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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! ❤️
Thank you, I appreciate that. It's definitely been a shock for everyone at my workplace.
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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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My son has had the same card for 3 yrs now and they just reload it each month. BUT when we moved counties, they issued a new card for some reason? I was confused about that. Anyone else have to get new cards when moving between counties in CA?
Yes, moving between counties typically triggers a new card issuance because your case is transferred to the new county's system. Each county in California administers CalWORKs somewhat independently (though under the same state rules), and they often need to close your case in the old county and open a new one in the new county. This is why people sometimes experience benefit delays when moving between counties.
make sure when u get the replacement u activate it right away!! my benfits got stollen once cuz i left the new card sitting in pile of mail for 2 weeks n someone must of took it from my mailbox!!! calworks wouldnt replace the stolen money either they said i was negligent
That's horrible! I'll definitely activate it immediately and check my mail carefully. Did you ever get any of that money back?
nope! they said once the money is gone its gone. they woudlnt even investigate! just said i shuold have been more carefull with my card. so make sure u check ur mail daily when expecting the new 1
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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.
Carmen Flores
this is classic dpss nonsense, they do this to make it harder for people to actually get benefits. they hope youll just give up! dont let them win - call and DEMAND a phone interview. they have to give you one if you say you cant get there. ive been dealing with these tactics for YEARS with riverside county. the whole system is designed to be as difficult as possible
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Aisha Rahman
•100% this! They count on people giving up. And even if you do the phone interview, theyll probably still make you go to indio to drop off documents or something later. the whole thing is a mess
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Ethan Wilson
One more thing to know - once your case is approved, you can request a case transfer to your local office. While they might not change your interview location easily, after approval you have more rights to request a transfer based on accessibility. Just make sure you complete the initial application process first (interview and document submission), then submit a formal written request for case transfer once approved. Include documentation of your transportation barriers if possible.
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QuantumQueen
•That's really helpful to know! So basically just get through the application process however I can, then worry about getting transferred to my local office after I'm approved? I can probably borrow a car for the interview as a one-time thing if absolutely necessary, but definitely can't be traveling to Indio regularly.
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