Hey Jasmine! I just wanted to add that when you apply, make sure to ask about emergency aid if you really need help right away. Some counties can provide a small emergency payment while your regular application is being processed - it's not much but it can help with immediate needs like groceries or utilities. Also, if you're having trouble with childcare while job searching or going to appointments, ask about the CalWORKs childcare program. They can help pay for childcare so you can work or your husband can look for work. Good luck with your application! 🙏

Just wanted to share my recent experience since it might help! I was in a similar situation 6 months ago - family of 4, husband lost his job, I was making about $2,200/month part-time. We got approved for CalWORKs and received $1,087/month plus CalFresh benefits. The whole process took about 6 weeks from application to first payment, but like others said, they backdated it to our application date so we got a nice lump sum initially. One thing I wish I'd known earlier - keep ALL your documentation organized from day one. They asked for additional paperwork twice during our case review, and having everything ready made it so much smoother. Also, don't be discouraged if they ask for clarification on something - it doesn't mean you're getting denied, they just want to make sure they calculate your benefits correctly. You've got this! 💪

update us on what happens! i need to go in next month for my recertification interview and wanna know if u get anywhere with riverside office

I'm so sorry you're going through this Rebecca! I had a similar issue a few months ago where my benefits got delayed and I was about to lose my housing. One thing that really helped me was going to the office FIRST THING in the morning when they open - like be there at 7:45 AM before the 8:00 opening. The security guard told me that emergency cases (like missing payments) get priority if you're one of the first people there. Also, bring every single document you have - your ID, Social Security cards for you and the kids, any recent pay stubs, your lease agreement showing rent is due, and definitely that eviction notice if your landlord gave you one in writing. They can sometimes issue an emergency payment same day if you have all your paperwork ready. Don't give up - you've got this! Your kids need those benefits and you deserve to have someone actually help you instead of giving you the runaround.

Update: Thank you all SO MUCH for the advice! I uploaded all my paystubs from the past 6 months to BenefitsCal and wrote a detailed explanation about my seasonal work. I also used that Claimyr service someone mentioned to actually get through to a supervisor (after trying for two days on my own with no luck). The supervisor was actually really helpful and said they would assign a different worker to my case who had experience with seasonal income calculations. She explained they can do a "reasonably anticipated income" calculation that takes my annual pattern into account instead of just looking at my current month. Fingers crossed this gets sorted out before my rent is due next week!

So glad to see your update! This is exactly why we need to share these experiences - so many people don't know about income averaging or reasonably anticipated income calculations. Your situation is a perfect example of why seasonal workers need advocates who understand the system. For anyone else reading this thread who works seasonal jobs, save this post! The advice about documenting everything, asking for supervisors, and using services like Claimyr to actually get through to someone helpful could save you months of stress. Really hoping everything works out for you before rent is due - keep us posted on how it goes with the new worker!

Hey Elliott! I went through something similar last year when my income increased. One thing that really helped me was calling ahead before submitting my SAR7 to ask them to walk through the calculation with me over the phone. That way I knew exactly what to expect and could prepare mentally. Also, if you do end up losing CalFresh benefits, don't forget to look into local food banks and pantries - many don't have income requirements and can help bridge the gap. The food bank near me actually has really good fresh produce twice a week. Congrats on the better paying jobs though - that's a huge step forward even if benefits change!

I've been through similar income changes with CalFresh and wanted to share something important - even if your regular benefit amount goes down or stays at the minimum, you might still be eligible for other food assistance programs! Check if your area has any state or local programs that have different income limits. Also, when you submit your SAR7, double-check that all your expenses are accurately reported - not just rent and utilities, but things like phone bills if they're part of your shelter costs. Sometimes small details can make a difference in the final calculation. The transition period can be stressful but you're being proactive by planning ahead, which is really smart!

Good to know about the Immediate Need option, but I think I'll be okay if the payment is just a day or two late. My roommate can probably wait a few days for my portion. I'll definitely call the county if I don't see it by the 3rd. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information!

I'm new to CalWORKs too and this thread has been super helpful! Just wanted to add that if you have the EBT Edge mobile app, you can check both your CalFresh food balance AND your CalWORKs cash balance on there. It's way easier than trying to remember which button to press at the ATM. The cash part shows up as "Cash Benefits" in the app. Also, don't feel bad about being confused - the whole system is pretty overwhelming when you're just starting out. Took me months to figure out all the different schedules and requirements!