Can I use Chime account for CalWORKs Cash Aid deposit? Is it reliable?

I've been using Chime for my CalWORKs payments for about 8 months now with no problems. The money shows up right on time (sometimes even a day early!). Just make sure when you fill out the direct deposit form that you use the correct routing and account numbers from your Chime account. You can find these in your Chime app under Settings > Account Information. The county just treats it like any other bank account - there's nothing special you need to do because it's Chime. I actually prefer it to my old regular bank because Chime doesn't charge me fees when my balance gets low (which happens a lot right before Cash Aid hits).

Chime is HORRIBLE for benefits!!! My sister had her account frozen for 2 weeks when her CalWORKs payment hit and they wanted all kinds of verification. She almost got evicted!!! These online banks aren't real banks and dont have the same protections. Just go with Bank of America or Wells Fargo trust me

I can provide some factual information here. Chime and similar online banks are legitimate financial institutions for receiving CalWORKs benefits. The EDD Bank of America card that was once standard is no longer the only option. A few important points to consider: 1. All CalWORKs recipients have the right to choose their direct deposit destination - including online banks like Chime, traditional banks, or credit unions 2. When you submit your direct deposit form (CW 2225), the county typically takes 1-2 payment cycles to process it, so your first payment might still come as a physical check 3. For Chime specifically, make sure you're providing the banking details from your Checking account (not Savings), as this will process more smoothly 4. Keep a copy of your direct deposit form and confirmation number in case there are any issues 5. If you're concerned about potential delays, you can always call your county office to confirm they received your direct deposit information

i use cashapp for my cashaid no problms for like a year now chime should work 2

I tried calling my CalWORKs office for WEEKS to ask this exact question about Chime and could never get through - kept getting disconnected after waiting forever. Finally I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to a real person in 20 minutes who confirmed that yes, Chime works fine for Cash Aid. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE - basically they wait on hold for you and call when a worker picks up. Saved me so much frustration because I was about to give up and just take a paper check, which is such a hassle to cash without fees.

Just make sure whatever account u use doesn't already have a negative balance!!!! My first CalWORKs payment went straight to paying off my overdraft at Wells Fargo and I got NOTHING. I was so mad. At least with Chime I don't think they let you overdraft so maybe it's better actually

Has anyone had trouble with CalWORKs payments posting late with Chime? My payment date is supposed to be the 1st but sometimes it doesn't show up until the 3rd or 4th and my landlord doesn't care about excuses. This is why I don't trust these online banks!!!

My sister in law uses chime for her calworks but she said she had to do a bunch of paperwork first. Something about verifying her identity twice? Maybe its different in each county tho. I use the regular EBT card for my CalFresh so idk about cash aid specifically.

Update: I went ahead and submitted the direct deposit form with my Chime account info yesterday. My worker said the first payment might still come as a paper check while they process the direct deposit setup, but after that it should go smoothly. Thanks everyone for the advice! I'll update again once I get my first deposit to let you know if there were any issues.

I've been using Chime for my CalWORKs payments for over a year now and it's been great! The deposits usually hit my account 1-2 days BEFORE the official payment date, which is actually really helpful for budgeting. I switched from a traditional bank because they were charging me monthly fees that were eating into my already tight budget. One thing I'd recommend is downloading the Chime app notifications so you get alerts when your deposit hits. Also, take a screenshot of your direct deposit setup in the app just in case you need to reference it later. The routing number is always the same for Chime (031101279) but your account number is unique to you. Don't stress too much about it - Chime is FDIC insured just like regular banks, and I've never had any issues with government deposits being delayed or frozen. Good luck with everything!