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anyone else notice that sacramento county ALWAYS does this right when rent is due??? like they know exactly what theyre doing cutting ppl off at the end of the month smh
yes!!!! happened to me 2x last year always at end of month never beginning or middle
Just wanted to add - if you're going in person tomorrow, write down exactly what happened and what you need resolved. When you check in, ask if there are any CalWORKs supervisors available. Sometimes they can resolve issues on the spot, especially when it's clearly an error in their system. Also, if you have any documentation showing your income has been consistent (pay stubs, employer letters, etc.), bring multiple copies so they can keep one for their records. If they restore your benefits but say the payment will take days to process, ask specifically about emergency payment options. Sacramento County can issue same-day payments in true emergency situations, though they don't advertise this option. Keep us updated on how it goes! Many people are dealing with the same issue right now.
UPDATE: I went to the office today and finally got this resolved! Turns out they had me confused with someone else with a similar name who reported increased income. The worker admitted it was their error and restored my benefits. They're issuing an emergency payment that should hit my card by tomorrow morning! Thank you all SO MUCH for your help and suggestions. I would have been completely lost without your advice.
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To actually answer your question more specifically: For a family of 3, there are three income tests for CalWORKs: 1. Gross income limit (around $2,813/month for 2025) 2. Net income after deductions must be under the Minimum Basic Standard of Adequate Care (MBSAC) 3. Net income after deductions must be lower than the Maximum Aid Payment (MAP) For deductions, they allow: - $450 for work expenses for each employed person - 50% of remaining earned income - Child care costs (with limits) After these deductions, your net countable income must be below the MAP for your family size, which for a family of 3 is about $1,057 if you live in a higher-cost county (Region 1) or $1,008 in a lower-cost county (Region 2). This is public information they absolutely should have shared with you!
Thank you SO MUCH for breaking this down! This is exactly what I needed. So it sounds like if both my partner and I work, we'd each get the $450 deduction plus half our remaining income wouldn't count? That's way more generous than I thought. Do you know if the child care deduction is before or after the 50% reduction?
The childcare deduction is taken after the 50% earned income deduction. And yes, you both would get the $450 deduction if you're both working! The system actually has decent work incentives built in, which is why it's so frustrating when workers don't explain it properly.
I've been through this exact situation. The reality is that the income limits for CalWORKs are complicated because there are different tests, and sometimes workers don't want to give a simple answer that might not apply to your specific situation. But they SHOULD have explained that to you instead of just refusing to answer! Are you just trying to figure out if you should apply, or are you already receiving benefits and worried about income changes? The rules are slightly different depending on your situation.
We're not on CalWORKs yet but considering applying. My partner just got a job offer and we're trying to figure out if we should accept it or ask for fewer hours so we can still qualify. We're in a really tough spot financially right now with rent increasing, and the childcare assistance through CalWORKs would be a huge help while we get back on our feet.
In that case, I would absolutely apply regardless! The initial income limits are actually pretty generous with the deductions, and the childcare benefit is incredibly valuable. Even if you're close to the limit, it's worth applying because they'll do the exact calculations for your situation. Don't turn down work hours before knowing for sure - you might qualify anyway with the deductions.
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@casual_commenter Yes! It actually does work. I was skeptical too, but after getting disconnected THREE times trying to reach my worker about my daughter's School Readiness payment, I tried Claimyr and got through in minutes. Just followed the instructions on their site. Worth it to avoid the hours of frustration and hold music!
I might try this if I can't get through tomorrow. Three days of trying and I either get disconnected or they say the wait time is too long and to call back later. So frustrating when it's about money we really need.
One more important thing - make sure you keep documentation of when your child turned 6. The system sometimes doesn't update properly, and you could potentially get an overpayment notice months later if they realize they've been paying the higher under-6 rate too long. If you get a Notice of Action about the decrease, keep it for your records. If you don't get one within the next month, I'd recommend reporting the age change in writing (keep a copy) to protect yourself from potential overpayment issues down the road.
Thank you for this advice! I'll definitely document everything and maybe send something in writing just to be safe. The last thing we need is an overpayment situation.
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Update: I finally got through today after calling repeatedly this morning! They scheduled my interview for next Tuesday. The worker said they're backlogged because of staffing issues. Thanks everyone for the advice - especially about the expedited interview! I mentioned my financial situation and that's why they're getting me in next week instead of later.
Thank you! I have most of those ready. I don't have contact info for my youngest's father though - will that delay things? We haven't been in contact for over a year.
You can request a "good cause" exemption from the child support cooperation requirement if you don't have contact with the father or if cooperation would put you or your children at risk. You'll need to fill out a CW 51 form explaining your situation. This won't delay your benefits as long as you're willing to sign the form stating you have good cause for not providing the information. They may ask for some details about why you don't have contact.
Honorah King
I just wanna say I'm really sorry about your job loss. This happened to me in January and it was really stressful. Hang in there! ❤️
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Vera Visnjic
•Thank you, I appreciate that. It's definitely been a shock for everyone at my workplace.
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Brielle Johnson
make sure u keep all ur paystubs from the job even after it closes!!! they might ask for them later and its a pain when u cant get them from hr anymore!!
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