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Quick question - did you have to do a new WTW plan with Riverside county? When I transferred, they made me come in for a whole new orientation and sign a new WTW plan even though I was already in compliance with my old county. Just wondering if that's standard or if I got extra steps for some reason.
They actually mentioned that! They said once my benefits are active again, I'll need to attend a WTW orientation within 2 weeks. I have an exemption for having a child under 2 (my youngest is 18 months) but they still want me to come in and update everything. Sounds like it's standard procedure for all ICTs.
this is why im scared to move counties even tho i could get cheaper rent elsewhere... the system is so broken! glad u got it fixed tho!!
If you're planning to move counties, start the process early. Notify your current county at least 30-45 days before your planned move, even if that's earlier than required. This gives both counties more time to process everything. Also, immediately after notifying your current county, call the new county and ask for their specific ICT procedures - some counties have special ICT workers or processes. Being proactive can help minimize gaps in benefits.
Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I FINALLY got through to someone at my county office this morning. Turns out there was an issue with my address that was causing the delay. My stimulus payment should be on my Emerald card within 3-5 business days. For anyone else still waiting, definitely double-check that all your information is updated in the system. And I might try that Claimyr service next time I need to call in - sounds way better than waiting on hold for hours!
Im having a similar problem but with my regular calworks payment not the stimulus. My february payment never showed up on my card and now its march and im about to be homeless with my 3 kids. Does anyone know if the welfare office has emergency payments they can issue? My worker never answers the phone
Yes, CalWORKs does have emergency procedures for immediate need and emergency payments when regular benefits are delayed or missing. You should request an "Immediate Need" payment, which they can typically process within 3 business days. Also, ask about Homeless Assistance if you're at risk of eviction - this is separate from your regular Cash Aid and can provide temporary shelter payments or move-in costs. Document everything and be persistent about reaching your worker - supervisors can override and issue emergency payments when necessary.
That's great news! So glad she finally got some answers. The immediate need payment should come through quickly to help with the current situation. Make sure she keeps a record of who she spoke with today in case she needs to follow up.
The WORST part about CalWORKs is how they never tell you ANYTHING. Like they expect us to be mind readers?! I swear they deliberately make it hard to contact them so they can save money when people give up trying. Did your job put you over the income limit? Because that could explain it, but they're still supposed to TELL YOU with a Notice of Action!!!
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got connected to a real person in about 15 minutes. The worker confirmed my payment was on hold for an income review but said there was no reason for the delay since everything was properly reported. She manually released the payment and said it should be in my account within 48 hours. She also noted in my file that I'm well below my IRT so this shouldn't happen again. Thank you all for your help and suggestions!
Glad to hear you got it resolved! This happens more often than it should with income changes. One tip for the future: whenever you report new income, ask your worker to note in your file that it's below the IRT and no payment hold is needed. Sometimes that prevents the automatic system flags. Good luck with the new job!
Haley Stokes
Update: I called this morning and finally got through after an hour on hold. The worker confirmed my recertification interview is on the 23rd of THIS month (thank goodness). The May 1st appointment is actually a mandatory WTW orientation because my youngest just turned 2 and I'm no longer exempt. Wish they would've explained that clearly! Thanks everyone for your help - at least now I know what's going on.
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Romeo Barrett
Thanks for updating us! I'm glad you got it sorted out. Make sure to prepare for that WTW orientation - bring copies of your ID, social security card, and any education credentials you have. They'll go over your participation requirements and possible exemptions if you're in school or have other qualifying activities. Good luck!
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