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I just checked with my friend who works for the county (not my county, but still knows the system). She said there was a CalWORKs Cost of Living Adjustment that went into effect in October 2024, AND there was a separate supplemental payment that went out to families with certain circumstances. If you were just approved in December, your base amount should already include the COLA. But you might also qualify for the supplemental payment, which is separate. You need to speak directly with a benefits specialist or supervisor, not just the front-line workers. Be persistent and specifically ask for a supervisor if the regular workers can't help.
good luck actually reaching anybody! i spent THREE DAYS trying to get through to my county office last month. kept getting disconnected after waiting 45+ minutes each time! the system is BROKEN
That's definitely a deduction they should have applied! The childcare expenses alone could make a significant difference in your benefit calculation. When you get through to them, make sure to tell them about those expenses. And definitely ask about enrolling in the Stage 1 Childcare program - they should pay your childcare costs directly while you're working, which would save you that $350/week!
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at the county office! You all were right - I qualify for CalWORKs childcare assistance even with the tiny cash grant. The worker is sending me the forms today. This will save us around $1,500 a month in childcare costs! They're also reassessing my Cash Aid amount since they didn't factor in my childcare expenses. Thank you all so much for your help and advice!!
Lol welcome to the wonderful world of Medi-Cal 🎪🤡 Where everything's made up and the timelines don't matter!
Has anyone tried contacting their state representative about this? I've heard sometimes they can help push things along.
Samantha Johnson
One important update: when you request the appeal, make sure you specifically say you want "aid paid pending" in writing. This means they have to continue your old benefit amount until the hearing if you request it within 10 days of the notice date. It's your right, but they don't always tell you about it! Also, double-check if they're incorrectly counting any exempt income. Child support that's assigned to the county shouldn't count against your grant.
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Maria Gonzalez
•Thank you! I just checked the notice again and it's dated the 5th, so I still have a few days to request aid paid pending. I'll make sure to put that in writing. I really appreciate everyone's help with this.
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Natalie Chen
let us know what happens! this stuff makes me so nervous cuz i might need to add someone to my case next month
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