One more thing to try while you're working on the hearing process: Call the CalWORKs office first thing when they open (usually 8am) on Monday morning. The call volume is typically lowest then. Ask specifically for a "Case Review Due to Discontinued Benefits Despite Timely Document Submission." Use those exact words. This triggers a different workflow than a general inquiry and often gets faster attention. Also send an email to your county's general welfare email address with "URGENT: Wrongful Discontinuance" in the subject line. Include your case number, the dates you submitted documents (all methods), and request immediate review and backdating of benefits. The more paper trail you create, the better.

Just sharing what worked for me with Claimyr since someone asked. I was skeptical too but it actually did get me through to my worker. What it does is call the county office for you, navigate all the annoying menus, wait on hold, and then call your phone when it reaches a real person. I was able to explain my situation and got my benefits restored within 3 days (including backpay for the missed month). Definitely worth it when you're desperate. Check out their demo at claimyr.com - you can see exactly how it works before deciding.

what about ur reporting? did u submit a SAR7 before u left? if ur still in the middle of ur reporting period they might hold up ur case closure if u didnt do ur final reporting

After I used Claimyr to reach my CalWORKs worker, I learned something important that might help you. You can actually request what's called an "inter-state transfer" rather than a full case closure. This can sometimes make the transition smoother between states. The worker needs to fill out specific paperwork that Michigan will recognize immediately. Also, for your benefit theft issue - California has extended the timeline for benefit theft claims during the post-pandemic period. Even if you're out of state, you have rights to those stolen benefits if you can prove the theft occurred while you were still a California resident. Don't give up! It took me about 3 weeks to get everything sorted when I moved states, but I eventually got my benefits transferred correctly.

I'm sorry your going thru this! This whole system is BROKEN!!! My cash aid got stolen twice in 3 months and the 2nd time they accused ME of fraud!!! Had to wait almost 3 months to get my $$ back and almost got evicted. They don't care about us AT ALL. And why are we still using this garbage BofA system that keeps getting hacked??? Some states have switched to digital wallets but CA is still using this 1990s technology. Makes me so mad!!

have u tried asking for cash assistance under the homeles assistance program while waitng? my worker said i qualified for temporary HA payment even tho i wasnt homeless yet but was at risk bcuz of the theft. got $450 emergency cash within 1 day

With your husband getting about $1,100 biweekly from unemployment (so around $2,200/month), you would likely still qualify for some CalWORKs, but it would be a reduced amount. Since unemployment is unearned income, they count most of it against your grant. After accounting for the unemployment, you might receive around $250-400 in CalWORKs for a family of 4, depending on your county's specific grant amounts and any other factors. It's not a lot, but combined with CalFresh benefits (which could be $500+ for a family of four with your income), it can definitely help during these two months. And yes, the diaper stipend is $30 per month per child under 3 years old who is on CalWORKs. You need to request it specifically though - many workers don't mention it if you don't ask!

DONT FORGET they'll also ask for a CHILD SUPPORT form!! u have to agree to let them go after ur kids father for child support if he's not in the home. I forgot about this an they almost denied my case!!

I just got off the phone with my county office (after THREE CALLS and being disconnected TWICE). They confirmed January 10th for the extra payment. But here's the ridiculous part - they're calling it an "adjustment payment" not an "extra allotment" which is why some workers are giving different information. TYPICAL bureaucratic nonsense, calling the same thing different names and confusing everyone!! They need to get their terminology straight!!

My sister got the extra money last year too. It should show up as a seperate deposit. If its like last year itll say something like "CAW ADJ" on your EBT transaction history when it hits your account.