How to check upcoming CalWORKs payment dates and amounts online? BenefitsCal confusing me!

its benefitscal.com where u check. u gotta click on the status area when u login and look 4 the 'Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT)' part. shows when ur cash aid is loading. its annoying tho cuz sometimes the site is down or slow. call ur worker if u cant see it

BenefitsCal does show your payment history, but it's not great for seeing future payments. The most reliable ways to check upcoming CalWORKs payments are: 1. Call the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677 and check your payment status and scheduled deposits 2. Use the Connect EBT mobile app (available for iPhone and Android) - it's actually much easier than the website for tracking when your Cash Aid will be available 3. If you receive your benefits on a BenefitsCal card, you can text CHECK to 432674 to get your balance Also, CalWORKs payments usually follow a regular schedule based on the first letter of your last name. If your worker didn't tell you your specific payment date, that's something to ask about. The dates are typically between the 1st and 10th of each month.

I had the EXACT same problem last year! BenefitsCal is so confusing and I kept getting frustrated trying to find my payment dates. I couldn't get through to anyone on the regular phone line either, kept getting disconnected after waiting 45+ minutes. Finally found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real person at my county office in about 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE The worker set up my account properly and explained exactly where to look for payment dates. They also told me that in my county, payments are always available on the 1st if you have direct deposit, or the 3rd if you use the EBT card. Definitely worth asking your specific worker about your county's schedule!

connect ebt app works ok but sometimes it doesnt update until AFTER the money is already there lol not very helpful for planning. i just write down when my money comes each month in my calendar cause its always same day

There are actually several options for checking your CalWORKs payment information: 1. BenefitsCal website - Under "My Benefits" then "EBT Account" section 2. Connect EBT mobile app - More user-friendly than the website 3. YourBenefitsNow website (some counties use this instead) 4. EBT phone line: 1-877-328-9677 But what many people don't know is that CalWORKs follows a staggered issuance schedule based on the last digit of your case number (not your last name as someone incorrectly stated above). Your specific issuance date should be on your approval notice. If you're concerned about paying rent, remember that your first payment might have been prorated depending on when you applied, but future payments will be consistent each month as long as you meet your reporting requirements and submit your SAR7 on time. I'd recommend calling your worker to confirm your exact payment date to help with your budgeting. It won't change from month to month unless your case is discontinued and later reopened.

The system is DELIBERATELY CONFUSING!!! They make it hard to find payment info because they don't want you to know when they mess up!! I've had payments delayed THREE TIMES this year with NO NOTICE and then they act like it's my fault for not submitting something but they never sent me any request!!! Calling is USELESS. They'll transfer you around in circles until you hang up. The workers don't even know their own system half the time. And the website is designed by people who've clearly never had to rely on benefits to feed their kids!!! Get EVERYTHING in writing and screenshot EVERYTHING on BenefitsCal because the system will "accidentally" lose your uploads and then blame YOU.

One more thing I forgot to mention - if you just got approved for CalWORKs and received your first payment, you should also check if you've been approved for CalWORKs childcare assistance (if you have children under 13). They don't always tell you about it automatically, but CalWORKs covers childcare costs while you work, look for work, or attend school/training. You can apply through your county welfare office, and it can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars a month depending on your childcare needs. Since you mentioned budgeting for your kids' needs, this might be really helpful for you!

Another tip that might help - if you're having trouble with BenefitsCal, try accessing it from a computer instead of your phone if possible. The mobile version is even more confusing than the desktop site. Also, clear your browser cache before logging in because sometimes old data gets stuck and causes weird display issues. For budgeting purposes, once you figure out your exact payment date, you can usually count on it being consistent each month. But definitely keep some kind of record (even just writing it down) because the online systems aren't always reliable for planning ahead. And since you mentioned needing school shoes for your kids - check if your county has any back-to-school assistance programs or if local churches/community centers have shoe drives. Sometimes there are resources available that can help stretch your CalWORKs payment further.

