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!

alot of ppl don't no that when u get the homeless assistance u CANT get it again for same family members ever so make sure this new place will work long term. my worker never told me that n i wasted mine on a bad apartment that had roaches n i had to leave after 3 months but cudnt get the assistance again. also make sure ur cousin will accept the payment from the county cus some landlords dont want to deal with all the paperwork n inspection.

To summarize the advice here: 1) Submit a mid-period report about your pregnancy with medical verification immediately, 2) Ask specifically for the pregnant woman supplement since you're in your third trimester, 3) Apply for Permanent Homeless Assistance with documentation of your current overcrowded living situation, 4) Ensure you have a formal rental agreement with your cousin at market rate, and 5) Get this all done BEFORE the baby arrives. Your grant should increase both for the pregnancy and again when the baby is born if you follow these steps.

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.

Make sure you get the Stage 1 to Stage 2 childcare transition paperwork started as soon as possible! After you've been in CalWORKs for a while, your childcare moves from Stage 1 to Stage 2, and if you don't get the paperwork done in time, there can be a gap in coverage. Happened to me and I had to pay out of pocket for 2 weeks. Just an FYI so you don't get caught by surprise!

One more thing - if you're meeting your Welfare-to-Work hours through employment, education, or approved activities, CalWORKs should cover childcare for those hours PLUS reasonable transportation time. So if you work until 5:30 but need 30 minutes to get to the childcare provider, care until 6pm should be covered. Make sure this is clearly documented in your WTW plan and childcare authorization.

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.