Update: I went to the county office today and applied for General Assistance. The worker was actually really helpful and explained everything. She said based on my situation I'll probably get around $340/month, and they might be able to process it within 7-10 days because of my emergency situation. I also asked about my CalFresh application and it turns out they were missing verification documents! They never contacted me about it. I provided everything they needed while I was there, and the worker said she put a note that I qualify for expedited processing. Hopefully I'll get food benefits in the next 3 days. Thanks everyone for your help! I would have never known about General Assistance without your advice.

This is such great news! I'm really happy you were able to get help today. It's frustrating that they never contacted you about the missing documents for CalFresh - this happens way too often and people end up waiting unnecessarily. For anyone else reading this thread who might be in a similar situation, Alexis's experience shows how important it is to go to the office in person when possible. Phone systems are overwhelmed, but caseworkers can often help resolve multiple issues at once when you're there face-to-face. Also want to emphasize what Samantha mentioned about keeping track of reporting requirements once you start receiving GA. The job search activities they require aren't too burdensome - usually just documenting that you applied to a certain number of jobs per week or attended job training. But they do check, so keep good records. Hope your CalFresh comes through quickly with the expedited processing!

Hey Amina! Congrats on getting approved - that's awesome! 🎉 Just wanted to add a couple things that helped me when I first started using my EBT card for cash aid: - Your cash aid money gets loaded onto the same EBT card as your CalFresh benefits, but they're completely separate accounts. You can't accidentally spend your cash aid money on food or vice versa. - When you go to an ATM, make sure to select "Withdraw from Checking" - never savings. Your cash aid is always on the checking side. - Pro tip: Some grocery stores like Vons and Ralph's let you get cash back when you buy something small (like a pack of gum) using your EBT cash. This can save you ATM fees if you just need a little cash. - Keep track of your withdrawal dates! Your caseworker might ask about how you're spending your benefits during reviews. You're asking all the right questions - don't worry about "messing up." The system is pretty straightforward once you use it a few times. Welcome to the community!

Hey Amina! Congratulations on your CalWORKs approval! 🎉 I see you've gotten tons of great advice already, but I wanted to share something that really helped me when I first started - create a simple budget plan for your cash aid. I keep a small notebook where I write down what I need the money for each month (rent, utilities, transportation, etc.) and how much I plan to withdraw for each expense. This helps me avoid the temptation to take out large amounts at once and also makes it easier when my caseworker asks about how I'm using the benefits during my reviews. Also, if you ever move or change your address, make sure to update it with your caseworker AND separately with the EBT customer service line. I learned this the hard way when my replacement card got sent to my old address! You're going to do great - asking questions like this shows you're being responsible about managing your benefits. Welcome to the community! 💪

As a newcomer to this community, I'm really grateful for threads like this! I just applied for CalFresh last month and had no idea that calling earlier was even an option. I've been so anxious about potentially missing my scheduled interview times due to my irregular work schedule as a part-time caregiver. Reading everyone's experiences - especially @Annabel Kimball's success story and @Charity Cohan's helpful regulation information - gives me so much more confidence about advocating for myself when needed. It's reassuring to know that accommodation requests are actually supported by policy, not just dependent on getting a nice worker. This community is already teaching me so much about navigating these systems effectively. Thank you all for sharing your real experiences!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm brand new to this community and just started my CalFresh application process. I had no idea that calling earlier was even possible - I always thought government appointment times were completely rigid. Reading everyone's experiences, especially @Annabel Kimball's success story, gives me so much hope for managing my own scheduling challenges. I work two part-time jobs with unpredictable hours, so knowing there's some flexibility in the system is such a relief. @Charity Cohan, thank you for sharing that regulation information - it's empowering to know we have actual policy backing our right to reasonable accommodations. This community seems like such a supportive place for learning how to navigate these systems effectively!

Reading through this thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I'm a single mom with twin 6-year-olds and I've been on CalWORKs for about 8 months now after my ex stopped paying child support. I just got offered a part-time position at a local credit union - 28 hours a week at $18.50/hour, which would be about $2,146 monthly gross. I was honestly terrified to even consider it because I thought I'd lose everything immediately, but seeing everyone's real experiences and the detailed breakdown of the income disregard has completely changed my perspective. The fact that @Vincent confirmed everything as accurate from a case worker's view is especially reassuring. My biggest concern is childcare for twins - that's double the cost! But hearing about the Stage 1 Child Care program and that it's completely covered while working gives me so much hope. Does anyone know if there are any special considerations for twins or multiple children when it comes to childcare assistance? I'm definitely going to call my worker this week and ask for that budget projection everyone mentioned. This community is amazing - thank you all for sharing your journeys and making this transition feel less scary!

This thread has been so helpful! I'm a single dad with a 3-year-old daughter, currently receiving CalWORKs benefits, and I've been offered a position at a warehouse that would be $15.75/hour for about 32 hours a week (roughly $2,016 monthly gross). Reading everyone's experiences has given me the confidence to seriously consider this job. I was especially relieved to learn about the income disregard calculation - I had no idea they don't count all your earnings against your benefits! And knowing that childcare assistance is available is huge since my daughter would need daycare while I'm working. One question I have is about the timing of everything - how quickly do the benefit changes take effect after you report your new job? I want to make sure I understand the timeline so I can budget properly during the transition period. Also, does anyone have experience with warehouse work specifically while on CalWORKs? I'm wondering if the physical demands or potential overtime opportunities create any special considerations I should be aware of when reporting to my worker. Thank you all for sharing your stories - it's made such a difference knowing that taking this job could actually improve our financial situation rather than hurt it!

I went through this exact same nightmare last year! My worker missed THREE scheduled phone appointments and then had the audacity to send me a "failure to cooperate" notice. What finally worked for me was going directly to the county office and asking to speak with the CalWORKs Program Manager (not just a supervisor). I brought printed phone records showing no calls during the scheduled times, screenshots of my appointment confirmations, and copies of all their missed appointment letters. The Program Manager was horrified and immediately assigned me a new worker who actually follows through. She also made sure my case was noted as "county error" so my benefits wouldn't be affected. It took half a day out of my life but it was worth it to finally get someone competent. Don't give up - this is 100% their fault and you have every right to demand proper service!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - it's such a common problem and completely unacceptable! I've been navigating CalWORKs for about 2 years now and have learned some hard-won strategies. Here's what I recommend: First, document EVERYTHING with timestamps - screenshots of your appointment confirmation, photos of their missed appointment letter, and if possible, get your phone records from your carrier showing no incoming calls during that time slot. Second, try calling the main county switchboard (not the CalWORKs direct line) first thing Monday at 8am and specifically ask to speak with a CalWORKs Program Manager about filing a formal complaint. Third, send a message through BenefitsCal immediately stating you were available for your scheduled appointment but never received a call, and request that they note "county error" in your case file. If your benefits get interrupted because of THEIR mistake, you have grounds for a state hearing and can potentially get retroactive payments. The system is broken but don't let them make you feel like this is your fault when it clearly isn't. Stay strong and keep fighting for the services you're entitled to!