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I'm going through this exact same situation right now too! Got approved for CalWORKs yesterday (Tuesday) and my worker said the benefits would show up within 3 days, but when I call the EBT line it's only showing my CalFresh benefits. I was starting to panic because I have bills due this weekend, but reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a relief! It's amazing how many people are dealing with this exact same delay - makes me realize it's just how the system works rather than something being wrong with my case. The explanation about CalWORKs and CalFresh running on separate processing systems really helps it make sense. I had no idea that the EBT phone system might not show cash aid until it actually posts to the account. I'm definitely going to try checking ebtEDGE online instead of obsessively calling the automated line, and I'll wait for the full 5 business days before contacting my worker. Thank you to everyone who shared their timelines and tips - this community is honestly a lifesaver when you're new to navigating all of this!
I'm in the exact same boat! Just got approved yesterday too and was told 3 days, but only seeing CalFresh when I check. This whole thread has been such a lifesaver - I had no idea so many people go through this exact waiting period. It's wild how the system makes it seem like nothing is happening when our benefits are apparently just working through the processing pipeline. I'm going to stop calling the hotline every few hours and try to be patient for the full 5 business days. It's so reassuring to see that literally everyone here eventually got their cash aid even when it took longer than the initial 3-day estimate. Thanks for sharing your experience - makes me feel way less alone in this stressful waiting game!
I'm going through this exact same thing right now! Got approved for CalWORKs on Monday and was told benefits would be on my card in 3 days, but it's now Thursday and I'm only seeing CalFresh when I check my balance. I was getting really anxious thinking something went wrong, but reading through all these responses has been incredibly reassuring! It's so helpful to learn that CalWORKs and CalFresh run on completely different processing systems - that explains why one shows up but not the other. And knowing that first-time payments typically take the full 5 business days (not just 3) really helps set realistic expectations. I've been calling the automated EBT line obsessively but I'm going to try the ebtEDGE website and maybe call to speak with an actual representative tomorrow. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and timelines here. It's amazing how this community can help reduce so much stress when you're navigating the benefits system for the first time and don't know what's normal versus what's actually a problem. I feel so much better knowing that pretty much everyone here went through this same waiting period and eventually received their benefits!
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This thread has been so helpful! I'm actually in a similar situation - planning to visit family in Arizona next month and was nervous about accessing my CalWORKs cash benefits out of state. Reading everyone's experiences has really put my mind at ease. The tips about using hotel ATMs, withdrawing larger amounts to avoid multiple fees, and keeping receipts are all things I wouldn't have thought of. I especially appreciate the safety advice about avoiding late-night withdrawals and not flashing cash around. One thing I'm curious about - has anyone had experience using their EBT card internationally, like in Mexico? I know that's probably not allowed but just wondering if anyone knows for sure. Thanks again everyone for sharing your knowledge!
Hey Michael! Glad this thread has been helpful for your Arizona trip too. To answer your question about international use - no, you definitely cannot use your EBT card internationally, including in Mexico. The EBT system only works within the United States and its territories. If you're planning any trips to Mexico, you'd need to withdraw cash before crossing the border or use a regular bank card/credit card once you're there. The EBT network simply doesn't extend beyond US borders, so the card just won't work at all outside the country. Hope that helps clarify things for you!
This thread is amazing! I'm so glad you asked this question because I was literally wondering the same thing. I have a family wedding in Phoenix next month and was stressed about accessing my benefits while I'm there. Reading through everyone's experiences has been super reassuring. The tip about checking for early benefit loading by calling the customer service line is genius - I never would have thought to do that. Also really appreciate all the safety advice about using ATMs during the day and avoiding sketchy locations. I'm definitely going to download that AllPoint app someone mentioned and look into the grocery store cash back option too. Thanks for starting this conversation - it's been incredibly helpful for all of us who travel with CalWORKs benefits!
So glad this thread has been helpful for you too, Fatima! It's really reassuring to know so many of us have similar situations and concerns about traveling with CalWORKs benefits. The wedding in Phoenix sounds lovely! Arizona should be just as straightforward as Vegas for using your EBT card. I'm actually feeling so much more confident about my Vegas trip now after reading everyone's experiences and tips. It's amazing how much practical knowledge this community has shared - from the technical stuff about ATM networks to the real-world safety advice. Good luck with your family wedding next month, and thanks for adding to this great discussion!
