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.

Hey just wondering - did they explain how your kid got listed as living with your mom? That's such a weird mistake to make. I'm asking because my sister just applied for CalWORKs and they're saying her daughter is listed on someone else's case who she doesn't even know! Seems like there might be some kind of system issue happening with how they're tracking children?

Have u checked if this affects ur CalFresh too??? When my household size was wrong on CalWORKS it also messed up my food stamps amount. Make sure they fix BOTH programs if u get both!!! And double-check that they're counting your childcare expenses in your CalFresh budget too - that's separate from the childcare assistance through CalWORKs.

The county will definitely be able to see that your son is on another case. Make sure to bring ID for both yourself and your son (his birth certificate and Social Security card if you have copies), plus the custody order. You should also bring proof of your address, income verification (pay stubs), and any information about other resources you have. The more documentation you bring to your interview, the smoother the process should go.

One thing I'd add - when you submit your application, make sure you specifically mention in writing that this is a shared custody situation with an existing case for the same child. I've seen cases where workers don't realize there's already another case and it causes delays or confusion. Also, if possible, try to schedule your interview during a time when you can bring your son with you - some workers like to see the child in person to verify the relationship, especially in shared custody cases. Good luck with the process!

does anyone know if we get this food benefit thing AND our regular calworks? or do they take it out of our regular amount?

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble getting through to your county office, you can also try calling early in the morning right when they open - I've found the wait times are usually shorter then. Also, some counties have different phone numbers for different programs, so make sure you're calling the right line for Summer EBT questions. The main CalWORKs line sometimes transfers you around a lot. Hope this helps someone avoid the frustration of sitting on hold forever!

@practical_solution They said they DID send a notice, but to my old address even though I'd already updated my address in the system 2 weeks ago! The worker said there's a delay between when you update in BenefitsCal and when their mailing system updates. So frustrating. But at least I have access to my money now.

This is such valuable information for everyone to know! I had no idea that updating your address could automatically trigger a card cancellation. It's ridiculous that they don't make this clear when you're updating your info in BenefitsCal. Thank you for sharing your experience and the solution - going in person really does seem to be the fastest way to resolve these emergency situations. I'm bookmarking this thread in case I ever run into something similar!