This thread is incredibly valuable! I'm a single parent who just started receiving CalWORKs and CalFresh a few months ago, and I had no idea about any of these rules around late SAR 7 submissions. The 30-day cure period is such important information that I wish was explained better when you first get approved for benefits. Reading everyone's experiences really highlights how much the outcome depends on which worker you get and how well they know the system. I'm definitely going to set multiple reminders for my SAR 7 deadlines and keep screenshots of any submissions as proof. Thank you to everyone who shared practical tips like using Claimyr to get through phone lines and specific language to use when requesting restoration. It's also reassuring to know that going to the county office in person is an option if phone calls aren't working. This community is such a lifeline for navigating this complex system!

This thread has been incredibly educational for me as someone who's relatively new to the CalWORKs system! I had a close call with my SAR 7 deadline last month - submitted it literally on the last day and was sweating bullets the whole time. Reading about everyone's experiences with late submissions and the 30-day cure period is such valuable information that I wish was more clearly communicated when you first get approved. The fact that CalWORKs and CalFresh can be processed separately even though you submit one form explains so much confusion I've had about the system. I'm definitely implementing the advice about setting early reminders and keeping submission screenshots. It's also great to know about resources like Claimyr for getting through those impossible phone lines - I've wasted entire days trying to reach someone before. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and practical tips. This community's collective knowledge is amazing and it's clear how much people here genuinely want to help each other succeed in navigating these complex systems!

Wow, this thread has been such a goldmine of information! I'm brand new to CalWORKs (just got approved last month) and had no idea what I was getting into with BenefitsCal. My caseworker mentioned I'd need to set up an account but didn't warn me about any of these technical issues. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like the main culprits are: using client ID instead of case number, not typing names in ALL CAPS, address formatting mismatches, and using outdated document numbers. The fact that something as basic as "Ave" vs "Avenue" can break the entire system is honestly ridiculous for a platform people depend on for their basic needs. I'm definitely going to try the case number + ALL CAPS approach that worked for so many people here, and I'll call my worker first to verify exactly how they have my address formatted in their system. It's also really reassuring to know about the manual linkage form and 30-day grace period as backup options - takes some of the pressure off knowing technical glitches won't actually cost me my benefits. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share what worked for them! This community support makes navigating these broken government systems so much more manageable. I'll definitely report back once I attempt linking my account to add another data point for future people struggling with this mess.

Welcome to the community! As someone who just went through this exact nightmare a few weeks ago, I completely feel your pain. This thread has become an incredible resource - I wish I had found it before spending days pulling my hair out trying to link my account! Your strategy sounds spot-on based on everything shared here. The case number + ALL CAPS combo really does seem to be the magic solution for most people. One thing I'd add from my own experience - when you call your caseworker to verify your address, also ask them to confirm which county code your case number starts with. I was accidentally trying to use an old case number from when I lived in a different county, which explained why nothing was working. Also, don't get discouraged if it takes a few attempts even with all the right information. The system itself is just glitchy - sometimes the same exact info that failed yesterday will work today. I actually had to try three different times with the same correct information before it finally went through. The fact that this community has essentially created a better troubleshooting guide than anything the state provided really says it all about how poorly this rollout was handled. But at least we're all helping each other navigate the mess! Looking forward to hearing your success story soon.

I'm in Alameda County and just went through this process last month! Applied February 18th, interview February 28th, approved March 8th - so 8 days after my interview. The EBT card arrived 3 days later and cash was available immediately. I was in your exact situation - down to about $43 with rent due and absolutely terrified. What saved me was calling first thing the morning after my interview and using the exact wording everyone else mentioned: "I have less than $100 and my rent is due next week - I need to request immediate need payment." They approved it within 2 business days! Since you have kids under 6, definitely mention that every single time you call - it really does expedite your case. Also, they'll backdate your benefits to your application date, so your first payment will be larger. Here's what worked for me: - Call RIGHT at 8 AM when they open - I got through in under 5 minutes - Keep your case number handy - If your worker isn't available, ask for any eligibility worker who can process immediate need - Ask about expedited EBT card delivery too One thing I wish I'd known - you can also ask about emergency rent assistance through the county while you're waiting. Some counties have additional programs specifically for families with young children facing eviction. The waiting is absolutely nerve-wracking when you're in survival mode, but with two young kids and your financial situation, you clearly qualify for emergency help. Call tomorrow morning and advocate for yourself - you deserve this assistance! The system works when you know what to ask for. You've got this! 💪

