Let us know what happens! I'm curious if going in person works better than calling.

So glad you got it resolved! This is exactly why I always recommend going in person when possible - sometimes these system glitches just need a human to actually look at your case and fix the status. 2.5 hours is a long wait but totally worth it to keep your benefits going. Thanks for updating us - this will be really helpful for other people dealing with the same issue!

One more thing to check - make sure the overpayment amount is correct. Caseworkers sometimes make calculation errors. You have the right to request a detailed accounting of how they determined the overpayment amount, and you can appeal if you believe it's incorrect. There are specific timeframes for appeals though, so don't delay if you think there's an error. You mentioned they claimed you didn't report income quickly enough. California has specific rules about when you must report income changes (within 10 days if it puts you over the Income Reporting Threshold). If you reported within the required timeframe, the overpayment calculation should be adjusted.

Hey! I went through something really similar last year with CalFresh overpayment collections. Those letters are super scary but they're mostly automated - the collection system and benefits system don't talk to each other at all. One thing that really helped me was keeping a simple spreadsheet tracking my EBT statements each month to make sure the $60 reduction was actually happening. Screenshot your benefit amount before and after each month if you can. Also, if you reported your income through BenefitsCal, there should be a timestamp on your submission. You might be able to log in and check your message history to see the exact date you reported. If it was within 10 days like the rules require, definitely fight the overpayment amount. The letters will probably keep coming for a few more months unfortunately, but as long as your benefits are being reduced each month you're doing everything right. Just keep all the paperwork together in case you need it later!

Have you tried calling your eligibility worker directly? I was in a similar situation and needed to talk to someone about my SAR 7, but every time I called the main line I got stuck in that automated system and could never reach an actual person. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real person at the CalWORKs office in less than 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE. It was so much better than waiting on hold for hours or getting disconnected. My worker was able to tell me exactly what documentation I needed for my SAR 7 since I had no income.

I'm a former eligibility worker, and I can confirm that having no income will NOT disqualify you from CalWORKs or CalFresh. In fact, it will likely maximize your benefit amounts. Here's what you should do with your SAR 7: 1. Complete every section accurately 2. In the income section, clearly write that you lost your job and were denied unemployment benefits 3. Attach any proof of your job loss (termination letter, final paystub) 4. Include the EDD denial letter if possible 5. If you have any expenses like rent or utilities, report those as well Regarding your 3-year-old: make sure to ask about childcare assistance through CalWORKs. You can get help with childcare costs while you look for work or participate in approved WTW activities. Also request the diaper supplement if you haven't already. Don't wait until the deadline to submit your SAR 7. Get it in early so if there are any issues, you have time to correct them before the end of the month.

my aunt was in a situation kinda like urs and she got approved for CalFresh in like a week cause she had zero income. they can do emergency approval when ur in crisis. dont wait!!!

Just wanted to add - when you apply for CalFresh, make sure to mention that you're dealing with a medical condition that prevents you from working. This can help you get an exemption from any work requirements they might try to impose later. Also, since you have zero income and are struggling with food, you should definitely qualify for expedited CalFresh benefits (within 3 days) if you have less than $100 in cash/bank accounts. For your nephews - even though they're full-time students, they might still be eligible for CalFresh if they work at least 20 hours per week, participate in work-study, or meet other student exemptions. Have them check if their school has any programs that could help with their eligibility. Don't give up on the application process this time - you really need and deserve this help while you're dealing with your health issues!

@concerned_recipient The overpayment stuff is SO TRUE. my friend got hit with a $3800 overpayment from 2023 and they're taking money out of her grant every month now. she's really struggling. all because she worked some overtime at her job for a few months and didn't realize she was supposed to report it mid-period. and they expect everyone to understand all these complicated rules!!!!

Just wanted to add that if you're getting close to your IRT, it's worth calculating your income carefully each month. I track mine on a simple spreadsheet with my gross pay from each paycheck. Also remember that some types of income don't count toward your IRT - like certain educational grants or some disability payments. But work income definitely counts, so with your $1,800/month you should be fine under the $3,276 threshold. Keep those paystubs organized though - you'll need them for your SAR7 and if they ever do a review. Good luck with the new job!