This thread has been incredibly eye-opening and helpful! I'm currently in week 4 of waiting after my CalWORKs interview and was starting to panic that I'd done something wrong with my application. Reading Logan's success story gives me so much hope - the fact that it was just employer verification holding things up (without them telling you!) is exactly what I was worried about happening to me. I've tried calling multiple times but keep getting disconnected after 2+ hour waits. I'm definitely going to try that 8am sharp strategy and ask specifically "what verification are you waiting for?" instead of accepting the usual "still processing" response. The tip about mentioning "immediate need" for housing emergencies is crucial too since my rent is already late. It's absolutely ridiculous that we have to strategize this hard just to get basic information about our own cases when we're already stressed about bills and kids' needs. But this community sharing their knowledge and experiences means everything. Thank you everyone for proving that persistence works and we're not alone in dealing with this broken system - I feel so much more equipped to advocate for myself now!

This thread is so incredibly helpful and reassuring! I'm currently on day 12 after my CalWORKs phone interview and was starting to worry I'd missed something or made a mistake. Reading Logan's update about finally discovering it was employer verification holding things up (without anyone telling him for weeks!) is both frustrating and relieving - frustrating that the system works this poorly, but relieving to know these delays aren't necessarily our fault. I've been calling randomly throughout the week and either can't get through or get disconnected after waiting forever. The 8am calling strategy mentioned by multiple people makes so much sense - I'm definitely trying that Monday morning. And asking specifically "what verification are you waiting for?" instead of accepting "still processing" as an answer is brilliant advice I never would have thought of. The tip about requesting expedited processing for housing emergencies is really important too. It's heartbreaking how many people in this thread are dealing with the same runaround when we're already struggling to cover basic needs like rent and food for our kids. But seeing this community come together to share strategies and support each other gives me hope that we can navigate this broken system. Thank you everyone for proving that persistence pays off and we're definitely not alone in this fight!

As someone who just submitted my CalWORKs application a few days ago and is nervously waiting for approval, this thread has been both terrifying and incredibly educational! @Anastasia Sokolov I can't even imagine the panic you must have felt when you couldn't access your benefits with hungry kids depending on you - that's honestly my biggest fear about relying on these benefits for the first time. But I'm so grateful you shared this experience because it's taught me (and clearly so many other newcomers) exactly what to expect and how to handle these situations. I had absolutely no clue about the PIN lockout system or that your benefits stay secure even when the card is locked - that's actually really reassuring to know it's just a security measure! Reading through everyone's responses has been like getting a masterclass in EBT management that I wish they covered during the application process. I'm already taking notes on all the tips: writing down my PIN securely once I get my card, saving the EBT customer service number, downloading the Connect EBT app, remembering those off-peak calling times, and definitely checking out that Claimyr service to avoid those awful hold times. Thank you for turning what must have been such a frightening experience into a learning opportunity for all of us. This community's support and practical knowledge is amazing - it makes navigating this whole system feel so much less overwhelming for newcomers like me!

As someone who just got my CalWORKs approval letter this week and is picking up my EBT card tomorrow, this whole thread has been absolutely invaluable! @Anastasia Sokolov I'm so sorry you experienced that panic - the thought of being locked out when you need to buy groceries for your kids is honestly my worst nightmare as someone about to rely on these benefits for the first time. This conversation has been like a crash course in EBT troubleshooting that I desperately needed but never knew existed. I had absolutely no idea about the 4 wrong PIN attempt lockout or that benefits stay safe even when the card is locked - that's actually really reassuring to know it's just a security feature! I'm definitely implementing every single tip shared here before I even activate my card: writing down my PIN and storing it securely, saving the EBT customer service number in my phone, downloading the Connect EBT app immediately, and noting those off-peak calling times for emergencies. The Claimyr service sounds like an absolute lifesaver for avoiding those brutal hold times too! Thank you for being brave enough to share what must have been such a terrifying experience. Your story is going to help so many of us newcomers handle these situations with knowledge instead of panic. This community's willingness to turn stressful experiences into learning opportunities for others is absolutely incredible - it makes navigating these systems feel so much less scary for those of us just starting out!

I'm a newcomer here but dealing with something similar. I've been on CalWORKs for about 6 months and do occasional pet sitting for neighbors. Reading through all these responses is super helpful - I had no idea you could get tax refunds even without traditional employment! What's really encouraging is seeing how many people have been in similar situations and came out ahead financially by filing taxes. The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit sound like they could make a huge difference for families like ours. I'm definitely going to look into those VITA free tax preparation programs mentioned here. It sounds like even if there are some complications with unreported income, the benefits of filing taxes far outweigh the risks. Plus it seems like being proactive and honest about income reporting going forward is the best approach. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - this thread is going to help so many people who are in the same boat!

