Based on what you've shared, it sounds like your case is in a partial reinstatement status. When you missed your original phone appointment, they issued the discontinuance, but when you completed the interview on Monday, they reinstated benefits for the current month (May). The worker's comment about June benefits ending likely relates to the child support cooperation issue. Here's what's probably happening: 1. Your May benefits are being processed now that you've had the interview 2. The hospital verification document should be sufficient for now (they'll note in your case that you need to provide the birth certificate later) 3. Your decision to refuse child support cooperation will result in a 25% reduction to YOUR portion of the grant, not the children's portion I recommend calling your county office to specifically ask about the status of your June benefits. There's a chance the worker was incorrectly assuming your case would close completely rather than just being reduced. According to CalWORKs regulations, refusing child support cooperation without good cause should only result in a 25% reduction to the parent's portion, not complete case closure. If you're having trouble getting through on the phone, follow up in person at the office. Make sure to get any answers in writing so you have documentation.

I went through something similar when I had my second child. The hospital verification document (that white paper) is totally acceptable - I used mine for months before getting the official birth certificate. Don't stress about that part. For the child support refusal, the worker probably didn't explain it clearly. You WON'T lose all your benefits - they'll just reduce YOUR portion by 25%. So if your total grant would be $600 and your adult portion is $200, they'd reduce it by $50 (25% of $200), leaving you with $550 total. Your kids' portions stay the same. The confusing part about "stopping next month" might be because your case needs to go through the child support cooperation review process. Sometimes there's a delay while they process the refusal and calculate the new grant amount. I'd definitely call or go back in person to clarify exactly what's happening with June benefits. Also, if you have ANY safety concerns about the father (even from years ago), definitely ask about filing for "good cause" exemption from child support cooperation. This could prevent the 25% reduction entirely.

Thank you all for the help! I called my worker this morning and specifically mentioned that my daughter is a full-time high school student and her income should be exempt. She checked something in the system and confirmed you're all right - it won't count against our eligibility! Such a relief. Now I just need to make sure it's documented correctly on the SAR7 when we get it.

So glad to hear you got it resolved! This is such a common issue and it's frustrating how many workers don't seem to know the student exemption rules. For anyone else reading this - definitely keep pushing if your worker tries to count your high school student's income. The regulation is clear that earned income for full-time students under 18 is completely exempt from CalWORKs calculations. Don't let them intimidate you into accepting wrong information!

This whole thing reminds me that diaper benefits are ending completely when my daughter turns 3 next month. Has anyone successfully transitioned their toddler out of diapers before the benefits end? Any potty training tips that worked with your kids? My daughter shows zero interest and I'm worried about the extra expense.

I'm so glad I found this thread! I was panicking when I saw my diaper allowance was missing from my January payment too. My 15-month-old daughter depends on that $60 and I was worried I'd done something wrong with my paperwork. It's such a relief to know it was just a system glitch and not something I messed up. I'll keep checking my account for the supplemental payment. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences - it really helped calm my nerves knowing I wasn't the only one dealing with this!

One more important detail: When you report WEX or Subsidized Employment income on your SAR 7, the first $225 of earned income is disregarded, and then 50% of the remainder is disregarded. This means only a portion of your earnings will count against your Cash Aid. Example: If you earn $1,000 from WEX: - First $225 doesn't count = $775 remaining - 50% of $775 doesn't count = $387.50 remaining - Only $387.50 affects your Cash Aid amount This is why these programs are so valuable - you gain work experience AND increase your total income substantially.

Just want to add that timing matters too! I'm also in Merced County and when I started my WEX placement last fall, they told me it can take 4-6 weeks after your orientation to actually get placed somewhere. The county has to find an appropriate work site that matches your skills/schedule and then do all the paperwork. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen right away! Also, some placements are better than others - I got lucky and was placed at the library which was perfect for my schedule with kids. My friend got stuck doing maintenance work at a park which wasn't ideal for her. If possible, mention any preferences or limitations during your assessment so they can try to match you better.