Just want to add that if you're still having trouble finding your payment schedule, you can also text "BAL" to 511-227 from the phone number on file with your case to get your current EBT balance. It won't show future payments, but it's a quick way to check if your monthly payment has been deposited without having to log into anything. Also, regarding the rent situation - many landlords are familiar with CalWORKs payment schedules and may be understanding about timing if you explain your situation and can give them a specific date when you'll have the money. It's worth having that conversation rather than just hoping the payment comes in time. One more thing - make sure you're signed up for text alerts through BenefitsCal if possible. Sometimes they send notifications about payment delays or issues that way, though it's not always reliable.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Just got my CalWORKs approval two weeks ago and I'm so confused about when my next payment will come. I tried calling the number someone mentioned (1-877-328-9677) yesterday and actually got through after about 20 minutes - they were able to tell me my exact payment date which is the 3rd of every month. The automated system walks you through checking your balance and payment schedule if you have your EBT card number ready. Also wanted to mention that my caseworker told me about something called the "Welfare-to-Work" program that can help with transportation costs and work clothes/supplies while you're job searching. Since you mentioned budgeting carefully, it might be worth asking about when you call your worker. They also have emergency assistance sometimes if you're facing eviction - definitely mention your rent situation to them. Hope this helps! It's so overwhelming trying to figure out all these systems when you're already stressed about money.

Hey Klaus! I went through this exact same confusion when I first got approved. Here's what worked for me: The easiest way is definitely the Connect EBT app that others mentioned - it's SO much better than trying to navigate BenefitsCal on your phone. You can download it from your app store and it shows your balance and recent transactions clearly. But for your immediate rent situation, I'd recommend calling the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677. Have your EBT card ready and they can tell you exactly when your next payment will be deposited. The automated system is actually pretty straightforward once you get through. Also, check your approval notice paperwork - your regular payment date should be listed there. CalWORKs payments typically come on the same date each month based on your case number. For budgeting with kids, I totally get the stress! One tip that helped me was setting up a simple calendar on my phone with my payment date marked, plus all my due dates (rent, utilities, etc.) so I could see the whole month at a glance. Don't feel bad about asking your landlord for an extension if needed - most understand that government benefits come on specific dates. Just be upfront about when you expect the payment. Good luck with everything! The first few months figuring out the system are the hardest, but it gets easier once you know your routine.

I'm dealing with the same thing right now! Just got approved last week and I'm so lost trying to figure out when my payments will come. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the Connect EBT app or that I could text to check my balance. One thing I wanted to add that might help you and others - my neighbor who's been on CalWORKs for a while told me that your county office should have given you a "Client Rights and Responsibilities" booklet that actually has your payment schedule in it. I completely overlooked mine in all the paperwork, but when I dug it out, sure enough it had my payment date right there on page 3. Might be worth checking if you still have yours! Also, regarding budgeting with kids - I started keeping a little notebook where I write down exactly when money comes in and when bills are due. It's old school but it really helps me not panic about timing. Sometimes the simple solutions work best when all the technology is confusing us! Hope you get your payment date figured out soon. This whole system is definitely overwhelming at first but everyone here has given such good advice.

I'm new to CalWORKs too and this thread has been a lifesaver! I've been struggling with the same BenefitsCal confusion for weeks. Just wanted to add something that helped me - when I finally got through to my caseworker, she mentioned that if you're having trouble with the online systems, you can also go in person to your local county office and they can print out a payment schedule for you. It's not the most convenient option, but sometimes having that physical paper in your hands can be really reassuring when you're trying to budget. Also, for anyone else reading this who's new to the system - don't be afraid to ask questions! I was so intimidated during my interview that I just nodded along to everything, but I wish I had spoken up more about wanting clear information on payment dates and how to access my account. The workers deal with these questions all the time and most of them want to help you succeed. Klaus, I hope you get everything sorted out with your rent situation. It sounds like you've gotten some really solid advice here about the Connect EBT app and calling that customer service number. Good luck!

