As someone new to this community, I wanted to share my experience since I'm currently going through this exact situation. I'm a single mom with a 6-year-old, and I've been getting about $350 monthly from her dad plus he helps with school supplies and occasional grocery runs. Reading through all these detailed experiences has been incredibly helpful - especially seeing the actual numbers breakdown that several people shared. What really opened my eyes was realizing that even with the adult portion sanction, the combined benefits (children's cash aid, Medi-Cal, CalFresh, childcare assistance) often add up to $700-900+ monthly versus the informal support most of us receive. I've been putting off applying because I was terrified of messing up our co-parenting relationship, but this thread has helped me understand that I'm potentially sacrificing my daughter's access to healthcare and food security to avoid a conversation that might not even be as difficult as I'm imagining. Several people mentioned their exes being more understanding than expected. What really resonates with me is the point about focusing on what our kids need rather than our own anxiety about change. My daughter deserves healthcare coverage, and I need reliable childcare help to maintain steady work. The informal arrangement, while well-meaning, doesn't provide that security. For anyone else reading this who's in a similar situation - document any informal support you're receiving now, be honest with your worker about your circumstances, and remember that temporary uncertainty is worth it for your child's long-term stability. I'm submitting my application next week. Thank you all for sharing your stories so openly!

As someone new to this community, I just wanted to say how incredibly valuable this entire discussion has been! I'm facing almost the exact same situation - single mom with a 3-year-old, getting about $325 monthly from my son's father informally plus he helps with daycare costs sometimes. What's really struck me reading through everyone's experiences is how the fear of disrupting the current arrangement can actually keep us from providing better stability for our children. The detailed numbers that multiple people shared showing $700-900+ in combined benefits (even with adult portion sanction) versus informal support really puts things in perspective. I've been hesitant because I was worried about creating conflict, but seeing how many people said their exes were more understanding than expected - and that formal orders sometimes actually improved communication - has given me courage. The healthcare coverage alone would be huge for us since we've been avoiding medical care due to cost. For other parents in similar situations: this thread shows that documenting informal support, being honest with workers, and understanding that temporary uncertainty is worth long-term stability are key. Sometimes being a good parent means making difficult decisions that prioritize our children's needs over our own comfort with the status quo. Thank you all for creating such a supportive space and sharing your real experiences. I'm definitely moving forward with my CalWORKs application this week!

This thread has been so helpful! I'm new to CalWORKs and was dreading having to figure out the SAR7 process. Reading through everyone's experiences and tips has given me a much better understanding of what to expect. I especially appreciate the advice about taking screenshots of the confirmation page - that's something I never would have thought of but makes total sense given all the system glitches people mention. I'm going to bookmark this thread for when my first reporting period comes up. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge!

This whole thread is exactly why I love this community! As someone who's been navigating CalWORKs for a few years now, I can confirm that the SAR7 timing issue trips up SO many people. The system really should display a message like "Your SAR7 will be available starting [date]" instead of just... nothing. One thing I'd add that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you're in a county that uses the mobile app, sometimes clearing your app cache or logging out and back in can help if the SAR7 still isn't showing up when it should be. I've had to do this a couple times when the app seemed "stuck" on old information. Also, for anyone reading this who might be in a similar situation in the future - some counties have different reporting schedules (quarterly vs monthly), so make sure you know which one applies to you. Your worker should tell you, but it's worth double-checking because missing the wrong deadline thinking you're on a different schedule is a nightmare to fix!

Hi everyone! I just joined this community today after finding it while researching CalWORKs procedures, and wow - this thread couldn't have come at a better time! I'm completely new to the system and honestly feeling pretty overwhelmed by all the requirements and deadlines. Reading Sean's experience was initially quite scary since I had no idea the online system could have these kinds of processing gaps where you fix an issue but still receive discontinuance notices. But seeing how proactive he was in going to the office with all his documentation and how supportive everyone here has been really gives me confidence that I can navigate this too. I'm definitely taking notes on all the incredible advice - keeping screenshots of every step, printing confirmation emails, knowing your local office hours ahead of time, and most importantly, being your own advocate when something doesn't seem right. It's so reassuring to know there are experienced community members here who genuinely want to help newcomers like me succeed. Thank you Sean for sharing both the stressful part and the positive resolution, and thanks to everyone for creating such a welcoming and informative space!

Welcome to everyone who's just joined the community! As another newcomer myself, this thread has been absolutely incredible to read. Sean's experience really highlights something I think we all need to remember - the CalWORKs system isn't perfect, but with the right approach and this amazing community support, we can navigate through the challenges. I'm honestly bookmarking this entire thread as a reference guide! The step-by-step advice about keeping documentation, taking screenshots at every stage, and knowing when to go in person is exactly what I needed to learn before I get further into my own application process. It's so reassuring to see how quickly everyone jumps in to help and share their real experiences. Sean, I'm so glad you got it resolved before losing your benefits - your proactive approach is inspiring for those of us just starting out. Thank you to everyone for making this such a supportive place to learn!

As someone new to this community and the CalWORKs system, I'm incredibly grateful for all the detailed information shared here! I'm currently expecting my first child and had no idea about so many of these benefits and procedures. The breakdown of the $976 maximum benefit amount, the ability to apply during pregnancy for the two-person rate starting 90 days before due date, and all the additional programs like the $53 diaper stipend is exactly what I needed to know. I'm also really appreciative of the practical tips about documentation, calling early in the morning, and the community resources like the Community Action Partnership. It's clear that while the system can be challenging to navigate, having this kind of peer support and shared knowledge makes such a difference. I feel much more prepared now to start my application process. Thank you all for creating such a helpful and welcoming community!

As a new community member, I'm so impressed by the wealth of practical information shared here! Reading through all these responses has been incredibly educational. I wanted to add one thing I learned when I applied for benefits in another county - if you're having trouble with your application being processed on time, you can also contact your local Assembly member or State Senator's office. They often have staff who specialize in helping constituents navigate state benefit programs and can sometimes help expedite cases that are stuck in the system. Many people don't know that elected officials' offices provide this kind of constituent service for free. Also, for anyone feeling overwhelmed by all the paperwork and requirements, remember that you're not just applying for benefits - you're accessing programs specifically designed to help families succeed. Don't let the complexity of the system discourage you from getting the support you and your children deserve. This community is proof that there are people who want to help you navigate it successfully!

I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm currently in the middle of my CalWORKs application and was having the exact same worries about the father situation. Reading through everyone's experiences has been incredibly reassuring - I had convinced myself that not having complete information would automatically disqualify me, but it's clear from all your stories that honesty and willingness to cooperate are what really matter. I only have very basic details to provide (just a first name and general timeframe), but seeing how understanding the caseworkers can be when you're upfront about your situation gives me so much confidence. This community is amazing for showing that these complicated family circumstances are way more common than we think, and the system does account for that reality. Thank you all for being so open about your personal experiences - it makes navigating this process feel so much less scary when you know others have successfully walked this path before!

I'm new to this community and just starting my CalWORKs application process. Reading through all these experiences has been incredibly helpful and reassuring! I was also really worried about the father situation with my application - I don't have much information to provide either. It's such a relief to see from everyone's stories that cooperation is what they're really looking for, not perfect information. The fact that so many people have successfully gotten approved despite not knowing complete details about the father gives me a lot of confidence. I was afraid I'd be judged or that it would hurt my case, but it sounds like the caseworkers understand these situations happen and they're not trying to set anyone up for failure. Thank you all for being so open about your personal experiences - this community support makes navigating these government assistance programs feel so much less intimidating when you realize you're not alone in having complicated family circumstances!