I'm so glad this thread has been helpful for you @Zainab Mahmoud! As someone who's also navigating the California benefits system, I wanted to add one more resource that might be useful during your transition. The National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment has a state-by-state comparison tool that shows different benefit amounts and requirements across states. It might help you prepare mentally for the changes you'll see moving from California to Nevada. You can find it by searching "NCBOE state comparison" online. Also, since you mentioned your daughter has upcoming appointments, consider asking her current doctors if they can provide referrals to specialists in the Las Vegas area. Having those referrals ready can help ensure continuity of care once you get Nevada Medicaid approved. The strength and love you're showing by uprooting your life to care for your mom is truly inspiring. This community's response to your situation has been beautiful to witness - so much practical wisdom and genuine support. You're going into this move much better prepared thanks to everyone's input. Sending you and your family positive thoughts for a smooth transition and your mom's recovery! 💙

This thread has been absolutely incredible to read through! @Zainab Mahmoud, I'm so sorry about your mom's stroke and the stress you're facing with this sudden move. The outpouring of detailed, practical advice from this community has been amazing to witness. I wanted to add one more small tip that helped me when I had to navigate a complex benefits situation - consider keeping a simple log/journal of all your calls, applications, and communications during this transition. Write down dates, times, who you spoke with, and what was discussed. This documentation can be really helpful if any issues come up later or if you need to reference previous conversations. Also, since you're moving to Las Vegas and several people mentioned local resources, the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District has computers and free wifi if you need to access online applications or print documents once you arrive. They also have staff who can sometimes help with basic computer tasks if you're not comfortable with the online systems. The comprehensive guidance you've received here - from reporting requirements to specific Nevada programs to local Las Vegas resources - is truly remarkable. You have such a solid roadmap now for this transition. Your dedication to caring for your mom while managing all these logistics shows incredible strength. Wishing you and your family a smooth move and hoping your mom's recovery goes well! This community is truly special. 💙

I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm currently in the middle of my CalWORKs application and was having the exact same worries about the father situation. Reading through everyone's experiences has been incredibly reassuring - I had convinced myself that not having complete information would automatically disqualify me, but it's clear from all your stories that honesty and willingness to cooperate are what really matter. I only have very basic details to provide (just a first name and general timeframe), but seeing how understanding the caseworkers can be when you're upfront about your situation gives me so much confidence. This community is amazing for showing that these complicated family circumstances are way more common than we think, and the system does account for that reality. Thank you all for being so open about your personal experiences - it makes navigating this process feel so much less scary when you know others have successfully walked this path before!

I'm new to this community and just starting my CalWORKs application process. Reading through all these experiences has been incredibly helpful and reassuring! I was also really worried about the father situation with my application - I don't have much information to provide either. It's such a relief to see from everyone's stories that cooperation is what they're really looking for, not perfect information. The fact that so many people have successfully gotten approved despite not knowing complete details about the father gives me a lot of confidence. I was afraid I'd be judged or that it would hurt my case, but it sounds like the caseworkers understand these situations happen and they're not trying to set anyone up for failure. Thank you all for being so open about your personal experiences - this community support makes navigating these government assistance programs feel so much less intimidating when you realize you're not alone in having complicated family circumstances!

Hi Chloe! I'm new here but wanted to share some encouragement after reading through all these helpful responses. It sounds like you've gotten some really solid advice about the good cause exemption process, and I'm glad to see so many people sharing their positive experiences with it. One thing I'd add is that you might also want to ask about getting connected with a domestic violence advocate or family support services in your area, even if you don't think your situation rises to that level. Sometimes they can provide additional documentation or support letters that help strengthen a good cause claim, and they understand the dynamics of toxic relationships really well. Also, remember that you deserve this help - you're working, you're caring for three young children on your own, and you're being responsible by looking for ways to make ends meet during a difficult time. Don't let anyone make you feel like you're doing anything wrong by applying for benefits you're entitled to. It sounds like you have a solid plan now with gathering those old messages and being upfront about the safety concerns from the start. Wishing you the best with your application, and I hope you get the financial relief you need while you look for better work opportunities!

