Just checking back - is today the 7th? Did your CalFresh benefits load? If not, you should definitely call the county office first thing tomorrow morning. Sometimes there are processing delays, but they can usually expedite it if you're at risk of food insecurity.

Sorry to hear you're still having issues! When you call tomorrow, make sure to ask specifically if there are any pending verification items for your CalFresh case. Also ask them to check if your case is in "pending" status rather than "active" status. Sometimes the online portal will show everything as active even when there's an issue on the backend. If they say something is missing, ask them to send you an official notice listing exactly what they need. And definitely request expedited processing if you're out of food!

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.

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST US!!! they make it impossible to reach anyone when u have questions then suddenly cut ur benefits with barely any notice. i was working my butt off in their stupid wtw program for YEARS and they still cut me off at 48 months even tho i was doing everything they asked!!

Wow thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I had no idea about the exemptions or that months when my daughter was under 1 might not count. I'm definitely going to try to reach someone to get my Time on Aid calculation and see if I qualify for any extensions. It's a relief to know my daughter will still get benefits even after I time out. I'm going to start planning for that reduced amount now. Appreciate all the advice!

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.