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You can also report the changes online through BenefitsCal if you have an account set up. That way you have documentation that you reported within the 10-day timeframe. I always take screenshots of everything I submit online because the county "lost" my reports twice before.
Good point about childcare assistance! Since you're starting a new job, make sure to ask about: 1. CalWORKs childcare benefits 2. Work expense deductions (they don't count all your income against you) 3. Earned Income Disregard (first $225 + 50% of remaining earnings are disregarded) Your benefits might actually increase for a while even with your new job, especially since your partner's income is no longer counted in the household.
Thank you all for the help! I finally got through to a worker today. They're sending me the forms and I have an appointment next week to bring everything in. They said I should apply for childcare right away since there can be a waiting period. This has been so stressful but I feel better now knowing what to do.
I just checked with my friend who works for the county (not my county, but still knows the system). She said there was a CalWORKs Cost of Living Adjustment that went into effect in October 2024, AND there was a separate supplemental payment that went out to families with certain circumstances. If you were just approved in December, your base amount should already include the COLA. But you might also qualify for the supplemental payment, which is separate. You need to speak directly with a benefits specialist or supervisor, not just the front-line workers. Be persistent and specifically ask for a supervisor if the regular workers can't help.
good luck actually reaching anybody! i spent THREE DAYS trying to get through to my county office last month. kept getting disconnected after waiting 45+ minutes each time! the system is BROKEN
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.
Lena Kowalski
Glad you got it fixed! Did they say anything about this happening again in the future or how to prevent it? I'm paranoid now and thinking I should withdraw all my cash the minute it hits my card each month...
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Daryl Bright
They said this was a rare technical glitch during system maintenance that shouldn't happen again. But tbh I'm with you - I'm definitely going to withdraw my rent money as soon as it deposits from now on. Can't risk going through this stress again!
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