have you checked your benfitscal account? sometimes they post notices there faster than they come in the mail. might explain whats going on without having to call

One more thing to check - does anyone else in your household receive CalWORKs Cash Aid? Sometimes when there's a change in household composition due to someone going on SSI, they recalculate both programs and may have accidentally added Cash Aid to your account instead of just CalFresh. The amount ($1,831) sounds more like it could be a combined CalWORKs + CalFresh issuance rather than just food benefits.

this reminds me of when my CalWORKs worker said my bank statements weren't good enough proof of my savings account because they were printed at home even though they had my name and account number and everything!!! i had to go to the bank and get them stamped!!! so annoying how they make everything so complicated!!! good luck with your SAR7!!

I'm a benefits advocate, and here's what you should know: If your SAR7 deadline is approaching and you're having trouble getting verification, you can request a "reasonable accommodation" due to timing issues. Call your worker ASAP and explain the situation - that you're actively trying to get the correct documentation from EDD. Also, if you submit your SAR7 with whatever verification you have by the deadline (even if incomplete), and then submit the correct documentation within 30 days, they should restore any benefits that were temporarily discontinued. Make sure to document all your attempts to get the verification (dates you called EDD, etc.). Most importantly, don't miss the deadline - submit something, even if imperfect, and include a written explanation of your efforts to get the proper documentation.

@username5 With a child under 6, your WTW requirement is only 20 hours per week, not 30. Since you're working 15-20 hours, you're right at the minimum. Your worker should have discussed WTW with you if it was an issue. If they're just fixing the income calculation, that's probably all it was. But it wouldn't hurt to ask about your WTW status the next time you speak with them, just to make sure you're meeting requirements. There are also exemptions available if you can't meet the hours requirement for good cause (like lack of childcare, health issues, etc.).

Thank you so much for the clarification! I had no idea the hour requirement was different with a younger child. I'll definitely ask about this next time I talk to my worker.

That's amazing news! I'm still trying to get through. Did they just fix it while you were on the phone? How long did it take for your account to update after they fixed it?

My worker did it while I was on the phone! She had me wait about 5 mins while she processed it. She said the system updates overnight so I'll see the change tomorrow. The key was calling right when they opened at 8am!

Yes, definitely bring the court order for child support. They'll want to see it, and they'll ask if you're cooperating with child support enforcement. CalWORKs requires you to work with the child support agency unless you have good cause not to (like domestic violence concerns). Also, don't forget to ask about the diaper benefit if your children are under 3 years old - it's an extra $30 per month per eligible child on CalWORKs.

Good luck tomorrow! Remember to ask about childcare assistance if you need it for work or school. And get the name and direct phone number of your worker before you leave - will save you tons of headaches later!