Hi Chloe! I'm also new to this community and found myself in a very similar situation about a year ago - single mom, already on CalFresh, needed CalWORKs due to work issues, and really worried about the child support requirement because of safety concerns with my ex. I want to echo what everyone has said about the good cause exemption being real and worth pursuing. What really helped me was going into the appointment with a clear timeline written out of concerning incidents, even if I didn't have formal documentation for everything. I included dates (even approximate ones), what happened, and how it made me feel unsafe. The eligibility worker told me that a pattern of threatening or controlling behavior is definitely something they take seriously for good cause determinations. Your mention of "bad arguments" and him causing "problems" when there's contact might be more significant than you think in terms of qualifying for the exemption. Also, I found it helpful to frame it in terms of what's best for the children - that avoiding conflict and maintaining stability for them was important. The workers really do seem to prioritize child welfare in these decisions. Don't let the fear of this requirement keep you from applying. The financial stress you're under with reduced hours is real, and CalWORKs can provide crucial support. You've gotten so much great advice here about being prepared and knowing your options. You've got this!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! Benefit theft is becoming way too common and it's terrifying how vulnerable our accounts are. I actually work for a nonprofit that helps people navigate these situations, and here are a few things that might help: 1. If you haven't already, ask your worker for a "case tracking number" specifically for the theft investigation - this makes follow-ups much easier 2. Request email updates if possible - sometimes workers are better at sending quick status emails than answering phones 3. Keep calling every 3-4 days to check status - the squeaky wheel really does get the grease in these situations For immediate help while waiting, try: - 211 for local emergency assistance (as others mentioned) - Contact your local Community Action Agency - they often have emergency funds for situations exactly like this - If you're religious or open to it, many churches help with groceries/bills regardless of membership Also, I know this is frustrating to hear when you're already stressed, but make sure to check your credit reports too. Sometimes card skimmers get enough info to attempt other types of fraud. You can get free reports at annualcreditreport.com. Hang in there - the system is slow but you WILL get your money back. Most people I've worked with see their cash aid returned within 10-15 business days.

I'm so sorry this happened to you - benefit theft is such a violation and the stress of waiting for your money back while bills are due is just awful. I went through something similar about a year ago when my card got compromised at a gas station. A few things that helped me during the waiting period: - Call your electric company ASAP and explain the situation - most utilities have emergency assistance programs or can put you on a payment plan while you wait for your benefits to be restored - Check if your county has a "Client Advocate" or "Ombudsman" office - they can sometimes push cases through faster when people are facing eviction or utility shutoffs - Document everything with photos - your police report, all the forms you filled out, even screenshots of your account showing the unauthorized withdrawals The timeline really does vary, but in my case it took about 9 days for cash aid and 3 weeks for CalFresh. The immediate need payment you got is huge - at least you can keep your lights on while waiting for the rest. One last tip: when you get your new card, ask if your county offers "transaction alerts" via text or email. Mine sends me a message every time money is spent or withdrawn, so I'd know immediately if it happened again. Hang in there! The system is frustrating but you will get your money back.

BTW did u check if they got ur food stamps too or just the cash aid? sometimes they take everything!

I'm so sorry this happened to you - what a horrible situation to wake up to! I went through something similar about 6 months ago and it's absolutely terrifying. One thing that really helped me was calling my landlord immediately (even on the weekend) and explaining the situation with proof. I took screenshots of my EBT account showing the theft and sent them along with a brief explanation. My landlord actually gave me an extension when they saw it was fraud, not just me being late on rent. Also, make sure you file that police report ASAP on Monday - some counties won't process the benefit replacement without it. And ask your CalWORKs worker about "special circumstances" funding - it's different from regular emergency assistance and can sometimes be approved faster when there's documented fraud involved. For immediate food help this weekend, try calling churches in your area even if you're not religious. Many have weekend food pantries or can connect you with families willing to help. The Salvation Army also sometimes has emergency weekend assistance. Hang in there - this is NOT your fault and there are people who will help you through this!