CalWORKs direct deposit timing issues - switched from EBT to bank account but payment delayed

Same thing happend to me when i switched to direct deposit! The first payment took like a extra day bcuz the bank holds it or something. After that first month tho its been coming on time actually even a little earlier than my EBT use to load!!

The timing can definitely change when switching from EBT to direct deposit. With direct deposit, there are two main factors that affect when you actually see the money: 1. The county release process (usually happens overnight on your payment date) 2. Your bank's processing time (can take 1-3 business days depending on your bank) Unlike EBT cards which get funded instantly at a set time, direct deposits go through the ACH banking system which isn't instantaneous. The first payment after switching often takes the longest while the system verifies everything. If you don't see it by tomorrow, that's when I'd recommend calling your worker to confirm the deposit was initiated.

Don't panic yet! Direct deposit for CalWORKs payments typically follows a different schedule than EBT loading. While EBT cards get funded at specific times (like your 1am), direct deposits to bank accounts depend on your bank's processing schedule. Most banks process ACH transfers (which is what CalWORKs uses) in batches during business hours. Many don't process anything overnight or on weekends. Also, the first payment after switching payment methods often takes an extra day for security verification. I'd wait until the end of the business day before getting too worried. If nothing shows up by tomorrow morning, then call your county office.

i switched to direct deposit last year and my payments always come between 9am-11am now instead of the midnight/1am EBT timing. but the FIRST payment took until like 2pm to show up and i was panicking just like you are. just bank processing stuff i think. check again after lunch and it'll probably be there!

OMG the CalWORKs system is SUCH a mess with these changes!! When I switched to direct deposit last year they completely SKIPPED a payment and I had to fight for THREE WEEKS to get my money!! The county kept saying they sent it but my bank never got it and neither would take responsibility! I ended up having to apply for emergency assistance to cover my rent while they figured it out. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING and if it doesn't show up by tomorrow CALL THEM IMMEDIATELY!!!

I was having the same problem trying to reach my CalWORKs worker about a payment issue last month. Kept getting voicemail or disconnected after waiting on hold forever. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real person at the county within 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE It was definitely worth it to get my issue resolved quickly instead of stressing for days. The payment timing issues with direct deposit are super common but you need to talk to someone to confirm everything is actually processing correctly.

Just saw your update comments - if you're still not seeing the payment by end of business day, here's what I recommend: 1. Call the main CalWORKs customer service line (not just your worker) - they can verify if the payment was actually sent and to which account 2. Check your BenefitsCal account to see if there's any payment status info 3. Confirm with your bank that they don't have any pending deposits or holds Sometimes the first direct deposit after switching gets flagged for additional verification by either the county or your bank. In most cases it shows up by day 2, but you want to stay on top of it if it's affecting your ability to pay rent.

this is why I think the whole "direct deposit is more convenient" thing is total BS when it comes to CalWORKs. with EBT you KNOW exactly when the money hits and you can use it immediately. banks hold your money and make it so complicated! plus if theres ever a problem the county and the bank just point fingers at each other and WE suffer!!

UPDATE: The payment finally hit my account this morning! Exactly 24 hours later than it used to come on my EBT card. My landlord was understanding when I explained the situation. Lesson learned though - next month I'll know not to expect it at 1am like before. Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance!!!

So glad to see your update that the payment came through! This is exactly what happened to me when I first switched - that first payment always seems to take the longest. For future reference, I've noticed my direct deposits now consistently come around 8-9am on payment day instead of the midnight EBT timing. It's actually been more reliable for me long-term since I don't have to worry about EBT card issues or ATM fees. Just takes some getting used to the new schedule!