I'm so sorry you're going through this - it's really frustrating how CalWORKs doesn't clearly explain the child support assignment during the application process! As someone new to this community, I'm honestly shocked reading through all these responses about how many families get blindsided by this automatic policy. From everything I'm learning here, it sounds like you have several good options to explore. The CF 8572 good cause form seems like your best bet, especially since your daughter is already being emotionally affected by the tension this has created between you and her father. The fact that she's asking why daddy seems upset during visits is heartbreaking but also strong evidence that this formal collection is harming her wellbeing. I'd definitely recommend documenting everything thoroughly - the informal support your daughter's father was providing before, how the surprise garnishment caught both of you off guard, and specific examples of how this is affecting your daughter's relationship with him. It sounds like you had a working arrangement that was actually better for your family than this formal collection process. It's really unfair that you have to choose between getting the help you need and maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship. I hope you're able to get through to your caseworker soon and get this sorted out before it causes any more stress for your family. Please keep us updated on how the good cause determination goes - your experience could really help other families facing similar situations!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this confusing and stressful situation! As someone who's also navigating CalWORKs as a single parent, I can totally relate to feeling blindsided by policies they don't explain clearly upfront. Reading through all the responses here, it sounds like you have really solid grounds for a good cause exemption. The fact that your 3-year-old is already picking up on the tension and asking why daddy seems upset is heartbreaking - but it's also exactly the kind of evidence that shows this formal collection is harming your child's wellbeing, which is what the CF 8572 form is designed to address. I'd definitely echo everyone's advice about documenting everything thoroughly: - All the ways your daughter's father was helping informally (sounds like he was doing a lot beyond just diapers!) - Screenshots of texts showing how the surprise garnishment caught you both off guard - Specific examples of how this is affecting your daughter emotionally - Evidence that your informal co-parenting arrangement was actually working better for your family 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 the healthy relationship your daughter has with her father. Definitely try that Claimyr service someone mentioned to get through to your caseworker faster - getting that good cause form started ASAP seems crucial. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this gets resolved quickly for you and your daughter. Please keep us updated on how it goes!

I just wanted to jump in and say how much this thread has helped me understand my options! I'm in a really similar situation - living with family and the tension is getting unbearable. My 4-year-old keeps asking why everyone seems upset all the time and it's breaking my heart. Reading about all these different programs (Housing Support Program, Diversion Services, Family Stabilization Program) has given me so much hope. I had no idea there were this many resources available. I've been putting off making the call to my worker because I was scared they'd just tell me there's nothing they can do, but after seeing how many people here have gotten help, I'm going to be persistent and keep calling until I get answers. The advice about looking at smaller properties and private landlords instead of just apartment complexes is really smart too. I've been getting discouraged by all the strict requirements at the big places, but it sounds like individual homeowners might be more willing to work with families like ours. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and resources - you've all given me the courage to keep pushing for a better situation for my kids. Sometimes you don't realize how much you need to hear "you're doing the right thing" until someone says it. Your kids are lucky to have parents who care enough to fight for a peaceful home! 💙

This thread has been incredibly informative! As someone who works with housing programs, I wanted to add one more resource that hasn't been mentioned yet - the CalWORKs Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP). Even though it's primarily for people with disabilities, they sometimes assist families with children who are experiencing housing instability due to family conflict situations. Also, when you're preparing your rental applications, consider creating a "housing portfolio" that includes not just your income verification but also letters of recommendation from your child's daycare/school, your employer, and even neighbors who can vouch for you being responsible and quiet tenants. This extra documentation can really help differentiate your application from others. One thing I always tell families in your situation: don't feel guilty about prioritizing your children's emotional wellbeing. Living in a tense environment affects kids in ways we don't always immediately see - sleep issues, behavioral changes, anxiety. You're being an excellent parent by recognizing that the current living situation isn't sustainable and taking action to change it. The fact that you're already working part-time while managing CalWORKs shows you're responsible and motivated. Many landlords will appreciate that combination of stability. Keep pushing forward - your kids will thank you for giving them a peaceful home where they can thrive! 💪

Alexis, your positive attitude through all this is really inspiring! I just wanted to add one more thing that helped me when I was in a similar situation - if you have any elderly neighbors or know anyone who gets Meals on Wheels, they sometimes get more food than they can eat and are happy to share extras. Also, some senior centers have community meal programs that welcome families, not just seniors. And here's something I wish someone had told me earlier - when you do get your CalFresh benefits restored, consider shopping at stores that offer double value for your EBT dollars on fresh produce. Many farmers markets and some grocery stores have programs where they'll match your EBT spending on fruits and vegetables, effectively doubling your purchasing power for healthy foods. You mentioned feeling like you're not being a good parent, but honestly, watching how you've handled this crisis - immediately seeking help, researching resources, advocating for your kids - shows you're an amazing parent. Your children are learning resilience and community support from watching you navigate this challenge. That's a valuable life lesson that will serve them well. Keep up the great work! 💚

