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Update: I called my worker today and got through right away (miracle). She confirmed they have all the info about my new job correctly recorded for both CalFresh and CalWORKs! The paystubs I submitted were processed correctly and there's nothing else I need to do except report if I go over my IRT. She also updated my WTW plan to count my current employment hours. Thanks everyone for your help!
did u try calling ur worker? i kno its impossible to get thru sometimes but if u keep calling right when they open sometimes u can catch them. or go in person if u can. they always treat u better face to face than on the phone i swear
anyone know if they can garnish wages for calworks overpayments??? im so worried they're gonna start taking $ from my paychecks for an overpayment from 2 yrs ago that i never paid
Yes, they can eventually refer unpaid CalWORKs overpayments to the Franchise Tax Board for collection, which can lead to wage garnishment or tax refund intercepts. But they have to send multiple notices first, and there's a process. If you're worried about an old overpayment, call and try to set up even a small payment plan ($5-10/month) to show good faith - that usually prevents them from taking more aggressive collection action.
sorry to hijack but this reminds me. does anyone know if the incoming child support payments affect your calworks amount? my ex finally got a job and they're taking child support from his check but i'm worried my cash aid will get reduced. should i even report it?
Yes, you absolutely need to report child support income! The first $100 of child support is disregarded (won't affect your CalWORKs), but anything over that will reduce your cash aid dollar for dollar. The county already knows about it since it goes through the Department of Child Support Services, so not reporting it could create an overpayment you'll have to pay back later. Always better to report and avoid potential fraud accusations.
This happened to me too, and it turned out my card was blocked because they sent me a new one that I never received! Call the EBT customer service line (not the county) at 1-877-328-9677 and ask if a new card was issued or if your current one is blocked for any reason. Sometimes they send replacement cards without telling you if your old one is about to expire. The county never notifies you, it's ridiculous.
UPDATE: System is back up and running! Card works now. Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions. I'm going to be better prepared next time by having some emergency cash set aside. And now I know about Claimyr for getting through to workers quickly - that's a lifesaver for single parents like me who can't spend hours on hold!!
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!
congrats on going back to school! my GED classes counted for my welfare2work hours but i had to do job search too cuz it wasnt enough hours. bring your school schedule and ask if u can do study hours too - those can count! get everything in writing!!
Don't stress about signing up before your WtW plan was approved. You're showing initiative! But definitely bring proof of enrollment and class schedules to your appointment. One important tip - make sure your classes are at an APPROVED educational facility. Most community colleges qualify, but some private programs don't. I made that mistake with an online GED program that wasn't on their approved list, and ended up having to switch to a different program. They should definitely help with the costs as long as you follow their process. Might take some paperwork, but stick with it!
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!
Javier Hernandez
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!
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Malik Jackson
•glad u got it figured out! i'm still waiting on mine... ugh this system is the worst
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CosmicCrusader
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
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LunarLegend
•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.
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