I'm new to this community but reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a very similar situation - been on CalWORKs for about a year and do some freelance tutoring for cash. I had no idea you could file taxes and potentially get such significant refunds even without traditional W-2 employment. What really stands out to me from everyone's experiences is that filing taxes seems to be overwhelmingly beneficial, even if there are some complications with previously unreported income. The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit amounts people are mentioning ($3,000-$5,000+) are life-changing money for families like ours. I'm definitely going to look into the VITA free tax preparation programs mentioned here and start keeping better records of my tutoring income going forward. It sounds like being honest and proactive about income reporting is always the better approach than avoiding the issue. Thank you to everyone who shared their real experiences - this thread is going to help so many people navigate this confusing situation!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stressful situation! As someone who's also new to navigating CalWORKs, I'm honestly shocked by how many people in this thread have been caught off guard by the automatic child support assignment. It really seems like this should be explained much more clearly during the application process. From reading everyone's experiences here, it sounds like you have a really strong case for good cause, especially since your daughter is already being emotionally affected. The fact that she's asking why daddy seems upset during visits is heartbreaking, but it's also powerful evidence that this formal collection is disrupting her wellbeing - which is exactly what the CF 8572 good cause exemption is meant to protect. I'd definitely recommend documenting everything as thoroughly as possible: how your informal arrangement was working well, the specific ways he was helping (diapers, groceries, etc.), and especially how this surprise garnishment has changed the dynamic during your daughter's visits with her father. The Claimyr service that someone mentioned earlier sounds like it could really help you get through to your caseworker faster than the automated system. It's frustrating that you have to work so hard to fix a problem that better communication could have prevented, but at least you have a clear path forward. I hope you can get this resolved quickly before it causes any more stress for your family. Your daughter shouldn't have to witness tension during what should be happy time with her dad. Please keep us updated on how the good cause determination goes!

I'm so sorry you're going through this! As someone who just started receiving CalWORKs benefits myself, reading through this thread has been really eye-opening about policies they don't explain clearly upfront. It's honestly shocking how many families get blindsided by this automatic child support assignment. From all the helpful advice everyone has shared, it sounds like you have several good options to explore, especially the CF 8572 good cause form. The fact that your 3-year-old is already noticing the tension and asking why daddy seems upset is both heartbreaking and strong evidence that this formal collection is affecting her wellbeing - which is exactly what good cause exemptions are designed to protect. I'd definitely recommend documenting everything thoroughly like others have suggested: your working informal arrangement, how he was helping with diapers/groceries/etc., how the surprise garnishment caught you both off guard, and especially how this is impacting your daughter's relationship with her father. It's so unfair that a child has to witness stress during what should be happy visits with her dad. The Claimyr service that someone mentioned earlier sounds like it could really help you bypass the useless automated system and actually get through to your caseworker about getting that form started. It's really frustrating that CalWORKs puts families in these impossible positions without proper warning. You shouldn't have to choose between getting help and maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship that benefits your daughter. I hope you can get this resolved quickly - please keep us updated on how the good cause application goes!

Hey there! I just went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago with my daughter. The expedited CalFresh is such a relief when you need it - sounds like you're already on the right track getting that temp EBT card! For the CalWORKs verification, definitely get a specific checklist from your worker. In my experience, they usually need proof of identity for everyone in the household, income verification (like those paystubs you mentioned), proof of housing costs (your rental agreement), and sometimes utility bills or bank statements. The key is getting it ALL in at once rather than piecemeal - that's what caused delays for me the first time around. One tip that really helped me: when you submit documents through BenefitsCal, name your files clearly like "Smith_Rental_Agreement_March2025.pdf" instead of random numbers. Makes it easier for them to find and process everything quickly. Also keep checking your account online - sometimes they'll update your case status there before calling you. The cash aid approval really can take the full 30 days, but once it comes through it's such a weight off your shoulders. You're doing everything right by staying proactive and asking questions here. This community was a lifesaver for me when I was navigating all this for the first time. Hang in there!

I'm really glad to see this community helping each other out with such detailed, practical advice! As someone who's been through the CalWORKs and CalFresh application process myself, I can definitely relate to how overwhelming and confusing it all feels at first. @JaylinCharles it's great that you got your food benefits loaded so quickly! That $768 will definitely help while you wait for the cash aid decision. One thing I'd add to all the excellent advice here is to make sure you understand your ongoing reporting requirements once you're approved. For CalWORKs, you'll typically need to report any changes in income, household composition, or living situation within 10 days. Missing these reports can cause benefit interruptions down the line. Also, if you're working part-time (which it sounds like you are based on needing paystubs), make sure you understand how your work income will affect your benefit amounts. CalWORKs has earnings disregards that let you keep more of your benefits even while working, but the calculations can be confusing. Your caseworker should explain this, but don't hesitate to ask for clarification if it doesn't make sense. The verification process really is the most frustrating part, but once you're in the system and understand the requirements, it gets much more manageable. Keep advocating for yourself and don't be afraid to ask questions - you deserve the support these programs provide!