When do CalWORKs deposits hit EBT cards? My payment schedule is confusing

mine comes on the 1st every month has for like 2 yrs

CalWORKs Cash Aid payments are issued based on the last digit of your case number. If your case number ends in 1-3, you get paid on the 1st. If it ends in 4-6, payment is on the 2nd. If it ends in 7-9, it's on the 3rd. And if it ends in 0, payment comes on the 4th of the month. Check your approval letter or log into BenefitsCal to see your case number. The schedule stays the same every month unless there's a holiday, then it might be a day early.

You can also check your deposit dates by: 1. Calling the EBT customer service number on the back of your card 2. Using the BenefitsCal website (click on "Electronic Benefit Transfer" under the Services tab) 3. Using the ConnectEBT mobile app (shows your deposit history and future payments) I recommend setting up the app - it sends notifications when deposits are made and shows your exact schedule. Just make sure you're looking at your Cash Aid deposits specifically, not CalFresh, since they have different schedules.

I had this EXACT same problem last year!!! Its soooo confusing and then I kept calling the regular EBT number but they couldnt tell me anything about when MY cash aid would hit just the "regular schedule" which didnt match what was happening. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual CalWORKs worker in like 10 mins when I had been trying for DAYS. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE The worker told me I was getting my payments on a different schedule because I had a special approval situation or something. Now I just check my BenefitsCal account at the beginning of each month to see exactly when I'll get paid.

this is why i always take out all my cash as soon as it hits the card because I never know when theyre gonna add money or take it away!! I dont trust the system AT ALL

One more thing to remember - if the regular deposit date falls on a weekend or holiday, you'll actually get your money the business day BEFORE. So like if your normal date is the 3rd but that's a Sunday, you'll get it on Friday the 1st. Tripped me up a few times.

Since you mentioned you've only been on CalWORKs for 4 months, here's something important to know: sometimes your first 1-2 payments might come on irregular dates as your case is being fully processed. After that, it should stabilize to the regular schedule based on your case number. If you're still seeing inconsistent dates after 3-4 months, definitely contact your worker because something might be wrong with your case.

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble accessing BenefitsCal online, you can also visit your local county office and ask them to print out your payment schedule. They can give you a sheet that shows your exact deposit dates for the next few months. I did this when I first started receiving benefits and it really helped me plan my budget. Also, some counties send text alerts when your payment is deposited - ask your worker if this service is available in your area!

Hey! I'm new to CalWORKs and this thread has been super helpful. I just want to make sure I understand - so the payment date is based on the LAST digit of your case number, not the first? I've been looking at my case number wrong this whole time! Mine ends in 8, so according to what Giovanni said, I should get paid on the 3rd. But I could have sworn my worker told me something different during my orientation. Should I double-check with my worker or is this pretty standard across all counties? Also, does anyone know if there's a grace period if you miss using your benefits? Like if I forget to check my card for a few days after the deposit date?

I'm also pretty new to CalWORKs (just got approved last month) and this whole thread has been incredibly helpful! I was also confused about the payment schedule and kept calling the general EBT line which wasn't giving me specific info about CalWORKs deposits. The case number digit thing makes so much sense now - mine ends in 2 so I should be getting paid on the 1st. I'm going to download that ConnectEBT app that Dylan mentioned and also try to get to my county office to get a printed schedule like Carmen suggested. It's so stressful not knowing exactly when your money will hit when you're trying to budget for basic needs like rent and groceries. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it really helps to know other people have gone through the same confusion!

I'm also relatively new to CalWORKs (about 6 months in) and wanted to share something that helped me a lot - if you're having trouble with the online systems or apps, many libraries have free computer access and sometimes staff who can help you navigate government websites. I was struggling with BenefitsCal on my phone but was able to access everything easily on a library computer. Also, I keep a simple calendar where I mark my payment dates once I figure them out - it's old school but really helps with budgeting! The case number digit system that Giovanni explained is spot on, but like others mentioned, always double-check with your worker since there can be exceptions. And don't feel bad about being confused - the system is complicated and it takes time to figure everything out!

As someone who's been navigating CalWORKs for about a year now, I wanted to add that the deposit schedule can sometimes get thrown off during the first few months while your case is being fully processed, which sounds like what might have happened to you. The last digit rule that Giovanni mentioned is absolutely correct - I've seen it work consistently once everything stabilizes. One thing that really helped me was calling the EBT customer service line early in the morning (around 8 AM) when wait times are shorter. They can tell you your specific deposit history and upcoming payment dates. Also, if you're still having issues after a few more months, don't hesitate to ask your worker to review your case - sometimes there are processing delays or special circumstances that affect the schedule. Hang in there - it gets much easier once you know your pattern! And definitely try that ConnectEBT app when you get a chance.