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Also, when you talk to your CalWORKs worker about adding your baby to your case, ask about the CalWORKs Special Needs Pregnancy/Newborn Supplement. Since your baby was born before January 1st, you should be eligible for additional funds. It's not a lot (around $100), but every bit helps right now. And don't forget you're exempt from Welfare to Work requirements for the first 12 months after giving birth, so you don't need to worry about those participation hours right now.
oh i forgot to say make sure u ask for childcare assistance too since ur working part time! calworks can pay for it while ur working those 20 hrs
Great point! OP, make sure to ask about CalWORKs Childcare. Since you have a 4-year-old and you're working, you qualify for subsidized childcare. They'll cover your childcare costs during your working hours AND during any Welfare to Work activities you need to complete. Just make sure to use a licensed provider or a TrustLine registered provider if using family/friend care.
@original poster - I'm glad you got your benefits replaced! Just a heads-up though - technically CalWORKs benefits are supposed to be used for the specified benefit period, and moving large amounts to a personal bank account could potentially be flagged in an audit. I understand completely why you did it given what happened, but just be aware that in rare cases, workers might question this practice during redetermination.For additional security, consider requesting a new EBT card with a different card number entirely. The old one might be compromised in a database somewhere.
Did you get the discontinuance notice in the mail? Sometimes those notices cross in the mail with your submission. Since you submitted the SAR7 before the end of the month, they should be able to rescind the discontinuance and restore your benefits. You might not get them on your normal payment date, but you should still get December benefits eventually after they process your form. Definitely call and keep trying to reach someone. If you can't get through by phone, go in person and bring proof that you submitted the form on BenefitsCal. They can see the timestamp of when you uploaded it.
Yes, I got the notice yesterday in the mail. It was dated the 5th, so they must have generated it automatically when they didn't have my SAR7 by the due date. I'll keep trying to call and will go in person next week if needed. I just hope I don't lose December's payment completely since rent is due soon.
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at the office! For anyone who has this problem in the future: 1. They confirmed my SAR7 was in their system but hadn't been processed yet 2. The worker did a "rescission" right while I was on the phone 3. My December benefits will be released but will be delayed about 3-5 days from my usual payment date 4. They noted in my file that I submitted before the end of the month so my case stays open Such a relief! The worker said they're really backed up processing forms right now, so anyone who uploads anything should always call to make sure it gets processed quickly, especially if it's something time-sensitive like a SAR7.
Thank you so much for updating! That gives me hope. I'm still trying to get through to someone but will keep at it. Did you call the main number or did you have a direct number for your worker?
Brandon Parker
i work wtih homeless clients and see this CONSTANTLY. It's not just phones - I've seen them discontinue for verifying small amounts in Cash App, Venmo, or asking for receipts for things people bought months ago. The system is absolutely DESIGNED to create barriers. Your friend should file for a hearing AND submit the verification. But here's the truth - even after he fixes this, they'll find something else to question in a few months. Tell him to DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Save every receipt, every letter, take notes during phone calls with date/time/worker name. The county workers have impossible caseloads so they look for any reason to close cases and reduce their workload. It's disgusting but that's how the system operates now.
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Aaron Boston
•I understand your frustration, but as a former eligibility worker, I want to clarify something. Most workers aren't trying to close cases to reduce workload - in fact, closing cases often creates MORE work (hearings, restoration requests, supervisory reviews). The verification requirements come from federal and state auditors who monitor counties for error rates. When counties have high error rates (benefits issued incorrectly), they face penalties. That's why verification has gotten stricter. That said, I agree with documenting everything. Good record-keeping is essential when navigating any benefits system.
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Levi Parker
Update: I talked to my roommate and helped him understand what probably happened. We're putting together documentation about his phone today, and he's going to try to visit the office in person tomorrow morning. I'm also going to help him write a statement explaining that he misunderstood the verification requirement. Thanks everyone for the advice - I'll let you know what happens after he talks to them!
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Libby Hassan
•Good plan! In-person is definitely the way to go for urgent issues like this. Make sure he brings ID and his case number if he has it. Sometimes you can get lucky and meet with a worker the same day. Wishing him the best of luck!
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