I'm really sorry you're going through this - the stress of suddenly losing benefits when you have kids depending on you is just overwhelming. I went through something very similar last year where my recertification notice somehow never made it to me, and I had to scramble to get everything sorted out. One thing that really helped speed up my case was when I reapplied through BenefitsCal, I made sure to select every "emergency" or "immediate need" option available and wrote detailed explanations in the comments sections about never receiving the notice and having urgent housing costs. I also called the day after submitting to specifically request expedited processing due to financial hardship. Since you mentioned your rent is due next week, definitely ask during your interview about any emergency payment programs your county might have - some have one-time assistance that can help bridge the gap while your regular benefits are being processed. Also, if you're not already receiving CalFresh (food stamps), make sure to apply for that at the same time since it often gets approved faster than the cash assistance. The whole situation is so unfair and stressful, but hang in there - it sounds like you're doing everything right by being persistent and advocating for your family. Keeping my fingers crossed that your reapplication goes smoothly and you get your benefits restored quickly!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this situation - it's absolutely infuriating when the system fails you like that, especially when you have kids depending on you! I went through something very similar about 6 months ago where my recertification notice apparently got "lost in the mail" and I had no idea until my benefits suddenly stopped. Here's what I learned that might help you: 1. **Good cause review is KEY** - Since you never received the notice and your contact info was current, definitely request a "good cause" review during your interview. This can potentially restore your benefits much faster than a full reapplication (I'm talking days instead of weeks). 2. **Emergency assistance while you wait** - Ask specifically about your county's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (separate from CalWORKs), immediate need payments, and homeless prevention services since you're at risk of eviction. 3. **CalFresh expedited processing** - Apply for expedited food stamps at the same time if you haven't already - this often gets approved within 3-7 days and can help with your grocery budget while waiting for cash aid. 4. **Document everything** - Keep detailed records of all calls, take screenshots of your online submissions, and don't be afraid to call frequently to check status. You're not bothering them - you're advocating for your children's basic needs. The whole notification system is seriously broken and it feels like they set us up to fail sometimes. But don't give up - with persistence and the right approach, you can get through this! Keep us posted on how your Monday interview goes!

This thread has been an incredible resource for me as someone new to both this community and the CalWORKs system! I'm not currently facing a housing crisis, but I'm amazed by how much practical, life-saving knowledge has been shared here. What really impresses me is how everyone rallied around Aileen when she was in crisis, providing specific, actionable advice rather than just generic sympathy. The details about bringing the 3-day notice as emergency documentation, the reality of waiting hours at the office, and the importance of getting landlord agreements in writing - these are the kinds of insights you simply can't find in official program materials. I'm particularly grateful for the transparency about both the system's strengths and limitations. Learning that Homeless Assistance can cover up to 2 months of back rent but has a 12-month waiting period, or that phone systems are nearly impossible but in-person visits can get same-day approval - this helps people approach the process with realistic expectations and proper preparation. The additional resources mentioned throughout this discussion - from Claimyr for phone assistance to legal aid for landlord disputes to 211 for supplemental rental help - show there's actually a broader safety net than many people realize. It's clear that while navigating these systems is challenging, there ARE pathways to help when you know where to look. Aileen, I'm so glad your story had a positive outcome! Your updates will undoubtedly help future families facing similar crises. Thank you to everyone who contributed their knowledge and experience - this is exactly the kind of community support that can prevent homelessness and keep families together.

As a newcomer to this community, I'm absolutely amazed by this thread and how everyone came together to help Aileen navigate such a scary situation! Reading through all these responses has been incredibly educational about the CalWORKs Homeless Assistance program. What strikes me most is how much practical knowledge exists within this community that you just can't find in official materials. The specific tips about bringing the eviction notice as emergency proof, the reality of waiting hours at the office with kids, and the importance of getting everything in writing from landlords - these details could literally make the difference between staying housed and becoming homeless. I'm also grateful for the honesty about the system's challenges alongside the practical workarounds. Learning that phone systems are nearly impossible but services like Claimyr can help, or that you can't apply online for emergency assistance but same-day approval is possible in person - this helps people approach the process with realistic expectations. The additional resources mentioned throughout - legal aid for landlord issues, 211 for supplemental assistance, various CalWORKs supplements beyond just Cash Aid - show there's actually more help available than many people realize. It's just a matter of knowing these programs exist and how to access them. Aileen, I'm so relieved your story had a happy ending! Your updates will definitely help other families who find themselves in similar crises. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge - this community is truly making a difference in people's lives during their most vulnerable moments.