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Welcome to the community Hugo! This thread really shows how supportive everyone is here. I'm also relatively new and have learned so much just from reading discussions like this one. Miguel's situation is so common and it's amazing to see how the experienced members break down all the details about income limits, disregards, and transitional benefits. One thing I'd add for anyone in a similar position - don't forget that many community colleges offer free job training programs that can help you move into higher-paying work while you're still receiving benefits. The CalWORKs program often covers the costs and it counts toward your work requirements too. I'm currently in a medical assistant program through this and it's been a game changer. Miguel, you're definitely making the right choice with that job! Having stable work experience will open up even more opportunities down the road.
Thanks for the warm welcome Javier! It's so encouraging to see how this community supports each other through these transitions. The community college tip is brilliant - I hadn't thought about using CalWORKs benefits to get job training while still receiving support. That's exactly the kind of insider knowledge that makes such a difference. Miguel's thread has been like a masterclass in navigating the work transition, and hearing from people like you who are actively using these programs to build better futures is really inspiring. It gives me hope that there's a real path forward, not just surviving month to month. Congratulations on your medical assistant program - that sounds like it'll lead to great opportunities!
This whole thread has been incredible to read! As someone who's been on CalWORKs for about 8 months now, I've been so scared about what happens when I start working again. Miguel, your question was exactly what I needed to see answered, and everyone's responses have been a goldmine of information. The breakdown of the income disregard formula really clarified things for me - I had no idea you could actually end up with MORE total money by working even while your cash aid decreases. And knowing about the 12-month transitional Medi-Cal takes away my biggest fear about losing healthcare coverage. I'm bookmarking this thread for when I hopefully get a job offer soon. Thank you to everyone who shared their real experiences - it means so much to hear from people who've actually been through this transition successfully rather than just wondering what might happen. Miguel, congratulations on the job and for asking the question so many of us needed answered!
Hassan, I'm so glad this thread has been helpful for you too! It's amazing how many of us are in similar situations, wondering about that scary transition from benefits to work. Miguel really asked the perfect question that so many of us have been afraid to ask. One thing that really stood out to me from everyone's responses is how the system is actually designed to help people transition to work, even though it can feel really intimidating from the outside. The fact that you can keep healthcare, still get some cash aid, maintain childcare assistance, AND potentially get more CalFresh benefits while working - it's like they actually want people to succeed in finding employment rather than punishing them for it. I'm also planning to bookmark this thread for future reference. Miguel, I hope your first week on the job goes smoothly! And Hassan, wishing you the best of luck with your job search. This community really shows that we're all in this together, supporting each other through these big life transitions.
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I'm so sorry this happened to you! This is unfortunately way too common with CalWORKs. I went through something very similar where my worker claimed they called me twice but I had zero missed calls or voicemails. What worked for me was calling right at 8am when they open and immediately asking for a supervisor - don't let them transfer you back to your regular worker. When I spoke with the supervisor, they were able to check the actual call logs and saw that no outgoing calls were made to my number despite what was documented in my case notes. I got reassigned to a new worker that same day! Also, make sure to ask the supervisor to email you confirmation of your new interview time so you have everything in writing. Document everything going forward - take screenshots of your call log, write down exact times you were available, and get names of everyone you speak with. It's frustrating that we have to do all this just to get basic services, but don't give up. You have every right to these benefits and a worker who actually does their job properly. Keep pushing and don't let them make you feel like this is your fault when you know you were waiting by the phone!
Thank you so much for sharing this! It's really reassuring to hear from someone who went through the exact same situation and got it resolved so quickly. The fact that the supervisor could actually see no outgoing calls were made despite the documentation is exactly what I suspected was happening with my case. I'm definitely going to call right at 8am tomorrow and ask for a supervisor immediately - I love how you emphasized not letting them transfer me back to the regular worker. Getting everything in writing is such smart advice too. It's frustrating that we have to become so strategic and document everything just to get basic services we're entitled to, but your success story gives me hope that I can get this resolved quickly too. I really appreciate you taking the time to share the specific steps that worked for you!
