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WTW provides several types of supportive services! They do cover childcare (which is often the largest expense), but they also provide transportation assistance, work-related expenses (like uniforms or tools), and educational expenses if you're in an approved education/training program. The specific amounts and types of assistance vary by county, but transportation assistance is definitely one of the core supportive services offered.
UPDATE: You all are amazing! I called this morning and specifically asked about the One-Time Special Needs Payment and Barrier Removal Funds like you suggested. My worker still seemed confused, but I asked to speak with a WTW specialist. The specialist knew exactly what I was talking about! They're going to cover my insurance down payment through their Barrier Removal Funds because it's directly preventing me from getting to my interview and potential job. I had to fill out some extra paperwork and provide proof of the insurance quote plus my interview confirmation, but it's getting approved! Thank you all so much for your help - I never would have known to ask for these specific programs otherwise.
I've been on Cash Aid for 4 years and this ALWAYS happens on holidays!!! The county NEVER warns us ahead of time and it causes so much stress. Last year I got a late fee from my apartment complex because of this exact same issue. I tried explaining to them about the holiday delay but they didn't care at all. The worst part is when you call the EBT customer service line on holidays, it still says "benefits have been issued" even when they haven't actually hit your card yet!!! So frustrating!!
For those asking about changing your issuance date - there's a form called CW 2212 "Request for Adjustment of Aid Payment Schedule" that you can submit to your worker. There's no guarantee they'll approve it, but it's worth trying if the current schedule consistently causes problems with your bills. Make sure to explain exactly why the current date creates a hardship.
Quick tip: make sure you sign up for text or email reminders about your SAR 7 due dates! I almost missed mine too, but got a text reminder 10 days before it was due. You can set this up on BenefitsCal.com or ask your worker to add those alerts to your account. Has saved me from this exact situation multiple times.
UPDATE: I used that Claimyr service and got through to my worker! She said they'll process my SAR 7 by the end of the week and my Cash Aid should be restored within 3-5 business days after that. She also submitted an emergency request so I might get it faster. CalFresh won't be retroactive but will start again once the SAR 7 is processed. And I asked about the diaper supplement - apparently I was already getting it but didn't realize it was included in my regular payment. Everyone who commented - THANK YOU SO MUCH for your help during this stressful time!!! Lesson learned about turning in forms on time.
Does the child support situation matter? My friend got denied because she refused to name the father of her kid (bad domestic violence situation). Will your daughter have to deal with child support enforcement?
Yes, CalWORKs typically requires cooperation with the Local Child Support Agency (LCSA) to establish paternity and pursue child support from the absent parent. HOWEVER - there are important exceptions for domestic violence situations! Your daughter can request a "good cause" exemption from the child support cooperation requirement if: - Cooperation would risk harm to her or the children - The children were conceived through rape or incest - She's in the process of adopting the children - Other compelling safety reasons If your friend was denied, she should have been offered the opportunity to claim good cause. She may want to reapply and specifically request the good cause exemption form. The county must evaluate these claims and shouldn't just deny benefits outright.
I forgot to mention another IMPORTANT thing! If your daughter gets approved for CalWORKs, make sure she asks about the HOUSING SUPPORT PROGRAM (HSP) if she's having trouble with rent. San Bernardino County has this program for CalWORKs families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They can help with security deposits, rental assistance, and even help finding affordable housing!
That would be so helpful! She's currently behind on rent and worried about eviction. I'll definitely have her ask about this program. Does she need to be approved for CalWORKs first before asking about housing support?
Yes, she needs to be a CalWORKs recipient first to qualify for the Housing Support Program. But once approved for CalWORKs, she should immediately tell her worker about her housing situation. If she's facing imminent eviction, she might also qualify for Homeless Assistance, which is emergency aid that can provide temporary shelter or help prevent eviction. If she's already received an eviction notice, bring that to the interview as it can help qualify for expedited processing of her application under hardship rules. The county can sometimes issue emergency payments to prevent homelessness while the regular application is being processed.
CosmicCommander
Just wanted to say congrats on the new job though! I went through something similar last year and it was rough at first but after a few months I was actually doing better overall than when I was just on aid. Hang in there while you get this sorted out.
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Connor O'Neill
•Thank you! That's really encouraging to hear. I'm hoping once I get past this rough patch it'll be worth it. Just scary when you're trying to do the right thing and it immediately makes your situation worse.
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QuantumQuester
Update us after you talk to them! I'm curious what the actual issue was. Based on your income, the $66 amount definitely seems incorrect unless there are other factors involved.
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