omg i waited 3 weeks once lol. the system is broken AF. good luck gettin any help from them!!

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.

You're actually in a good position! When I had my WTW orientation, they told me they WANT people to get education that leads to better jobs. Make sure you bring your enrollment papers tomorrow and ask about the Ancillary Support Services. That's what pays for books, supplies, transportation, etc. for approved activities. I got almost $300 for my CNA program supplies last year. They weren't mad at all that I had already enrolled - the worker said it showed initiative. Just explain that you're motivated to get your GED but need their support to be successful. The GED hours should count toward your WTW participation as long as they approve it in your plan. Good luck!

One thing nobody mentioned - if your GED program doesn't meet your full WTW hours requirement (which depends on your family situation, usually 20-35 hours/week), you can ask about "study time" hours to supplement. Many counties allow you to count supervised study time toward your required hours. For your appointment tomorrow, be prepared with: 1. Class schedule with days/times 2. Program information showing it leads to employment 3. List of required materials with costs 4. Childcare needs if applicable Also, ask about transportation assistance! Many don't realize CalWORKs can provide bus passes or mileage reimbursement for approved WTW activities. Good for you taking this step to improve your situation!

@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!

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.

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.

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!!

I used Claimyr on a Friday evening once and yes, they connected me to the after-hours emergency services for CalWORKs! They can't solve everything on weekends, but emergency benefit theft actually does qualify for urgent response in many counties. It depends on your county though. When I used it, I got through to someone who could flag my account for urgent review first thing Monday morning, which meant I got help immediately when the offices opened instead of waiting all day. They also issued a temporary emergency voucher that I could use at certain stores until my new card arrived.

One more thing I forgot to mention - while you're waiting for your Cash Aid to be replaced, make sure to call your landlord ASAP and explain the situation. Ask if they can give you a few days extension without late fees. Some landlords will work with you if you're proactive about communicating the problem. Also, bring a printout of your EBT transaction history showing the suspicious transactions when you meet with your worker on Monday. The more documentation you have, the faster they can process your claim. And definitely mention your immediate need for rent money - they can sometimes process emergency assistance within 3 business days for housing emergencies.