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Yes, the SAR7 is different from recertification. The SAR7 is a simpler mid-period report that verifies your continued eligibility by updating income, household composition, etc. Recertification is a more comprehensive review of your entire case that happens annually. And you're exactly right about the IRT (Income Reporting Threshold). It's the maximum amount your household can earn before you must report it, even if it's not your regular reporting month. Your IRT amount should be listed on your approval notices - it's based on your household size and is set at 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. If your income ever exceeds this amount, you must report it within 10 days. One thing to keep in mind: even though you only have to report certain changes during your report months, keeping your worker updated on things like address changes should be done immediately. Missing notices is one of the biggest reasons people lose benefits unexpectedly.
U should ask 4 ur workers email!!! My worker lets me email her questions and she usualy responds in a day or 2. Way easier than calling!!!!
wat i dont get is why u took out all ur money at once??? thats kinda on u tbh. not tryna be mean but i always take mine out in small amounts for this exact reason
I needed it all for rent which was due soon. I don't normally withdraw it all at once, but I was in Sacramento visiting my sister who's been sick and needed to pay rent as soon as I got back. Not really helpful to blame me when I'm already stressed about this situation.
That comment wasn't helpful. Many families need their full benefit amount for essential expenses like rent. The important thing now is getting through the replacement process properly. Focus on getting that police report number and submitting the CW 2216 form with your ATM receipt to your home county as quickly as possible.
I want to add one more important detail: when submitting your CW 2216 form, you'll need to sign an affidavit under penalty of perjury. Be 100% accurate about all details (time, place, amount, circumstances). Any discrepancies between your statement and the police report could result in denial. Also, while you're waiting for replacement, ask specifically about these emergency options: 1. Immediate Need payment (one-time emergency payment) 2. Homeless Assistance if you're at risk of eviction 3. Emergency food referrals through CalFresh Document every call attempt you make (date, time, number called). This might help if there are delays in processing your replacement request.
Thank you, I'll be very careful about all the details matching up. I'm going to try the online police report tonight and then call my worker first thing tomorrow. I appreciate everyone's help with this nightmare situation.
If you do end up getting married and your CalWORKs decreases, make sure you connect with your Welfare to Work specialist right away. With lower cash aid, you might qualify for more supportive services like additional childcare hours or transportation assistance. I actually ended up qualifying for their education program after my benefits decreased from getting married, and they're helping me get my medical assistant certification now. Sometimes one door closes and another opens!
That's actually really good to know! I've been wanting to go back to school for nursing. Maybe this could be an opportunity to get more education support through WTW. I'll definitely ask about that. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Just wanted to add something important - if you have any barriers that make it hard to complete your 30 hours, tell your worker ASAP. Things like: - Physical or mental health issues - Domestic violence situation - Transportation problems - Childcare issues These might qualify you for a temporary exemption or modified WTW plan with fewer hours. Don't struggle in silence trying to meet requirements that aren't realistic for your situation. The 30-hour requirement can be adjusted based on your circumstances.
That's really good to know. My son has some appointments coming up with specialists for his developmental delays. Would that count as a barrier? I don't want to use it as an excuse but some weeks those appointments take up a lot of time.
To answer your follow-up question - yes, how you distribute hours throughout the week is flexible as long as you meet your total weekly requirement. Some people do more hours early in the week, others spread them out evenly. Regarding your son's specialist appointments - YES, that could potentially qualify you for an adjustment to your WTW plan. Document all appointments and speak with your worker about a "family stabilization" referral, which is specifically for parents dealing with children's special needs. Keep in mind that CalWORKs has supportive services that can help - they can provide transportation assistance (bus passes or mileage reimbursement) and childcare assistance while you complete your WTW activities. Don't miss out on these benefits!
Thank you so much for all this information! I'm feeling a lot less stressed now. I'm going to call tomorrow about the family stabilization thing - had no idea that existed. This has been really helpful!
Julian Paolo
forgot to say make sure u check the box for expedited calfresh when u apply! if ur income is low enough and ur rent/utilities are high enough, they can approve u in like 3 days instead of 30. worth a shot
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Daniel Price
Your situation sounds rough, sending you positive thoughts. When my husband and I split, I also applied for benefits. One thing that tripped me up was the verification process. They kept asking for more and more documents! Make sure you respond quickly to any requests for verification or your application can get denied just for not responding in time. Also just a heads up that they usually send notices through the mail, so make sure your brothers' address is a secure place for you to receive mail. My benefits got discontinued once because I missed an important notice when I was between homes.
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Vanessa Chang
•Thanks for the tip. Mail shouldn't be a problem at my brothers' place, but I'll make sure to check it regularly. Did they ever contact you by phone or email, or was it all through regular mail?
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Daniel Price
•They called me for the interview but everything else was through mail. I think you can sign up for text alerts now on BenefitsCal but important notices still come through mail. They're very old-school that way lol
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