Once you submit your SAR-7 and paystubs online, I'd recommend taking a screenshot or printing the confirmation page. In my experience working with benefit programs, having proof of submission can be crucial if there's any dispute later about whether you submitted on time. Also, don't forget to include information about any changes in your household composition, housing costs, or other income sources - not just your new job. The SAR-7 requires reporting all changes that occurred during the report month.

Hassan, definitely get that moving expense and rent change reported along with your Target paystubs! Since you moved to a cheaper place, that could actually help your case since lower housing costs might mean you qualify for more benefits. When you're filling out the SAR-7 online, there should be a section for housing expenses where you can update your new rent amount. Also, if you have any receipts from your move (truck rental, deposits, etc.) keep those handy in case they ask for verification. The combination of new job income + lower rent might actually work out better for your benefit amount than you think!

u shud also apply 4 WIC if u havent already. its seprate from calworks but gives u food 4 pregnant women and kids under 5. formula is expensive AF so get on that program now

I want to add something important that others haven't mentioned. The pregnancy special need payment is separate from the Maximum Aid Payment (MAP) increases. If you're in the second trimester and verified your pregnancy, you get both: (1) the $47 special needs payment AND (2) your MAP increases because your household size is considered one larger while pregnant. So you actually get more than just the $47 that people are mentioning. When I was pregnant last year, my cash aid went up by about $150 total between both changes.

I had my phone recertification about 3 weeks ago and it took roughly 45 minutes. A few things that really helped me prepare: 1. I called right at 8 AM when they opened - only waited about 15 minutes to get through 2. Had all my documents spread out on my kitchen table so I could grab anything quickly 3. Made sure my phone was fully charged and used a landline as backup 4. Kept a pen and paper handy to write down any important info or reference numbers They asked me pretty much everything that was on the SAWS 2, but also some additional questions about my living situation and whether anyone else contributes to household expenses. One thing that caught me off guard was they wanted to know about any cash I had on hand that day - apparently that counts toward your asset limit. My case was approved the same day and my EBT card was loaded within 3 business days. The worker was actually really nice and explained everything clearly. Just make sure you speak up if you can't hear them well - the phone quality isn't always great. You got this!

I just went through my phone recertification in February and wanted to share a few things that really helped me be prepared. The whole process took about 50 minutes, but that included some time where my worker had to look up something in my file. Here's what I'd recommend having ready: - Last 30 days of pay stubs (they asked for specific dates and amounts) - Current rent receipt or lease agreement - Utility bills from the last month - Childcare provider information and receipts if applicable - Any medical insurance cards or documentation - Your Social Security cards for you and your kids - School enrollment verification for your children One thing that really surprised me was they asked detailed questions about my transportation to work - like how I get there, how much I spend on gas or bus fare, etc. They also wanted to know if I had any savings goals or plans to change jobs in the next 6 months. The worker told me that since my case was straightforward like yours (same job, same housing, same family size), the interview would likely be on the shorter side. She also mentioned that they're required to go through every section of the SAWS 2 even if nothing changed, but it goes much faster when people have their documents organized. My advice is to treat it like you're gathering documents for taxes - be thorough and have everything in one place. Good luck!

This thread is such a valuable resource! Ava, I'm so glad you got your benefits restored - what you went through is exactly why I joined this community. As someone who's been on CalWORKs for about 6 months now, reading your experience has me double-checking everything about my own case. The fact that a $47 overage plus a mailing address error almost cost you your housing is absolutely infuriating, but your persistence in going to the office in person shows what it sometimes takes to get real help. I've bookmarked this thread because the advice about proactively submitting pay stubs and verifying addresses across all departments is so practical. One thing that really stood out to me is how helpful this community was in guiding you through the process - from calculating your income to suggesting you file for a state hearing to giving you that step-by-step plan for the office visit. It's proof that we're stronger when we support each other through these bureaucratic mazes. Thank you for taking the time to update us with the resolution. Stories like yours help the rest of us know what to watch out for and how to advocate for ourselves when things go wrong!

Wow, what an emotional rollercoaster this thread has been! Ava, I'm so incredibly relieved you got your benefits restored - reading through your entire journey from panic to resolution really highlights both the worst and best parts of navigating these systems. The fact that you were cut off for being just $47 over your IRT while they were sending notices to the wrong address is a perfect example of how the system can fail people who are doing everything right. It's maddening that they discontinued your entire benefit instead of just reducing it, especially when the communication breakdown was on their end! But what really stands out to me is how this community came together to help you. From Miguel's initial insight about the IRT, to Zainab's detailed action plan, to everyone sharing their own experiences - it's proof that peer support can make all the difference when you're dealing with bureaucratic nightmares. As someone who's been on CalWORKs for about 8 months, I'm definitely taking notes from this thread: submit pay stubs proactively, verify addresses across ALL departments, know my exact IRT, and never give up on fighting for what I'm entitled to. Your persistence in going to the office and waiting 3 hours shows what it sometimes takes to get real help. Thank you for sharing your full story and keeping us updated. Stories like yours help all of us better navigate these complicated systems and remind us that we're not alone in these struggles!

Great to hear you got the forms printed and are making progress! Just a heads up - when you submit your SAWS 2 PLUS, make sure you include verification for any bank accounts you have, even if the balance is low. They'll want to see statements for the month you're reporting. Also, if you have any changes to your household composition or living situation since your last recert, make sure to note that clearly on the forms. The county workers are really strict about cross-referencing everything between the SAR 7 and SAWS 2 PLUS, so consistency is key. You're doing great getting this done early instead of waiting until the last minute!

If you're still having trouble getting through to your caseworker by phone, try calling right when they open in the morning - usually 8 AM. I've found that's when you're most likely to get through before the phone lines get jammed. Also, some counties have walk-in hours for urgent issues like recertification deadlines. You might want to check your county's website to see if they offer that option. It sounds like you're on the right track with downloading and filling out the forms though! Just make sure to submit them with plenty of time before your deadline in case there are any issues.