CalFresh benefits approved but can't help with rent crisis - facing eviction with 3 kids

your landlord cahnging the locks is ILLEGAL! even if you owe rent!! theres a process they have to follow for eviction and it takes months. you should call legal aid RIGHT NOW and tell them what happened with the locks. they might be able to buy you more time or even get you money for the landlord breaking the law. i went thru similar thing last year and got 3 extra months.

I was in a kinda similar situation. If you have CalFresh, you might qualify for the Housing Support Program (HSP). I think it's connected to CalWORKs but sometimes they can expedite things if you have kids and are facing homelessness. Also check with Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, and local churches - many have emergency rent funds that can help bridge the gap while waiting for county assistance. The key is to apply EVERYWHERE since many programs have limited funding.

Three important things to know: 1. You can request an EXPEDITED CalWORKs application if you're facing imminent homelessness with children. Tell them specifically you need a "homeless assistance determination" which can provide temporary and/or permanent housing assistance. 2. Call 211 immediately - they can connect you with local Emergency Rental Assistance Programs (ERAP) that operate outside the county system. Some can approve help within days, not weeks. 3. CalFresh benefits cannot be used for housing, but qualifying for CalFresh often means you qualify for other programs. Ask your eligibility worker about "Housing and Homeless Programs" specifically. And document EVERYTHING with your landlord - changing locks is illegal self-help eviction and gives you leverage.

Have you tried calling your CalFresh caseworker directly? I kept getting nowhere with the main DPSS line when I was in a similar situation last year, but when I finally reached my actual caseworker, she was able to refer me to several emergency housing programs. The problem is getting through to them can be almost impossible. I recommend trying Claimyr.com - it helped me get through to an actual person instead of waiting on hold forever. There's a short video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 They basically call for you and connect you when a real person answers. Saved me hours of hold time when I was desperate to talk to someone who could actually help.

dont forget to apply 4 section 8 too. it takes time but at least get on the waitlist. and definetly call legal aid about the locks!!!! thats super illegal what ur landlord did.

Your situation sounds really stressful, and I'm sorry you're going through this. One thing that might help - many counties have a program called Homeless Assistance under CalWORKs that can provide money for temporary shelter and move-in costs. You need to tell them specifically that you're experiencing "imminent homelessness" with minor children. Also, if your landlord changed the locks, that's considered an illegal eviction in California. Even if you owe rent, landlords MUST go through the formal eviction process. Document everything, take pictures, and save texts/emails. This might actually give you leverage to negotiate more time or a payment plan. Lastly, if you're getting CalFresh, ask your eligibility worker about "Expedited Services" for CalWORKs since you have children under 6. They can sometimes process applications in 3 days instead of weeks when there's a housing emergency.

Why dont you try a payday loan to cover the $2750? Thats what I did when I was going to get evicted.

have u checked wit local churches?? my cousin got rent help from catholic charities when she was facing eviction. they paid 2 months rent for her when county was being slow. also did u apply for calworks online through BenefitsCal or in person?? going in person can make things go faster sometime.

I see from your comments that you're getting some good advice and making calls tomorrow. One more suggestion - when you go to your CalWORKs appointment, bring ALL your documentation: ID for everyone, birth certificates, social security cards, lease agreement, eviction notice or communications from landlord, utility bills, bank statements, and proof of any income or resources. Being fully prepared can sometimes get you immediate emergency assistance versus having to come back multiple times. Also ask specifically about "Immediate Need" payments through CalWORKs, which can provide up to $200 while your regular application is processing. And regarding the lock changing - this actually gives you significant legal leverage. In many California counties, a landlord who performs an illegal self-help eviction (like changing locks) can be liable for damages up to $100 per day plus actual damages. Document everything and mention this when you speak to legal aid.