CalWORKs EBT card never arrived - what to do when they say it's been mailed?

This happened to me in February! So frustrating. After waiting 2 weeks, I used Claimyr.com to get through to an actual person at the county office. The service connects you directly to a worker without waiting on hold forever. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE Turns out my card was returned to them because they had my apartment number wrong. They were able to issue me a new one that I picked up at the office same day. Definitely worth trying because otherwise you might be waiting forever.

omg the SAME THING just happened to my cousin!! the county is always messing up the mail i stg

There are a few things you can do in this situation: 1. Call the EBT Customer Service number (not the county) at 1-877-328-9677. They can tell you if a card was actually mailed and when. They can also issue a replacement. 2. Visit your county office in person if possible. Bring your approval notice and ID. They can print you a temporary immediate need card while you wait for the permanent one. 3. Check if your address is correct in the system. Many times cards get returned because of slight errors in the address. 4. Ask for an emergency replacement. Under CalWORKs rules, if you haven't received your benefits due to administrative error, you can request expedited access. Don't wait any longer - this is your money and you're entitled to access it!

The EBT cards take FOREVER sometimes!!! I waited almost 3 weeks for mine last year even though they said 5-7 business days. The system is a joke honestly

Something similar happened to me. If you go to your county office in person, make sure to arrive early (like before they open) and bring ALL your paperwork including your approval notice and ID. They can print you a temporary EBT card on the spot that gives you access to your benefits while you wait for the permanent card. Also, make sure you ask them to confirm your mailing address in the system matches exactly where you live - even small differences can cause mail issues with USPS. Sometimes they'll put your legal name instead of the name you actually use for mail too. For future reference, you should receive a new EBT card approximately one week after approval in most counties. If it's been more than 10 business days, something definitely went wrong.

Thts weird cuz they supposed to give u the card right there when u get approved now!!! at least thats what they did for me in march. did u do ur interview over the phone or in person? maybe thats why

@original poster - Claimyr doesn't cost much and was worth it for me because I was about to get evicted without my benefits. But you can also try the EBT customer service number someone mentioned first. Just be prepared to wait a long time or try super early in the morning when they first open.

I've worked with many CalWORKs recipients facing this exact issue. Here's what you need to know: 1. The county is required to provide you access to your benefits within 3 business days of approval. If it's been longer, they're not meeting their obligation. 2. Ask specifically for an "immediate need" replacement card when you contact them. This is the official term that triggers faster action. 3. If you're experiencing a financial emergency (like potential eviction or utility shutoff), tell them you need an "emergency issuance" due to non-receipt of benefits. This can sometimes be loaded onto a temporary card same-day. 4. Document everything: who you spoke with, when, what they promised, etc. 5. If all else fails, you can file for a "state hearing" about the delay. The threat of this alone often resolves issues quickly. Don't let them make you feel like you're asking for something special - timely access to your approved benefits is your right under CalWORKs regulations.

its so messed up they make it this hard just to get money u already qualified for!!! the system is rigged i swear

UPDATE: I took everyone's advice and went to the office this morning. You were all right - there was a problem with how they entered my address (they put "avenue" instead of "street"). They issued me a temporary card on the spot with all my benefits loaded! I was able to withdraw cash for my rent right after. Thank you all SO MUCH for your help!!

So glad you got it sorted out! This is exactly why going in person is usually the best option when there are issues like this. The address mix-up is super common - I've seen it happen with "Street" vs "St.", apartment numbers being wrong, or zip codes getting transposed. The county workers can fix these issues immediately when you're there in person, but it's nearly impossible to resolve over the phone. Your experience will definitely help other people who run into the same problem!

This is such a valuable thread for anyone dealing with EBT card issues! As someone who's been through the CalWORKs system, I can confirm that address errors are incredibly common - even tiny differences like "Ave" vs "Avenue" or missing apartment numbers can cause cards to get returned to sender. The key things that worked for me and others I know: 1) Always go in person when possible - phone calls rarely resolve these issues quickly, 2) Use the specific terms like "immediate need" and "emergency issuance" that Niko mentioned, and 3) Bring ALL your paperwork including your approval notice and ID. Don't be discouraged if the first person you talk to can't help - sometimes you need to ask for a supervisor. The system has problems but there ARE solutions when you know what to ask for!