I've been following this thread and wanted to add something that might help - when you call tomorrow, ask them to put you on speaker phone while they attempt to call your number from their system. I did this when I had a similar issue and it turned out their phone system was having technical problems that weren't showing up in their logs. The supervisor was able to see in real time that the call wasn't going through, even though their system was marking it as "attempted." This immediate proof got me transferred to a working phone line and my interview completed that same day. Also, if you have a secondary phone number (work, family member, etc.), ask them to try that number as backup during your rescheduled interview. Sometimes there are carrier-specific issues that affect certain phone numbers. Don't let them make you wait another week for a rescheduled appointment - emphasize that this delay wasn't your fault and you need it resolved ASAP. You've already wasted enough time dealing with their mistakes!
Natasha Petrova
I'm sending you so much support as you navigate this process! As someone who works with families in similar situations, I wanted to mention a few additional resources that might help while you're working through your CalWORKs application: **211 is incredibly helpful** - They can connect you not just with disability advocates, but also with emergency rental assistance programs, food pantries that carry diapers, and even autism-specific support groups in your area. **Document everything** - Keep a log of every phone call, visit, and interaction with county workers. Include dates, names, and what was discussed. This can be crucial if you run into issues or need to file an appeal. **Backup plans** - While you're waiting for benefits to kick in, look into local churches and community organizations. Many have emergency assistance funds specifically for families facing eviction, and they often move much faster than government programs. **Your autism is a strength** - I know the system can make you feel like your disability is a burden, but your attention to detail, need for clear information, and thorough research (like coming here for advice) are actually huge assets in navigating these complex programs. You're doing everything right by gathering information and preparing ahead of time. Your daughter is so fortunate to have a parent who advocates this fiercely for their family's wellbeing. Wishing you success with your emergency assistance call tomorrow! 🌟
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Natasha Kuznetsova
•This is such comprehensive and thoughtful advice! I never thought about keeping a log of interactions with county workers, but that makes so much sense - especially when dealing with a complex system and trying to remember everything when you have autism. I'm going to start doing that right away. The point about local churches and community organizations is really helpful too. I've been so focused on government programs that I didn't consider these other emergency resources. Sometimes they can probably help bridge the gap while waiting for the official benefits to start. What really stood out to me was your comment about autism being a strength in this process. I've been feeling like such a burden on the system because I need accommodations and extra help, but you're right - my tendency to research thoroughly and need detailed information is actually helping me navigate this better than if I just went in blindly. That's a really empowering way to think about it. Thank you for the encouragement and for taking the time to share your professional insights. It's clear you really care about the families you work with. I'm feeling much more prepared and hopeful about tomorrow's call and the whole process ahead! 💜
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CosmicCrusader
I just wanted to add something that helped me tremendously when I was dealing with CalWORKs and my ADHD - if you're feeling overwhelmed by all the great advice here, try picking just 2-3 action items to focus on first rather than trying to do everything at once. Based on your urgent situation with the eviction notice, I'd suggest prioritizing: 1. Call for emergency assistance tomorrow morning (as others mentioned) 2. Contact 211 for immediate diaper/rental assistance resources 3. Start gathering your autism documentation for the main CalWORKs application Once you get through the crisis, you can circle back to the other helpful suggestions like Regional Center services, WIC, etc. Sometimes when you have executive function challenges, having too many options can actually make it harder to take action. Also, I wanted to echo what others said about bringing a support person - even if it's just someone to sit with you during phone calls or help organize your paperwork. Having that extra brain power and emotional support can make such a difference when navigating these systems with a disability. You've got this! One step at a time. 💙
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Zoe Stavros
•This is such smart advice about prioritizing just a few action items! You're absolutely right that having too many options can be paralyzing when you're already overwhelmed. Breaking it down to those three urgent priorities makes it feel so much more manageable. I really appreciate you mentioning the executive function challenges specifically - that's definitely something I struggle with. When I get a huge list of things to do, I sometimes end up doing nothing because I can't figure out where to start. Having that clear 1-2-3 order helps me focus on what needs to happen immediately versus what can wait. The suggestion about having someone sit with me during phone calls is really practical too. I hadn't thought about how just having moral support during those conversations could help, even if they're not actively participating. My anxiety always spikes when I have to make important phone calls, so having someone there might keep me calmer and more focused. Thank you for understanding how overwhelming all this good advice can be when you have processing differences. It shows you really get what it's like to navigate these systems with a disability. I'm going to write down those three priorities and tackle them in order starting tomorrow morning! 🙏
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