I'm also brand new to CalWORKs (just got approved three weeks ago) and this whole thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I had no idea there were so many different ways to check payment information. Like Klaus, I was completely lost in BenefitsCal and kept clicking around in circles. Reading everyone's responses, I'm realizing I probably missed a lot of important information during my intake appointment because I was so nervous and overwhelmed. It sounds like there are resources like childcare assistance and the Welfare-to-Work program that nobody mentioned to me either. I'm definitely going to download that Connect EBT app tonight and try calling the customer service number tomorrow. It's such a relief to know that other people have gone through this same confusion and figured it out. Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who doesn't understand how all these systems work, but clearly that's not the case! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and tips. This community is so much more helpful than trying to navigate everything alone. Klaus, I hope you get your payment date sorted out soon - sounds like you've got some great options to try now!

Hey Klaus! I just went through this exact same situation a few months ago when I first got CalWORKs. The confusion is totally normal - the system really isn't user-friendly at all, especially when you're already stressed about money and timing. Here's what finally worked for me: I gave up on trying to figure out BenefitsCal on my phone and called the EBT customer service line directly at 1-877-328-9677. I had to wait about 30 minutes, but they were able to tell me my exact payment date and it's been consistent every month since then. Have your EBT card number ready when you call. Also, definitely check your original approval paperwork - your regular payment date should be listed somewhere in there, probably in a section about "issuance schedule" or similar. I completely overlooked mine at first because there was so much information to process during that interview. For the immediate rent situation, I'd suggest being upfront with your landlord about when you expect your payment. Most landlords who deal with tenants on government assistance understand that payments come on specific dates each month. It's better to communicate early than to stress in silence. One last tip - once you figure out your payment date, write it down in a calendar along with all your bill due dates so you can see your whole month at a glance. It really helped reduce my anxiety about budgeting. The first few months figuring out the system are definitely the hardest, but it gets much easier once you know your routine!

Klaus, I completely understand your frustration with BenefitsCal - it took me forever to figure out too when I first started! Here's what worked for me: Instead of struggling with the website, I called the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677. Yes, there's a wait (usually 20-30 minutes), but they can tell you your exact payment schedule right over the phone. Have your EBT card ready when you call. Also, definitely check your original CalWORKs approval letter/paperwork - your payment date should be listed in there somewhere. CalWORKs payments typically come on the same day each month based on your case number. For your rent situation, I'd suggest talking to your landlord now rather than waiting. Most landlords understand that government benefits come on specific dates, and it's better to communicate early than stress in silence. One more tip - once you know your payment date, mark it on a calendar along with all your bills so you can see your whole month laid out. It really helped reduce my budgeting anxiety! The Connect EBT app that others mentioned is also way easier than the website if you want to check your balance quickly. Don't feel bad about the confusion - this system is definitely not designed with user-friendliness in mind, but it gets much easier once you know your routine!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Just got approved for CalWORKs a couple weeks ago and I've been so confused about the payment schedule too. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about half of these resources everyone is mentioning. I tried BenefitsCal multiple times and kept getting frustrated with how confusing it is. But after reading everyone's suggestions, I downloaded the Connect EBT app last night and wow - it's SO much easier to navigate than the website! I can actually see my balance clearly without getting lost in a maze of menus. Also want to echo what others said about calling the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677. I called this morning after reading the suggestions here and waited about 25 minutes, but they were able to tell me my exact payment date (it's the 5th of every month). Having that concrete information has relieved so much stress about budgeting! Klaus, I totally understand the anxiety about rent timing - I'm dealing with the same thing. But like others suggested, it's probably worth having an honest conversation with your landlord about when your payment comes in. Most people understand that government benefits have set schedules. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and tips in this thread! As someone new to the system, it's been way more helpful than trying to figure everything out alone.