Congratulations on your new baby! I just went through this exact situation 3 months ago. I reported my daughter's birth the day after we got home from the hospital, and I did receive the prorated amount, but it took about 4 weeks to show up on my EBT card. What helped me was keeping detailed records - I wrote down the exact date I reported the birth, who I spoke with, and what they told me. When the prorated amount finally came, it was added to my regular monthly payment without any explanation, so I had to call to confirm what the extra money was for. My advice: be patient but persistent. If you don't see anything by your next regular payment date, definitely follow up with your worker. The policy is clear that you're entitled to it, but sometimes you have to advocate for yourself to make sure it actually happens. Good luck and enjoy your little one! 💕

Congratulations on your new baby! 🎉 I'm a newer CalWORKs recipient and this thread has been so helpful to read through. I haven't been in this situation yet, but I'm bookmarking this for future reference. It sounds like the prorated amount is definitely something you should receive, but the timing and processing varies a lot between counties and even between workers. From reading everyone's experiences, it seems like the key things are: 1) You reported right away (which you did!), 2) Make sure they have all the documentation they need, and 3) Be prepared to follow up if it doesn't come automatically. The fact that your worker specifically mentioned it is a good sign that they're aware of the policy. I hope your prorated amount comes through smoothly! And thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world information that's hard to find anywhere else. It's so frustrating that the system is so inconsistent, but at least we have this community to help each other navigate it.

Update: Finally got through to my worker (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it actually worked). She said CalFresh should be back within 7 days and for Cash Aid they're expediting it because I have kids, so hopefully within 10-14 days. She also approved a small immediate need payment that I can pick up tomorrow! Not the full amount but enough to help with some bills until everything gets sorted. Thanks everyone for the advice!

So glad to hear you got some help! This is exactly why I always tell people to ask specifically about immediate need payments - most workers don't mention it unless you know to ask. For future protection, definitely set up those text alerts for your EBT card transactions. I get a text every time my card is used and it's saved me twice when I caught unauthorized charges within minutes. Also, never carry your EBT card and your PIN written down together - I learned that the hard way. Keep your PIN memorized and maybe write it down somewhere safe at home. Hope your benefits get fully restored quickly!

Hey Aisha! Welcome to CalWORKs - I know it can feel overwhelming at first but you've got this! Just wanted to add a couple things that helped me when I started: 1. Download the "ebtEDGE" app - it's the official EBT app and you can check your balance without it counting as a transaction (unlike ATM balance checks). Super convenient! 2. If you're ever unsure about a transaction, you can always ask the cashier to show you the PIN pad before you enter anything. Most are happy to help. 3. Keep your EBT card receipts for a while - they show your remaining balance and can help you track spending. 4. Pro tip: Some stores like Target and CVS let you get cash back even on small purchases (like buying gum), so you don't always need to find an ATM. The learning curve is real but once you get the hang of it, accessing your benefits becomes much easier. Don't hesitate to ask questions here - this community is super supportive!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been navigating the system for a while - you're asking all the right questions! One thing I learned the hard way is to always have a backup plan for accessing your cash. I keep a mental list of 2-3 nearby BofA ATMs, plus a couple stores where I know I can get cash back easily. Sometimes ATMs go down or run out of cash (especially around benefit deposit days), so having options saves you from getting stuck. Also, if you ever move or your living situation changes, make sure to update your address with both CalWORKs AND the EBT customer service line - they're separate systems and both need to know where to send important mail about your benefits. Hope your situation improves soon, and don't hesitate to ask more questions as they come up!

This is such an important conversation and I'm really glad to see veterans supporting each other through these complicated benefit interactions. As someone who works with veterans transitioning to civilian life, I see this VA education benefits vs. CalWORKs issue come up frequently. One additional resource I'd suggest is contacting your local Veterans Service Organization (VCO) - organizations like DAV, VFW, or American Legion often have benefit counselors who specifically understand how different veteran benefits interact with state programs. They might know about advocacy efforts to change these policies or have connections with county supervisors who can help escalate cases. Also, if you do end up needing to request a fair hearing, don't go in alone - bring documentation showing exactly how your GI Bill funds are being used for educational expenses versus living expenses. The more detailed your breakdown, the better chance you have of getting a favorable review. Keep fighting for what's right - you've earned these benefits and deserve support while you're improving your situation through education.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - it's incredibly frustrating how the system seems to work against veterans trying to better themselves through education. One thing that might be worth exploring is whether your county has any local veteran-specific programs or hardship assistance that could help bridge the gap while you're in school. Some counties have discretionary funds or partnerships with veteran organizations that aren't widely advertised. Also, have you checked if your school offers any emergency financial assistance programs for student parents? Many colleges have small grant programs specifically for situations like this where students are caught between benefit eligibility gaps. It's not a long-term solution, but it could help with immediate needs like rent while you work through the appeals process. The fact that you're determined to complete your degree for your child shows incredible strength - don't give up, even though the system is making it unnecessarily difficult.

Based on what you've shared, here's what I recommend: 1. Report your income accurately - the risks of not doing so are too high 2. At your recertification interview, explain your health challenges and that you're gradually building capacity - ask about available transition supports 3. Request information about the "Welfare to Work Specialized Service" programs which can provide additional support during your transition period 4. Ask about the exact calculation of your new benefit amount with your current income - you might still be eligible for partial benefits 5. Request information on all transitional benefits you'll qualify for when cash aid ends Remember that the goal of CalWORKs is to help you become self-sufficient. Your story of gradually increasing work capacity is exactly what the program wants to see, and there should be supports to help you complete that journey without falling backward.

Your situation resonates with me so much. I'm also dealing with chronic health issues while trying to get back to work. One thing that really helped me was asking my worker about the "good cause" exemptions for people with ongoing health conditions - they can extend your time limits and provide additional flexibility during your transition. Also, if you haven't already, document EVERYTHING about your health conditions and how they affect your work capacity. Keep all your medical records updated in your case file. This can help you qualify for extended supports even as your income increases. The income disregard calculation others mentioned is real - for someone with no dependents, they don't count the first $225 of your monthly earnings, then only count 50% of anything above that. So if you're earning $800/month, they'd only count $512.50 toward your income eligibility ($800 - $225 = $575, then $575 x 50% = $287.50, plus the first $225 = $512.50). This might mean you can keep some benefits longer than you think. Definitely be honest but advocate hard for yourself during recertification. Explain your health journey and ask specifically about every transition program available. You've worked so hard to get where you are - don't let fear make you risk losing everything by not reporting.