This is exactly why I always try to access my benefits a day or two before I actually need the money when possible. The EBT system seems to have random glitches and holds that can mess up your plans if you're counting on immediate access. I've learned to keep a small emergency stash from previous months just for situations like this. Also, some ATMs work better than others - I've noticed that Bank of America ATMs seem to have fewer issues with EBT cards than the random ones at gas stations. Hope your card works tomorrow and you can get your rent sorted out on time!

Hey is anyone still having trouble withdrawing cash from the ATMs or is it just me only?

Just wanted to share my experience since I've been in this exact situation multiple times! I'm in Riverside County and the setting change is immediate, but my deposits usually hit around 2:30 AM, not exactly at midnight. One thing that really helped me was setting up text alerts through the EBT customer service line - you get a notification as soon as your balance changes, so you don't have to keep checking the app or ATMs all night. Also, if you're dealing with this rent timing issue regularly, look into CalWORKs Homeless Prevention Program. They can sometimes provide one-time rental assistance or help you get a payment plan set up with your landlord. My caseworker referred me and it took some pressure off having to rely on perfect timing every month. For tonight, if your funds don't show up by 3 AM, try calling the EBT customer service line - sometimes there are processing delays they can explain or fix on their end. The number is on the back of your card and they're available 24/7. Hope your rent situation works out!

I've been in this exact situation so many times! The setting change is immediate, but I learned a few tricks that might help you and others dealing with this: 1. Sign up for Balance Alerts through the EBT customer service line (call the number on your card) - you'll get a text as soon as your deposit hits, so you don't have to keep checking 2. If you're in a real bind and the deposit is delayed, some check cashing places will advance you money against your expected CalWORKs deposit for a flat fee (sometimes cheaper than multiple ATM fees) 3. Ask your caseworker about the CalWORKs Homeless Prevention Program - they can sometimes help with one-time rental assistance to give you breathing room Also, pro tip: if you have a Bank of America nearby, they're part of the surcharge-free network and their ATMs often allow higher daily withdrawals. I hope your rent situation worked out! The stress of cutting it this close every month is exhausting, but there are programs out there that can help make it more manageable.

I just went through something very similar last month and want to share what worked for me. When my benefits showed "active" but didn't deposit, it turned out there was a hidden system flag that even the regular customer service reps couldn't see. Here's what I learned: ask specifically for a "case review specialist" when you call Tuesday - they have access to different system screens that show processing holds. Also, if your verification has been pending for 3+ weeks, that's actually beyond their normal processing timeframe and you can request expedited processing due to the delay. One thing that really helped me was calling first thing Tuesday morning (right at 8am) and explaining that I had documented proof my case was active while benefits were improperly withheld. I used the exact phrase "improper benefit delay" and it seemed to trigger them to take it more seriously. Also check if your county has a CalWORKs ombudsman - mine was able to get my payment released same-day when regular channels failed. The number should be on your county's website under "appeals" or "complaints." You're handling this crisis really well by documenting everything and getting help from neighbors/food banks. This is definitely a county processing problem, not anything you did wrong. Sending you strength to get through this weekend!

I'm really sorry you're going through this stress right now. Having your benefits show as active but not deposit is incredibly frustrating, especially over a holiday weekend when you can't reach anyone for help. Based on what you've shared, the "Pending Review" status on your verification documents is most likely what's causing the payment hold. This shouldn't happen - benefits are supposed to continue while verification is being reviewed, as long as you submitted the documents before the deadline (which you did). For this weekend, you're doing all the right things - getting help from neighbors, finding food banks, and documenting everything. When you call Tuesday, I'd suggest asking specifically for a supervisor and explaining that you have an "immediate need" situation where benefits were improperly withheld while verification was pending review. Also try calling right when they open (usually 8am) for the best chance of getting through quickly. Make sure to mention that you submitted verification timely and ask why there's a hold on benefits during the review period - that's not supposed to happen according to CalWORKs policy. Hang in there - this sounds like a county processing issue that should be resolvable once you can reach someone with the authority to release the hold. The system definitely has problems, but there are people who will help once you get to the right person.

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.

I just wanted to jump in as someone who's been on CalWORKs for about 8 months now - this thread is SO helpful! When I first started, I was getting payments on random dates and it was driving me crazy trying to budget. What finally helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet where I tracked every deposit date and amount for the first few months. Once I had that data, the pattern became super clear and matched exactly what Giovanni explained about the case number digits. One tip I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you use a credit union or smaller bank, sometimes EBT deposits show up a day earlier than the official date because they process them overnight. My credit union always shows my CalWORKs deposit on the evening before the official date, which is actually really helpful for planning. Also, for anyone struggling with the apps or websites, I found that clearing your browser cache/cookies or reinstalling the app often fixes login issues. The government systems can be glitchy but they do work once you get them set up properly!

I just checked the CalWORKs website and found this bulletin about the benefit theft issue: https://benefitscal.com/security-tips It says they're seeing a huge spike in theft right after benefits are issued. I'm going to set an alarm to withdraw mine at 12:01am when it hits my account. Thanks everyone for the advice! I really can't afford to lose this money with rent being due.

This is such an important warning - thank you for sharing! I've been on CalWORKs for about 6 months now and had no idea this was such a big problem. My benefits load tomorrow and I was just planning to use my card throughout the week like normal. After reading all these stories I'm definitely going to withdraw everything first thing in the morning. Quick question - when you transfer to your bank account through the EBT app, is there a fee for that? I don't have a car so getting to ATMs can be challenging with my toddler, but if I can transfer it safely from home that would be amazing. Also, does anyone know if credit unions work the same way as regular banks for the transfers? Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here - it's scary how common this is becoming but at least we can look out for each other!