Can CalWORKs benefits get skimmed with direct deposit or only on EBT cards?
Been hearing so many horror stories about people getting their CalWORKs benefits stolen from their EBT cards. I'm freaking out because that's my rent and bills money for my kids! I was thinking about switching to direct deposit instead of getting my cash aid loaded onto my EBT card. Does anyone know if direct deposit is safer? Has anyone had their CalWORKs money skimmed after it was already in their bank account? I don't understand how all this skimming stuff works but I can't afford to lose even one month of benefits. My worker is impossible to reach on the phone to ask about this!!
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Carmella Fromis
Direct deposit is MUCH safer for your CalWORKs benefits. The skimming is happening specifically to EBT cards because they use outdated magnetic stripe technology. When your Cash Aid goes directly to your bank account, it's protected by the bank's security systems, which are significantly better than what the EBT cards use. I switched to direct deposit about 8 months ago after my neighbor got skimmed twice in one month. Haven't had any issues since then. Make sure your bank account has fraud protection though.
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Ryder Greene
•Thx for the info! Do u know if it takes longer to get my benefits with direct deposit? My worker said something about it taking a few days to process when I asked her before but I wasnt sure if that was just her trying to talk me out of it or what
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Theodore Nelson
I got my cash aid skimmed TWICE last year when it was on my EBT card!!! $1489 gone just like that and it took me FOUR MONTHS to get it back after filing all kinds of reports. When I finally got through to someone at the county office, they suggested direct deposit but warned me it could take 3-4 days to process when my benefits are issued. Honestly worth the wait compared to the nightmare of dealing with EBT theft. You have to fill out form CW 2216 for direct deposit setup.
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AaliyahAli
•omg 4 months?!! thats insane. i got skimmed in february and still fighting to get my money back. im a single mom with 2 kids and had to borrow from my sister to pay rent. does the county even care that people cant feed their kids when this happens??
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Ellie Simpson
I tried calling about the exact same thing! Been on hold with the county for literal hours trying to switch to direct deposit after my cousin got her benefits stolen. If you're having trouble reaching someone too, try Claimyr. It's this service that calls for you and gets you through to a real person at the CalWORKs office. Saved me hours of waiting. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE and their website is claimyr.com. Made switching to direct deposit SO much easier.
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Ryder Greene
•Wait is this legit? I've been trying to get through for days! Does it actually work? I'm desperate at this point cause my benefits post next week and I want to change to direct deposit before then
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Arjun Kurti
i work at a bank and we see EBT skimming ALL THE TIME. direct deposit is way safer bc banks have better fraud protection than EBT cards. but u still need to be careful - dont share ur bank info with anyone, use strong passwords, and set up alerts for any transactions. the bank can usually reverse fraudulent charges if they happen but u gotta report them fast. EBT system is sooooo outdated its crazy!
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Raúl Mora
•This is good advice. I work with CalWORKs recipients and I'm seeing more and more people switching to direct deposit because of all the EBT skimming. Just remember that if you do direct deposit, your cash aid might take 1-3 business days to appear in your account after the payment date, depending on your bank.
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Margot Quinn
Direct deposit is safer BUT you should know they might mess up your first payment when switching. My first direct deposit was totally late and I had to call like crazy to figure out what happened. They said I filled out the form wrong even tho the worker helped me do it!!! After that it was fine tho and I haven't had any problems since switching. Better than my EBT where I got skimmed 3 times in 6 months! The county is terrible about helping when ur money gets stolen they act like ur lying about it.
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AaliyahAli
•OMG 3 TIMES??? That's awful! Did you ever get your money back? I'm still waiting for them to return my January benefits that got stolen. Every time I call they say it's "in process" whatever that means...
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Theodore Nelson
One other thing to know - when you switch to direct deposit you'll still keep your EBT card for CalFresh food benefits. Only the Cash Aid part goes to your bank account. And if your card was already skimmed before, make sure you report it AND get a new EBT card with a new number. Some people dont realize you need to specifically request a new card number.
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Ryder Greene
•I didn't even think about that! So I'll still have an EBT card for food stamps but the Cash Aid part will go to my bank instead? That makes sense. I'm definitely doing this direct deposit thing ASAP. Way too scared of losing my money!
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Ellie Simpson
That Claimyr service I mentioned earlier literally saved me from giving up on getting through to CalWORKs. I had tried for THREE DAYS to reach someone about switching to direct deposit. Just a quick follow up - once I got through and filled out the direct deposit form, it took effect on my next benefit month. No problems since then! My case worker also told me they're starting to recommend direct deposit to everyone now because of all the skimming.
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Arjun Kurti
•i used claimyr too when my benefits got messed up - it does work pretty good. still cant believe the county makes it so impossible to reach anyone when its literally our MONEY for KIDS that we need to survive. at my bank we tell everyone to use direct deposit now bc the EBT fraud is out of control
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Ryder Greene
UPDATE: I finally got through to my worker!!! She's sending me the direct deposit form and said once I get it back to them it should be set up in time for my next month's payment. She actually said they're encouraging people to switch to direct deposit now because of all the EBT theft happening. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!!!
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Carmella Fromis
•That's great news! Just double check the form carefully before sending it back. Make sure your account and routing numbers are clear and correct. The most common issue with direct deposit setup is incorrect banking info. Also keep your confirmation number or receipt when you submit the form, just in case there are any problems later.
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Giovanni Rossi
•Congrats on getting through! That's awesome news. Just wanted to add - when you fill out that direct deposit form, maybe ask your worker about setting up text alerts for when your benefits get deposited. Most banks offer this and it's super helpful to know right away when the money hits your account. Also, since you mentioned having trouble reaching your worker before, you might want to ask for her direct extension or email if she has one for future questions. Good luck with everything!
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Mateo Rodriguez
I'm really glad you got through to your worker and are switching to direct deposit! I've been following this thread because I'm in a similar situation. Just wanted to share that I made the switch about 6 months ago after my neighbor got skimmed twice. The peace of mind is worth it - no more worrying every time I use my EBT card for cash. My bank also sends me instant notifications when any money gets deposited, so I know right away when my benefits come through. The only downside is it does take a couple days to process, but honestly that's a small price to pay for the security. Hope everything goes smoothly with your direct deposit setup!
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Diego Vargas
•Thanks for sharing your experience! It's really reassuring to hear from someone who's been using direct deposit for a while without issues. I'm definitely feeling more confident about making the switch now. The instant notifications sound super helpful - I'll make sure to set those up with my bank too. It's crazy that we even have to worry about this stuff but at least there's a safer option. Really appreciate everyone in this thread sharing their experiences and advice!
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Mikayla Davison
I'm so glad this thread exists! I've been putting off dealing with this EBT skimming issue but reading everyone's experiences has convinced me I need to act fast. My sister got her benefits stolen last month and she's still fighting to get the money back - it's been a nightmare for her family. I had no idea direct deposit was even an option for CalWORKs cash aid! My case worker never mentioned it when I asked about keeping my benefits safe. Does anyone know if there are any fees from the county for switching to direct deposit? And do all banks accept these direct deposits or are there restrictions? I bank with a credit union so I want to make sure before I start the paperwork. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories - it's scary but helpful to know what to expect!
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