I’m going through the same situation with my benefits and I have an autistic 3 yr old and I have no more food after today I’ve been calling and customer service worker said my case is not being worked by no one and that they do see my case complete it just needs to be rescinded/ restored and nothing yet. Despite that the state hearing judge granted the stipulation on my favor to restore benefits back from 11/01 n here we are Jan 2nd 2025 my case is in El Monte.

I'm so sorry you're going through this, especially with a 3-year-old who needs food. This is exactly the same situation Darren dealt with - it's outrageous that counties think they can just ignore judge's orders! Since you're in El Monte, you'll want to contact LA County specifically. Based on what worked for Darren, I'd suggest doing BOTH of these immediately: 1. Call the State Hearings Division at (800) 743-8525 and tell them "I need to report non-compliance with a judge's order" - LA County is refusing to implement your stipulation from 11/01 2. Contact your assembly member's office RIGHT NOW - look up who represents El Monte and email their constituent services. Tell them you have a 3-year-old with autism, no food, and the county is violating a court order Also call LA County's Civil Rights office at (213) 974-7464 and ask for the Appeals Case Manager specifically. In the meantime, please look into emergency food assistance - call 211 for local food banks. Your child cannot go hungry while they figure this out. Document every single call you make with dates/times/names. This is absolutely unacceptable and you shouldn't have to fight this hard for benefits a judge already ordered!

That's such a relief! Thanks for updating us - I was wondering how it turned out. It's actually really helpful to know that they sometimes schedule interviews as standard procedure even when they're not required. I've been stressed about my own upcoming SAR 7 interview next month, but this gives me some peace of mind that if I submit everything correctly, it might not be as big a deal as I thought. Glad everything worked out for you!

So glad to see this update! This is exactly why I always tell people in this community to double-check with their worker even when the online system shows approval. The CalWORKs system can be confusing but it sounds like everything worked out perfectly in your case. For anyone else reading this who might be in a similar situation - the key takeaway is that if you submit all required documents on time and there are no changes to report, the interview might just be a formality. But it's always worth confirming directly with your worker for peace of mind. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

This entire thread has been so incredibly helpful and validating! I'm about 5 months into CalWORKs and I can't believe how many people have gone through this exact same panic. I had a similar experience about 2 months ago where I was absolutely convinced my benefits were stolen or my case was closed because I kept seeing $0.00 on my balance check. What really gets me is how this seems to be such a universal experience for CalWORKs recipients, yet the county does NOTHING to prevent it. Like @Mateo Rodriguez said, if caseworkers are getting 2-3 calls per week about this, why isn't there better education upfront? It would literally take 30 seconds to explain "your EBT card has two separate accounts - press 1 for food benefits, press 2 for cash benefits" when people pick up their cards. I'm absolutely on board with the community EBT guide idea that several people have mentioned! Between all our experiences, we could create something that actually prepares people for the reality of using these benefits. We could include practical stuff like which stores allow cash back, how to navigate the phone menu when you're stressed, what different error messages mean, and even a simple flowchart for troubleshooting when money seems "missing." @Paolo Romano thank you so much for sharing your experience - this thread is going to save so many families from unnecessary panic and stress. It's amazing how one person's willingness to ask for help has created such a valuable resource for the whole community!

This thread is so reassuring to read as someone who's been on CalWORKs for about a year now! I had this EXACT same panic about 8 months ago - kept checking my balance and seeing $0.00 while my caseworker insisted the money was deposited. I was literally losing sleep thinking my case got messed up or someone stole my benefits. Of course, just like everyone else here, I was checking my food balance instead of my cash balance the entire time! It's honestly wild how many of us have gone through this identical experience. The fact that this confusion is so predictable really shows how broken the education process is when you first get your EBT card. I absolutely love all the practical tips people have shared - especially the sticky note idea and testing both account types right away. These are the real-world solutions that actually help families navigate the system. The community EBT guide idea that several people mentioned sounds amazing - I'd definitely be interested in contributing! Between everyone's experiences here, we could create something way more useful than any official materials I've ever received. @Paolo Romano I'm so glad you found your money and shared this experience. This thread is going to help so many people avoid that terrible sinking feeling when you think your benefits disappeared. Thank you for starting such an important and helpful conversation!