Just to clarify on the CalFresh increase after job loss - yes, you SHOULD get more food stamps when your income decreases. However, it's not automatic. You need to report your job loss as a change in circumstances. If you already provided your final pay stub, that's a good start, but make sure they've actually processed it as a change. And regarding the CalWORKs timeline - regular applications should be processed within 30 days, but they often take the full time. That's why pushing for expedited CalFresh (3 days) is so important in your situation.

So glad to hear you got through and are getting the expedited CalFresh processed! That's a huge relief. Just a heads up - once your CalFresh benefits get loaded, you might want to prioritize buying non-perishable staples first (rice, beans, pasta, canned goods) since those will stretch furthest if there are any delays with your regular CalWORKs application. Also, many stores have sales on diapers around the holidays, so keep an eye out for deals to make that diaper stipend go further. You're doing great advocating for your family - it's exhausting having to fight for basic assistance when you're already struggling, but you pushed through and got results. Hope things start looking up soon!

This story makes me SO MAD. The system acts like we're criminals for having family in other states or needing to travel! I had a similar investigation when my car broke down in Nevada and I was stuck there for 3 weeks. The worker accused me of "abandoning California residency" even though I had an apartment and job here! The whole thing is ridiculous - we're allowed to TRAVEL. Having a baby is a legit medical reason to get help from family. The system is broken when they treat normal life situations like fraud. Good luck with your case - stand your ground and don't let them intimidate you!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress, especially with a newborn and toddler! This is actually more common than you think. I went through something similar when I had to stay with my sister in Oregon for 2 months after my c-section because I had complications and needed help. Here's what worked for me: I gathered EVERYTHING that showed I never stopped being a California resident - my lease agreement, utility bills that stayed in my name, bank statements showing I was still paying my CA rent, even receipts from stores near my apartment before I left and after I got back. The key thing is to show this was TEMPORARY and MEDICAL. Your pregnancy complications are a legitimate reason under CalWORKs rules. Don't let them make you feel like you did something wrong - you were taking care of your health and your children! If they won't listen, definitely ask for a supervisor or file an appeal. And document everything - write down the date/time of every conversation and what was said. You've got this mama! 💪

Thanks everyone for the helpful answers! I'm definitely going to apply for some part-time jobs now. Sounds like I'll be able to keep enough of what I earn to make it worthwhile. I'll make sure to check my IRT before I start and report properly if I go over it. Really hoping to save enough for a car by the end of the year!

Great advice from everyone here! Just wanted to add that when you do start working, keep track of ALL your work-related expenses like uniforms, gas, parking, etc. You can deduct some of these from your earned income when calculating your CalWORKs grant, which means you get to keep even more of what you earn. My county worker helped me figure this out and it made a real difference. Also, if you're looking for part-time work, retail and food service jobs are usually pretty flexible with scheduling around your kids' needs. Don't give up if the first few applications don't work out - it took me about 6 weeks to find the right fit but it was so worth it!

just so u know when they finally fix it they OWE U all the money from the months they didnt pay!!! dont let them tell u different!!! my friend had 6 months of back benefits when they finally fixed her case and she got like $4800 all at once! make sure they pay u for EVERY month u were eligible!!!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - it's absolutely infuriating and you shouldn't have to go through months without support for you and your kids. A few additional suggestions that have helped others in similar situations: Try calling the CalWORKs State Hearing Division directly at 1-800-743-8525 and requesting an "expedited fair hearing" due to hardship. They can sometimes put pressure on the county to resolve cases faster. Also, if you have any local food banks or churches, many have emergency assistance programs that can help with rent or utilities while you're fighting this. The 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1) can connect you to local emergency resources. One more thing - when you do finally get through to someone, ask them to put a "flag" on your case for urgency due to having minor children and no income. This sometimes helps prioritize your file. You're not alone in this struggle, and don't give up. The system is broken but your persistence will pay off eventually. Hang in there! 💙

I want to address a few misconceptions I'm seeing in this thread: 1. The county should NOT freeze your upcoming benefits while investigating a theft claim. Those are separate issues. 2. You don't need to wait for your theft claim to be resolved before applying for Homeless Assistance - these are separate programs and you can access Homeless Assistance immediately if you're at risk of eviction. 3. There is no direct deposit option for benefit theft replacements - they always issue paper checks for security reasons. 4. The 30-day timeline is the maximum allowed by state regulations, not a suggestion. If you're having trouble reaching anyone, I strongly recommend going in person to your county office if possible. Theft claims with eviction risk should be prioritized.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - EBT theft is incredibly stressful, especially when you're facing eviction. I went through something similar earlier this year and here's what I learned: The 30-day timeline others mentioned is correct, but don't wait passively. Document every call you make (date, time, who you spoke with if anyone). If you can't get through by phone, definitely go in person like Sasha suggested. Bring copies of your police report, the theft claim form, and any eviction notices from your landlord. Also, ask specifically about "Immediate Need" payments - some counties can issue emergency funds within 72 hours for people facing homelessness due to circumstances beyond their control. Your situation definitely qualifies. One more tip: if going in person doesn't work, contact your county supervisor's office. They often have staff who can intervene when constituents aren't getting proper service from county departments. Sometimes political pressure is what it takes to get things moving. Hang in there - you WILL get your money back, it's just a matter of pushing the system to do its job properly.