When do CalWORKs benefits get loaded? Can you access Cash Aid at midnight?

CalWORKs Cash Aid gets loaded onto your EBT card based on the last digit of your case number. It's distributed over the first three days of each month: - If your case number ends in 1, 2, or 3: Benefits available on the 1st - If your case number ends in 4, 5, or 6: Benefits available on the 2nd - If your case number ends in 7, 8, 9, or 0: Benefits available on the 3rd And yes, the funds are typically available at midnight on your scheduled day, so if you're scheduled for the 1st, you should be able to withdraw at midnight. However, sometimes there are system delays, so I wouldn't rely on it 100% if you absolutely need the money first thing.

mine comes at midnite exactly!! i can be at the atm at 12:01 and my $ is always there. but ya gotta know which day ur supposed to get it. i got a frend who didnt know and went to the atm 10 times in a row looking for her money lol

Just FYI, there is a daily withdrawal limit on most EBT cards - usually around $1000 per day. If your rent is higher than that, you might need to plan to make withdrawals over multiple days. Also, some ATMs have their own lower withdrawal limits (like $400 or $500 per transaction). I usually have to do 2-3 separate withdrawals at my local ATM to get my full rent amount. Another option is to ask your landlord if you can pay part in cash and write a check for the rest, or see if they'll accept payment through a money order which you can purchase using your EBT at some locations.

Have u called ur worker to confirm when your benefits will be available? New cases sometimes work differently than ongoing ones. When I first got approved last year, my initial payment didn't follow the regular schedule - it came like 2 days after I got my card. I'd hate for u to be counting on it at midnight and then it's not there! Plus sometimes the system glitches and benefits get delayed.

the money is supposed to transfer at midnight but sometimes the computer systems run slow and it doesnt show up til like 2 or 3am. i would NOT count on it being there exactly at 12 especially if u got rent due. i learned this the hard way and almost got evicted last year!!! now i always make sure to check day before rent due and if its not there i explain to my landlord

Regarding your question about stores - yes, most grocery stores that accept EBT will let you get cash back with a purchase. However, they usually have limits too (often $200 per transaction). So you'd need to do multiple transactions at different stores to get enough for your rent. For future months, I'd recommend planning ahead and making several withdrawals in the days before rent is due. That way you're not stressed trying to get it all at once. Also, check if your county offers a direct rent payment option through CalWORKs where they can send some of your aid directly to your landlord - some counties do this and it's super helpful.

One thing nobody mentioned - sometimes the EBT system goes down for maintenance ON THE 1ST OF THE MONTH which is literally the worst timing ever. It happened to me twice last year and I couldn't access my cash aid until like noon the next day. I was freaking out! CalWORKs says they announce maintenance on their website but nobody checks that. Just have a backup plan if possible.

Since you're new to CalWORKs, here's another tip that might help: the Semi-Annual Report (SAR 7) is super important to keep your benefits coming without interruption. Make sure you turn it in on time when you get it in the mail (around the 5th month of your certification period). If you miss submitting it, your benefits can be delayed or stopped completely, which could affect your ability to pay rent in the future. Also, if your income changes (you get a job, lose a job, get child support, etc.), you need to report it within 10 days if it puts you over the Income Reporting Threshold (IRT) listed on your approval notice.

Hey StarGazer101! Welcome to CalWORKs! I see you've gotten some great advice already about the payment schedule and withdrawal limits. Just wanted to add that if you're really worried about timing, you can also call the EBT customer service number (1-877-328-9677) to check your balance before heading to the ATM. The automated system is available 24/7 and will tell you exactly how much is available on your card. Also, since you mentioned you're new - make sure to keep all your receipts and paperwork organized from day one. It makes everything so much easier when you have to do your redetermination or if any issues come up with your case. Good luck with getting your rent sorted out!