Just wanted to add that when you call the EBT customer service number, if your account shows as "active" but with a zero balance, that's actually a good sign - it means your case worker will just reload benefits onto your existing card once you're approved. But if it says "inactive" or "closed," then you'll probably need to wait for a new card to be mailed. Also, since your interview is Tuesday and rent is due Friday, make sure to explicitly say "I am requesting immediate need assistance due to housing emergency" during your interview. Those exact words can trigger faster processing. Some counties can even do same-day emergency payments if you have all your documents ready and clearly explain the timeline. Don't just mention it in passing - really emphasize that you need help before Friday to avoid eviction. Your situation sounds like a textbook case for expedited benefits since you were involuntarily terminated and have immediate housing needs. Stay positive!

I just went through this same situation last month! Your old EBT card should work fine - they'll just reload it once you're approved. Since it's only been 3 months, your account is probably still active even with a $0 balance. Given your tight timeline with rent due Friday and interview Tuesday, make sure to specifically ask for "expedited processing due to immediate housing need" during your interview. Bring documentation of your layoff and current rent situation. Some counties can issue emergency cash within 1-2 business days for urgent housing situations like yours. You can also call the EBT customer service number on your card right now to confirm your account status - if it shows "active" you're good to go with the same card!

Just wanted to add something that might help with your stress level - when I was in a similar situation last year, I found it really helpful to start gathering all your documents now while you're waiting. Even if you already submitted your application, having everything organized in one folder made follow-up appointments so much easier. Also, don't forget to ask about child care assistance (CalWORKs Stage 1 Child Care) when you meet with your caseworker. Since you have a 4 and 7 year old, you'll likely need child care when you start job searching or if you get the Welfare to Work requirements. The child care assistance can cover a significant portion of costs and they can help you find providers. One last thing - if you're feeling overwhelmed by all this information (which is totally normal!), consider asking if your county has a CalWORKs orientation session or workshop. Some counties offer group sessions that walk through all the programs and requirements, which can be less intimidating than trying to remember everything from a one-on-one meeting when you're stressed. You're doing great by being proactive and asking questions!

As someone who just went through the CalWORKs application process a few months ago, I wanted to share something that really helped me get approved quickly. When you meet with your caseworker, make sure to bring a written timeline of events - like "worked at [company] until [date], received final paycheck on [date], rent due on [date]." This helped my worker understand exactly why I needed immediate assistance and made the whole interview go much smoother. Also, I see people mentioning the $2,423 gross income limit, but remember that's for ongoing eligibility. For initial eligibility when you first apply, they can be more flexible, especially if you can show your income situation has changed dramatically (like job loss). Don't let that final paycheck discourage you from applying - the earned income disregard really does help. One more tip: if your county offers online document upload, use it! I was able to submit additional paperwork they requested within hours instead of waiting for another appointment. It definitely sped up my approval process. You're being smart by getting informed ahead of time - that preparation will pay off. Good luck with everything!

Hey everyone, I'm new to this community but dealing with a similar situation. Applied for CalWORKs and CalFresh on January 20th and it's been radio silence from my worker too. Reading through all these responses is both frustrating (that this is so common) and helpful (lots of good advice here!). I'm definitely going to try calling the main office line and asking for a supervisor or duty worker like several people suggested. Also going to check my BenefitsCal account more thoroughly - I usually just look at the main status page but sounds like there might be more detailed info buried in there. Quick question for those who've been through this - when you finally did get through to someone, were they able to give you a realistic timeline for when your case would actually be resolved? I'm trying to figure out if I should be preparing for this to drag on for weeks more or if there's hope it could move quickly once I make contact. Thanks for sharing all your experiences - it really helps to know I'm not alone in this mess of a system!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - the uncertainty is the worst part when you're counting on these benefits to make ends meet. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like there are a few solid steps you can take right away: 1. Definitely call the main county office number and ask for the duty worker or supervisor - don't just keep calling your assigned worker who's not responding 2. Check every section of your BenefitsCal account thoroughly - sounds like they sometimes put requests for additional info in there without proper notification 3. Since you're facing immediate financial hardship with rent due soon, specifically ask about expedited processing when you call Also, when you do get through to someone, ask them to document in your case notes that you've been trying to reach your worker for weeks. This creates a paper trail showing you've been cooperative and trying to move things forward. The fact that you submitted everything they requested right away shows you're on top of things - this delay is definitely on their end, not yours. Don't let them make you feel like you did something wrong. Keep pushing and advocating for yourself and your kids. You've got this! 💪

I hope everyone affected by this files a complaint with the state. Go to cdss.ca.gov and find the complaint form. The more of us that complain, the more pressure there is to fix these ongoing system problems. They can't keep leaving families stranded like this!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! As a single mom who's been on CalWORKs for 2 years, I know exactly how terrifying it is when you can't access your benefits right before rent is due. The system failures are way too common and they never seem to learn from them. Since you got confirmation from your worker about the system issue, I'd suggest also asking them for a formal letter on county letterhead that you can give to your landlord. Some landlords are more understanding when they see official documentation. Also, if your landlord does charge you a late fee because of this, keep all the documentation - the county should reimburse you since it's their system failure, not anything you did wrong. Hang in there! This community has really good advice and we're all rooting for you to get through this. 💙

UPDATE: I called this morning after trying 5 times yesterday and getting disconnected. Finally got through and requested the diaper benefit. The worker confirmed I qualify and said they'll add it going back to when my daughter was born! Should see the payment in about 2 weeks. Thank you everyone for your help! I never would have known about this if I hadn't asked here.

Congratulations on getting approved! That's awesome that you'll get the back pay from when your daughter was born - that should be around $270 if my math is right ($30 x 9 months). For anyone else reading this thread who might be in a similar situation, here's what I learned when I got the diaper benefit for my son: - Call early in the morning (around 8-8:30am) to have the best chance of getting through - Have your child's full name and birthdate ready when you call - Ask specifically for "CalWORKs Diaper Assistance" - some workers know it by different names - Keep notes of when you called and who you spoke with in case there are any issues Also want to echo what others said about asking about ALL the benefits you might qualify for. I found out I was missing out on the childcare benefit too, which has been a huge help. These programs exist to help us but they really don't make it easy to know what's available!