I'm in Solano County and went through this exact process just three weeks ago! Applied March 1st, interview March 8th, approved March 18th - so 10 days after my interview. The EBT card came 4 days later and cash was available right away. I was in almost your identical situation - down to $37 with rent due in a week and completely panicking about eviction with my 2-year-old. What absolutely saved me was calling the very next morning after my interview and saying exactly what everyone here has mentioned: "I have less than $100 and my rent is due next week - I need to request immediate need payment." They approved it in just 2 business days and it was literally a lifesaver! A few specific things that helped me: - Call RIGHT at 8 AM when they open - I got through in about 7 minutes vs hours later in the day - Have your case number ready and mention your kids under 6 immediately - Ask about both immediate need payment AND expedited processing for your full application - If your assigned worker isn't available, ask for any eligibility worker - they can all process immediate need requests One additional tip - ask about the CalWORKs Housing and Homeless Prevention (HHP) program while you're at it. With two young kids and facing potential eviction, you might qualify for additional emergency rental assistance that's separate from your regular benefits. The anxiety is absolutely brutal when you're down to your last dollars with kids depending on you, but everyone's advice here is spot-on. With your situation, you clearly meet all the criteria for emergency help. Set that alarm for 7:45 AM and call first thing tomorrow - you've got this! 🙏

To summarize what everyone's saying: While there's no automatic system that will immediately cut your benefits if your mother claims your child on taxes, it creates a contradiction that could cause problems. For CalWORKs, you're saying you have primary responsibility for your daughter. For IRS purposes, your mother would be claiming she provides more than half of your daughter's support. If you want to avoid potential complications with your benefits, the safest approach is to make sure your tax filing is consistent with what you report to CalWORKs. This means you should be the one claiming your daughter as a dependent.

Smart decision! I went through something similar and learned that consistency across all government systems is crucial. Your mom probably means well, but the potential risk to your stability just isn't worth it. One thing to consider - if your mom is providing significant support through childcare and purchasing items for your daughter, make sure you're accurately reporting any cash assistance she gives you on your SAR7 forms. The county needs to know about all sources of support, but as long as your daughter lives with you primarily and you're her main caretaker, you should be fine claiming her on taxes yourself. Also, once you complete your WTW program and get stable employment, you might be able to revisit the tax situation with your mom if circumstances change. But for now, protecting your Cash Aid is the priority.

Victoria, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's situation - my heart goes out to you during this incredibly stressful time! 💙 I wanted to share something that might help that I learned when my aunt had to do a similar move from California to Colorado a couple years ago. Colorado actually has something called a "presumptive eligibility" process for people in emergency situations like yours. When you apply, make sure to mention that you're moving due to a family medical emergency - they can sometimes approve temporary benefits while your full application is being processed. Also, regarding your question about timing - definitely report your move to California immediately, but ask them to make the closure effective on your actual move date (the 15th). This way you'll get your benefits for the first half of the month but won't risk any overpayments after you leave. One more thing - Colorado requires an interview for TANF applications, but they often do phone interviews for people who are new to the state or in urgent situations. When you call to schedule, explain that you're caring for a sick family member and see if they can expedite the interview process. You're being so strong handling all of this while worrying about your mom. Make sure to take care of yourself too during this transition! Everyone here has given amazing advice - you've definitely got this! 🙏✨

Victoria, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom's health situation - sending you and your family lots of strength during this incredibly difficult time! 💙 I haven't personally gone through an out-of-state move with CalWORKs, but I wanted to offer some support and add a couple things that might help. Everyone here has given such amazing detailed advice about the process - this community really shows up for each other! One thing I wanted to mention is that you might want to ask California about getting a copy of your entire case file before you close it. Sometimes having your complete history (income verification, work activity records, etc.) can be helpful when applying in a new state, even though the programs are separate. Also, don't forget to update your mailing address with California even after you close your case - they might need to send you tax documents or other important paperwork next year, and you'll want to make sure you receive anything related to your case closure. I know this is such an overwhelming time with everything you're dealing with, but from all the responses here, it sounds like you have a really solid plan now. You're doing such an incredible thing by dropping everything to care for your mom. Wishing you the smoothest possible transition and hoping your mom gets the care she needs! 🙏 Keep us updated on how it all goes - we're all rooting for you!