The way they calculate your benefits is so confusing!!!! My worker told me EDD counts differently than regular income because it already has taxes taken out or something? But then another worker told me that was wrong. I don't even know who to believe anymore. The whole system is designed to confuse people on purpose I swear.

Update: I checked our last Notice of Action and our IRT is $2,676. My husband's EDD payment was $840 for two weeks, and I make about $1,100 a month part-time. So combined we're at $1,940, which is under our IRT. Does that mean I can wait until our next SAR7 in May to report it? Or do I still need to report it now?

Just realized I should mention - if you do choose to mail it, send it certified mail with tracking! It costs a few extra dollars but gives you proof they received it. I've had workers claim they never got my paperwork until I showed them USPS tracking confirmation with the name of who signed for it.

mail it in!!! the website always crashes for me and i hate it. my worker said most people just mail the packets so they expect it that way. i think it depends how comfortable u r with computers tho

That's great news! 🎉 I'm so glad everything worked out for you. It's such a relief when you finally see that approval notice show up. The delay between when they actually process it and when the notice appears in BenefitsCal is really frustrating - they should definitely improve that system. Your tip about screenshotting the confirmation email is smart too. Thanks for updating us with the good news!

This whole thread is so reassuring! I'm scheduled for my recertification next month and I've been dreading it after hearing horror stories about delays and missing documents. It's good to know that benefits continue while they process everything and that the EBT website showing scheduled payments is a reliable indicator. I'm definitely going to screenshot my confirmation email like you suggested and maybe bookmark that Claimyr service in case I need to call. Thanks for sharing your experience and congrats on getting through the process! 👍

Just wanted to add that your mom should also ask about emergency aid when she applies! Since she's caring for the kids due to your sister's sudden incarceration, she might qualify for immediate temporary assistance while her regular CalWORKs application is being processed. This can help with urgent needs like food, utilities, or clothing for the kids. Also, when she goes to her interview, she should bring any documentation about your sister's incarceration if she has it (like court papers or jail records). This will help establish the timeline and circumstances that led to her taking care of the children. One more tip - if your county has long wait times for interviews, she can ask about doing a phone interview instead of in-person. Many counties offer this option now and it can be much more convenient, especially when you're caring for young kids. Your mom sounds like she's doing an amazing thing taking care of her grandchildren during this difficult time. The system is designed to help families like yours!

I just wanted to share some encouragement - your mom is in a really good position to get approved! Home ownership is absolutely not a barrier for CalWORKs, and grandparents caring for grandchildren is exactly the type of situation the program is designed to support. A few practical tips for the application process: - Apply online at GetCalFresh.org or YourBenefitsNow.org to avoid long office waits - Make copies of all documents before submitting them - Keep a record of when she submits the application - CalWORKs has 30 days to process it - If approved, benefits are retroactive to the application date Also, don't forget about other programs she might qualify for: - CalFresh (food stamps) - separate application but can be done at the same time - Medi-Cal for the kids if they don't already have it - WIC if either child is under 5 (which the 4-year-old is) - Utilities assistance through LIHEAP Your mom is doing something incredible taking in those kids during such a difficult time. The community resources are there to help families exactly like yours navigate these challenges. Wishing you all the best with the application process!

I'm really glad to see this got resolved for you, Emma! This is exactly why this community is so valuable - when the system fails us, at least we have each other for support and advice. System errors seem to be happening way too frequently lately, and it's scary how quickly our benefits can just disappear without warning. I've been on CalWORKs for about a year now and this thread taught me so much - I had no idea about emergency same-day releases at local offices or about Claimyr. I'm definitely saving all these tips for future reference. It's also really helpful to see how persistent everyone had to be to get through to workers. For anyone else reading this who might face similar issues - document everything and don't give up! The system is broken but there are people who will help if you keep pushing.

This whole thread is such a perfect example of why we need each other in this community! Emma, I'm so relieved you got it sorted out - the stress of missing benefits when rent is due is absolutely terrible. I've been on CalWORKs for about 8 months now and stories like this always remind me how fragile our safety net really is. One day you're approved through October, the next day your benefits just vanish due to a "system error." I'm definitely bookmarking all the advice shared here - the Claimyr service, calling at 8 AM sharp, going to the local office for emergency releases, and especially the tip about documenting everything with screenshots. It's scary that these system glitches are becoming more common, but at least we have this community to share solutions and support each other through these bureaucratic nightmares. Thanks to everyone who jumped in to help - this is exactly what mutual aid looks like! 💙