Liam, I've been following this thread and wanted to add one more resource that might help while you're navigating this situation. Many churches and community organizations run "blessing boxes" or "little free pantries" - these are usually small cabinets or boxes located in neighborhoods where people can take what they need and donate what they can, available 24/7. You can often find them near churches, community centers, or even in residential neighborhoods. Also, if you haven't already, check with your local library - many libraries now have social workers on staff or host regular visits from benefits counselors who can help with CalFresh applications and appeals. They might also have information about emergency assistance programs specific to your area. Your story really resonates with me because I went through something similar when my husband was laid off unexpectedly. The stress of not being able to provide basic needs for your family is overwhelming, but the way you've reached out and advocated for your children shows incredible strength. Your kids will remember that when things got tough, you didn't give up - you found solutions and built community support. That's powerful parenting right there. Hoping your benefits get restored quickly! 🙏

Hi Ellie! Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🎉 I just want to echo what everyone else has said - definitely report it as soon as possible. I'm a CalWORKs recipient too and I've learned that it's always better to over-report than under-report changes. When I had major life changes, my worker always appreciated me being proactive about letting them know. One thing I don't think anyone mentioned yet is that you should ask about the Cal-Learn program if you're a student or thinking about going back to school. Pregnant and parenting teens/young adults can get extra support through that program. Also, make sure to ask if your county has any emergency assistance programs - some have special funds for pregnant women who need help with things like maternity clothes or baby supplies. The fact that you're asking all these questions shows you're already being such a thoughtful and responsible mom! Don't stress too much about the phone call - the workers deal with pregnancy reports all the time and they know exactly what benefits and programs you might qualify for. You've got this! 💕

Hey Ellie! Congratulations on your pregnancy! 🎉 As someone who works closely with CalWORKs recipients, I can't stress enough how important it is to report your pregnancy right away. You're absolutely doing the right thing by asking these questions! A few things I wanted to add that might be helpful: When you call, ask specifically about the Pregnant Woman Supplemental Nutrition benefit - it's separate from the regular food assistance and provides additional monthly support. Also, if you're currently required to do any work activities or job search requirements, pregnancy gives you an automatic exemption, so make sure they update that in your case. One tip for getting through to your worker faster - try calling right when they open at 8 AM or during lunch hours around 12-1 PM when the hold times are usually shorter. If you do get disconnected, ask for your worker's direct extension so you can try reaching them directly next time. You're already showing what a great mom you'll be by being so proactive about this! Don't worry about "messing up" - pregnancy is a common change they handle all the time, and there are so many programs designed to help you and your baby. You've got this! 💕

I'm really sorry to hear about your dad's situation - this is unfortunately such a common problem that many families face during the annual Social Security COLA adjustments. Reading through all these responses, it's clear that what happened to your dad is part of a systemic issue where the "cost of living increase" actually leaves people worse off financially. From everything shared here, it sounds like you have a solid plan of action: getting that Action Letter, requesting the benefit calculation breakdown, and looking into whether medical expenses are being properly deducted. The suggestion about finding a senior advocate through your Area Agency on Aging seems especially valuable - having someone who knows the system advocate for your dad could make all the difference. It's also worth noting that while this reduction might be "correct" according to their formulas, it doesn't make it any less frustrating or unfair. The fact that seniors end up with less total income after a supposed cost-of-living increase really highlights how broken these systems can be. Hang in there and don't give up - it sounds like you're being a great advocate for your dad, and hopefully you can get some clarity and maybe even find additional programs he's eligible for that could help offset this loss.

I'm new to this community but dealing with a similar situation with my elderly neighbor who asked me to help figure out what happened to her benefits. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly educational - I had no idea how the Social Security COLA adjustments could actually leave people worse off financially. What strikes me most is how many people are experiencing the exact same issue but struggling to get clear answers from the county systems. The phone system sounds absolutely broken, and it's concerning that so many elderly folks are left confused and frustrated trying to understand changes to their only source of income. The advice here about requesting Action Letters, getting benefit calculation breakdowns, and connecting with senior advocacy organizations through the Area Agency on Aging seems really solid. I'm definitely going to help my neighbor pursue these options. It's also eye-opening to learn about programs like LIHEAP and the Medicare Savings Program that might provide additional support. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and practical advice - this thread should honestly be bookmarked as a resource for anyone dealing with these benefit calculation issues. The community support here is amazing!