PIN changes. Be prepared that the new card takes 3-5 business days to arrive by mail though!
This is such valuable information, thank you for sharing your experience! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - had $485 stolen from my EBT card last week. I filed the police report and uploaded everything to BenefitsCal but haven't heard back yet. Your post gives me hope that persistence pays off. I'm definitely going to try calling right at 8am tomorrow like you suggested. It's so frustrating that we have to jump through all these hoops when we're already struggling, but I'm grateful to know the process can work. Did they give you any advice on preventing this from happening again? I'm paranoid about using my card anywhere now!
I'm so sorry you're going through this too! It's awful how common this has become. For preventing it from happening again, based on what I've learned from this experience and reading other posts here, I'd suggest: always cover your PIN when entering it, avoid using your card at sketchy locations or places with old card readers, and check your balance frequently through the app or by calling the number. Some people mentioned that gas stations and convenience stores seem to be common places where skimming happens. @8e48f3bc8d56 I really hope you hear back soon - keep calling every day if you have to! The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these county offices.
Elijah Jackson
Update: I got through to my worker finally! They said it's fine to travel for the court date and my benefits won't be affected as long as I'm not gone more than 30 days. I just need to turn in my court documents when I get back. Thanks everyone for the advice! Really helped calm my anxiety about this whole situation.
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Sophia Miller
•awesome! glad it worked out
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Luca Russo
Great to hear you got it sorted out! Just a heads up - make sure to keep copies of all your court documents and maybe take a photo of your plane tickets/hotel receipts too. Some workers are more thorough than others when you get back, so having everything documented makes the whole process smoother. Hope your court case goes well!
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PixelPrincess
•That's really good advice about keeping documentation! I'm definitely going to take pictures of everything just to be safe. My worker seems pretty reasonable but you never know if someone else might review my case later. Thanks for the tip and the well wishes - I'm hoping everything goes smoothly with the court stuff too.
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