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!

my sister had this EXACT same problem with child support last year!!! they fixed it at the hearing and she got back payments too. bring all ur paperwork!!!

To answer your question about phone vs. in-person hearings - I did mine by phone and it worked fine. The advantage was I could be in my own home where I felt comfortable. I put the call on speaker and had all my documents spread out on my table where I could see everything. As for timing, I got the decision in about 3 weeks. The regulation says they have to decide within 60 days of your hearing request, but it's usually faster. If they rule in your favor, the county has 30 days to comply and issue any retroactive benefits. One more tip - during the hearing, if you don't understand something the judge or county says, don't be afraid to ask them to explain. The judges are generally patient and want to make sure you understand what's happening.

UPDATE: My benefits just posted at 4:32pm! From what the worker told me, they had a major system update that went wrong last night and it affected the automatic payment processing. Everyone should get their benefits by tonight, but if you don't see them by tomorrow morning, you should definitely call your county office.

FINAL UPDATE: My benefits FINALLY posted at 7:15pm! Nearly a whole day late, but at least they're there. The maintenance on MyCAlWIN is over too - the system is back up. Thanks everyone for confirming it wasn't just me having problems. This forum is seriously a lifesaver sometimes.

What about if your kid is in pull-ups not actual diapers? My worker is saying my 4yr old doesn't qualify because she's in pull-ups not "diapers" which is total BS. The CalWORKS handbook doesn't say anything about what TYPE of diapers. Has anyone dealt with this?

Update: Called my caseworker and confirmed this IS the diaper benefit! She said they processed several months at once because there was a delay implementing it in our region. Both my girls qualify since they're under 6. Thanks everyone for your help!

update: i got thru to the office this morning! i asked for a supervisor right away & explained everything. they said they'd review my case & call me back. fingers crossed!

Just to clarify for everyone: Under CalWORKs regulations (MPP 40-126.31), the county is required to document their attempt to contact you. When you submit your good cause request, you have the right to see this documentation. Ask specifically: What number did they call? What time exactly? How many attempts were made? This puts the burden of proof back on them. If they can't provide this documentation, they must reschedule your interview without any break in benefits. Also remember that for phone interviews, they're supposed to attempt contact at the scheduled time, AND make a second attempt within 30 minutes if they don't reach you the first time. Many counties aren't following this procedure.