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.

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!

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!