Just wanted to add - make sure when you talk to them that you ask them to check if they accidentally calculated your income as bi-weekly when it's actually semi-monthly, or vice versa. This is a really common mistake. Bi-weekly means every two weeks (26 pay periods per year) while semi-monthly means twice a month (24 pay periods per year). Also, if they do correct it but your benefits are already reduced for next month, ask them to issue an emergency supplemental payment to make up the difference. They can do this, but you have to specifically request it.

If you're unable to get this resolved quickly, remember that you have the right to request a fair hearing. When you request a hearing, you can also request "aid paid pending" which means your benefits will continue at the previous level until the hearing decision. You must request the hearing within 10 days of receiving the NOA that reduces your benefits to qualify for aid paid pending. You can request a hearing online at https://acms.dss.ca.gov/ or call the state hearing division at 1-800-743-8525. Make sure you have your case number and the NOA date ready when you call. In my experience working with the system, most income calculation errors can be resolved without a hearing, but it's important to know your rights just in case.

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.

Wait your benefits actually came through? I'm still waiting on mine and it's almost 9AM! I called the EBT customer service number and they said everything looks normal on my account but nothing has deposited yet. This is making me so anxious I can't even focus on getting my kids ready for school. 😫

Just as an update for anyone who might search for this in the future - my worker told me that LA County processes CalWORKs payments in batches by case number groupings. That's why some people get theirs at midnight and others not until morning. She said there's no way to know exactly when your specific payment will post each month, but if your case is in good standing, it should arrive by noon on the payment date at the latest.

while ur waiting, call 211 and ask about emergency diaper banks in ur area. they can usually give u a week supply of diapers to get by until ur benefits come back on

I just want to update you - I checked the Welfare & Institutions Code, and for discontinued cases where the client provides verification within 30 days of discontinuance, they are required to process it and restore benefits without requiring a new application. The CW 2219 form helps, but technically they should be able to reactivate your case just with the birth certificate since it's what they requested. If you continue having trouble, mention "W&I Code Section 11265.4" to your worker when you speak with them.

Another thing to check - make sure your Semi-Annual Report (SAR 7) and annual recertification are up to date. Sometimes benefits stop because of missing paperwork, and people think it's related to program changes when it's actually just a reporting issue. If you haven't submitted a SAR 7 recently, that could be why your benefits changed. Just something else to consider.

I've been speaking with several families about this issue. What many don't realize is the pandemic money was part of the American Rescue Plan Act funding that had a specific end date. The state did make a permanent adjustment to the Maximum Aid Payment (MAP) rates to partially offset this, but it's much less than the pandemic supplement was. If you're experiencing hardship because of this change, ask your worker specifically about: 1. The CalWORKs Housing Support Program 2. Special Needs supplements 3. The Homeless Assistance Program if you're at risk of losing housing 4. WTW supportive services if you're participating in Welfare to Work Also check if you're receiving the full CalFresh amount you're eligible for, as many CalWORKs families don't receive their maximum food benefits.