CalWORKs direct deposit delay - getting check before DD setup? Rent due tomorrow!
I finally signed up for direct deposit for my CalWORKs Cash Aid last month because my worker kept suggesting it. My worker told me they'd mail me a paper check for the first 2-3 months until the direct deposit actually starts working. Has anyone gone through this process? It's already the 1st of the month and my rent is due TOMORROW. No sign of my check in the mail yet and I'm freaking out because my landlord charges $75 for late fees! How long does it really take to get that first check after signing up for direct deposit? And is this normal that they don't do direct deposit right away? I'm getting worried I made a mistake switching from EBT card to direct deposit, but I had my card stolen twice last year so I know direct deposit is safer in the long run.
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NebulaNomad
Yes, it usually takes 2-3 payment cycles for direct deposit to fully process with CalWORKs. They should definitely be sending you a paper check in the meantime though. Your benefits release date shouldn't change just because you switched your payment method. When did you submit the direct deposit form? If it was after the 15th of last month, it might explain the delay.
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Ravi Sharma
•I submitted the form on the 18th of last month! So maybe that's why? But my worker didn't mention anything about it being too late for this month's payment. Should I have gotten an EBT deposit instead since the direct deposit isn't active yet? I'm so confused
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Freya Thomsen
same thing happen to me took forever! almost 3 months n they kept sending checks late. i went back to EBT card cuz at least i know when the money hits
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Ravi Sharma
•Seriously?? 3 months?? I can't wait that long! Did you get your checks on the regular payment date at least? I've always gotten my benefits on the 1st so I time my rent payment for the 2nd.
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Freya Thomsen
•nope checks were always 3-4 days late its like they dont care people gotta pay rent smh
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Omar Fawaz
There are a couple of things going on here. First, the direct deposit enrollment typically takes 30-45 days to process through the state system. During that time, you should receive paper checks mailed to your address on file. If you submitted the form on the 18th of last month, your check for this month should still be coming by mail. CalWORKs typically mails checks 2-3 days before the 1st, but mail delays happen frequently. You should call your county office ASAP to confirm: 1) That your check was mailed, 2) When it was mailed, and 3) The address it was sent to. If it was mailed more than 5 days ago, you can request a replacement for a lost check. Direct deposit is definitely safer than the EBT card for Cash Aid, but this transition period can be stressful. Hang in there!
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Ravi Sharma
•Thank you so much for explaining! I've been trying to call my county office all morning but keep getting stuck in the automated system. They never pick up! I'll keep trying though because I need to know if they actually mailed my check.
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Chloe Martin
Have you tried using Claimyr to reach someone at the county office? I was in a similar situation last year and couldn't get through the phone system for days. Someone on this forum recommended claimyr.com and they actually got a worker to call me back in less than an hour. The video demo at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE shows how it works. Totally worth it when you're dealing with time-sensitive issues like rent payments.
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Ravi Sharma
•I've never heard of that before! I'm willing to try anything at this point. My landlord is already texting me about the rent. Does it really work that fast?
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Chloe Martin
•Yeah, it worked surprisingly well for me. The county worker who called back was even able to tell me exactly when my check was mailed and helped expedite a replacement when it turned out it was sent to my old address.
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Diego Rojas
the county is ALWAYS doing this!!! they change ONE thing in the system and everything gets messed up! i had my address changed last year and didnt get my cash aid for TWO MONTHS because they "had to verify" smh. and good luck trying to get anyone on the phone!! the system is DESIGNED to make us give up!!!!
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Anastasia Sokolov
•this is why i never change anything on my case if i can help it lol
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StarSeeker
I went through this exact thing in January! My check came on the 4th, about 3 days late. The worker told me it takes time to 'process through the system' but never warned me about the delay. I got hit with a late fee too and CalWORKs wouldn't help cover it. After the 3rd month it finally started going directly to my bank account, and now it's actually better because I get it a day earlier than I used to with the EBT card.
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Ravi Sharma
•That's helpful to hear about your experience. Did you have to do anything to follow up, or did it just eventually start working? I'm worried because my worker isn't very responsive.
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StarSeeker
•Honestly no I just waited and complained a lot lol. But after the 3rd month it just started working perfectly. I did call like every month to make sure they were sending the check though.
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NebulaNomad
Just checking back - were you able to reach someone about your check? If you can't get through by phone, you can also go in person to your county office. Bring your ID and case information. They can sometimes issue an emergency replacement check if you explain about your rent situation.
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Ravi Sharma
•I actually used that Claimyr service that someone mentioned and finally got through! The worker confirmed my check was mailed on the 30th, so it should arrive any day now. She said I can request a replacement if it doesn't come by the 5th. I explained about my rent and she said I might qualify for an emergency payment, but I'd have to come into the office with documentation from my landlord. At least now I know what's going on! Thanks everyone for the help!
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