Thanks everyone for the replies! I think I'm going to start keeping better records of everything and make sure what we report monthly matches what goes on the tax return. I'll bring copies of our 2024 return to our next redetermination appointment in September just to be safe. Better to be upfront than deal with overpayments later! I really appreciate all the advice.

Just wanted to add my experience - I've been on CalWORKs for 3 years and my husband does landscaping work (self-employed). They asked for his tax returns during our very first application but haven't asked since then. However, our worker did tell us that they randomly audit cases and can request documentation going back several years. What really helped us was creating a simple spreadsheet to track his monthly income and expenses. We keep all receipts in a shoebox and update the spreadsheet weekly. This way, when we fill out the monthly reporting forms, we have exact numbers that will match our tax return at the end of the year. Also, don't forget that you can deduct mileage for work-related driving! For handyman work, that's usually driving between job sites. It's 65.5 cents per mile for 2023 taxes. Keep a log of work miles - it can significantly reduce your net income calculation.

Thank you everyone for all the advice! I decided to submit online through BenefitsCal today. I uploaded my two paystubs and also found a section to enter my work information. The system gave me a confirmation number and said my SAR7 was successfully submitted! I also called my county office (it took forever to get through) and they confirmed my job doesn't put me over my IRT so I didn't need to report it within 10 days. But the worker said I did the right thing reporting it now on my SAR7. I'll still keep an eye out for the paper form in the mail just in case. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly! This is all so stressful when you're trying to work and take care of kids at the same time.

So glad you got it submitted successfully! Just wanted to add one more tip - screenshot or save that confirmation number somewhere safe. I learned this the hard way when my benefits got delayed and the county claimed they never received my SAR7. Having that confirmation number saved me because I could prove I submitted it on time. Also, since this is your first SAR7, you might want to set a calendar reminder for your next one. They're due every 6 months, so yours will be due again in October. The system usually sends notifications about 30 days before the deadline, but it's good to have your own reminder too. Good luck mama, you've got this! 💪

i had something similar happen last yr. make sure they didn't change anything else when they reopened ur case. sometimes they mess up and change ur household size or income or something. might be worth checking ur notice of action to see the exact calculation they used

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! My case got closed last month for missing paperwork and when they reopened it, I only got about half my usual amount. It's so stressful when you're already struggling and then they cut your benefits even more. What I learned is that you should definitely ask about any emergency assistance programs - not just the homeless assistance but also things like one-time cash grants for emergencies. Some counties have different programs available. Also, if you haven't already, make sure to ask your worker to put you on the list for any cancellation appointments so you don't miss future recertifications. They can sometimes fit you in sooner if someone else cancels. Hang in there - this community has been so helpful for navigating all these confusing rules!

So glad to hear you got approved! Your update will definitely help other people in similar situations. The 9-month exemption rule is something a lot of people don't know about. Just a heads up - if you're having trouble finding a car due to supply chain issues or high prices, make sure to document that too. Sometimes workers will extend the exemption period if you can show you've been genuinely trying but market conditions are preventing you from making a purchase. Keep receipts from any deposits you put down, screenshots of car listings you've looked at, even emails with dealers. The more paper trail you have, the better!

This thread has been so helpful to read! I'm in a similar situation - got a lump sum from workers comp and was worried it would disqualify me. Seeing how @Amina Toure was able to get the exemption by documenting the specific purpose gives me hope. I'm going to gather all my paperwork showing the settlement was for medical expenses and lost wages before I meet with my worker next week. It's frustrating that the rules are so complicated but at least there are exemptions if you know how to ask for them properly.

There's a specific form for Immediate Need called the CW 4 form. You can request it when you apply, and you'll need to explain your emergency situation (like being at risk of eviction, utilities being shut off, not having food, etc.). The worker should ask about your immediate needs during the interview, but it doesn't hurt to specifically mention that you want to apply for Immediate Need assistance. For your question above about your car - vehicles are now exempt from resource limits for CalWORKs in California, so your paid-off car won't affect your eligibility regardless of its value. They'll still ask for the information, but it won't count against you.

Good luck with your application tonight! Just wanted to add a couple quick tips that helped me when I applied: 1. Save your progress frequently - the BenefitsCal website times out after 30 minutes of inactivity and you'll lose everything if you don't save. 2. Have all your documents scanned or photographed on your phone before you start. You can upload them during the application process which speeds things up. 3. If you get stuck on any question, you can leave it blank and come back to it rather than guessing. Better to ask the worker during your interview than put wrong info. You're doing the right thing applying quickly after the job loss. The sooner you get the application in, the sooner you can get help. Wishing your family the best during this tough time!