To clarify for everyone: Self-employment for CalWORKs is NET income (gross minus business expenses). For example, if your partner makes $1000 in handyman work but spends $300 on materials, only $700 counts as income for CalWORKs purposes. However, you MUST keep receipts for all expenses you deduct. If they request verification and you can't provide evidence of these expenses, they'll count the full amount as income. Regarding taxes specifically: Counties can and do use tax returns as verification, but they typically focus on more recent income since eligibility is based on current circumstances. That said, significant discrepancies between tax filings and what you've reported to CalWORKs can trigger investigations.

Thanks everyone for the replies! I think I'm going to start keeping better records of everything and make sure what we report monthly matches what goes on the tax return. I'll bring copies of our 2024 return to our next redetermination appointment in September just to be safe. Better to be upfront than deal with overpayments later! I really appreciate all the advice.

did u get like a discontinuance notice in the mail? sometimes they send those but people miss them cuz it looks like regular mail

I'm a benefits advocate, and I've been seeing this issue a lot with the CalSAWS transition. Here's what's happening: The new system is flagging income as "changed" even when it's stable because it's comparing to a different baseline than the old system used. It's a programming issue. Everyone affected should: 1. Request an immediate case review for "administrative error" (use those exact words) 2. Ask for "expedited aid restoration" due to imminent harm (potential eviction) 3. Request retroactive benefits from the date of discontinuance 4. File for a State Hearing using the back of any CalWORKs notice you've received or online at https://acms.dss.ca.gov/ If you request the hearing and specifically check the box for "aid pending" before the 10-day deadline, they must restore your benefits while investigating. The deadline is usually 10 days from the discontinuance notice date - but since you didn't receive notice, argue that the clock hasn't even started. Don't give up! This is a clear violation of your due process rights under MPP Section 22-072.

Since your caseworker might be out tomorrow, here's what I'd recommend: 1. Call the main CalWORKs office number first thing in the morning 2. Explain that your worker is unavailable and you need urgent assistance with an incorrect denial 3. Ask specifically for a "case review by a supervisor" regarding the unemployment verification requirement 4. Use the exact phrase "I am requesting an immediate review of the denial based on verification that is impossible to provide" 5. If you get nowhere with that, say you want to file for a fair hearing immediately Most counties have emergency protocols for situations like yours where you're down to your last dollars. Be very clear about your financial emergency situation. They should be able to process emergency aid even while the main application issue is being resolved.

This same thing happened to my daughter last month! The caseworker kept insisting she needed an unemployment denial letter even though she only worked for 4 months total in the past 2 years. What ended up working was going to the office in person and refusing to leave until they let her speak to a supervisor. The supervisor immediately approved her application once she understood the situation. Sometimes you have to be really persistent to get through the bureaucracy!

I've been helping clients with EBT theft claims for the past year, and there's been significant improvement in processing times. What used to take 30+ days is now typically resolved in 7-14 days if you've properly submitted all documentation. One thing to note: if you've experienced previous theft or have multiple claims, they may scrutinize your case more carefully, potentially delaying the process. Also, make sure to document any hardships the theft is causing (potential eviction, utility shutoffs, etc.) as this can help prioritize your emergency benefits request. For emergency assistance while waiting, also consider applying for programs like: - Emergency housing assistance through your county - Local food banks (211 can direct you) - Utility assistance programs Lastly, please change your PIN immediately and consider changing it monthly going forward. Most theft occurs through skimming devices placed on ATMs or payment terminals.

update us when u get ur money back!! im curious if its really faster now like they saying

My SAR7 is due the same week as yours! One thing - make absolutley sure you hit submit after uploading all your documents on BenefitsCal. The system is super confusing and it looks like you're done after uploading docs but there's actually another submit button at the very end. My friend thought she submitted but actually hadn't completed the final step and her benefits got cut off. Also if your job is below the IRT they gave you, you don't have to report it within 10 days, you can just report it on the SAR7. But if you're unsure, better safe than sorry!

Thank you everyone for all the advice! I decided to submit online through BenefitsCal today. I uploaded my two paystubs and also found a section to enter my work information. The system gave me a confirmation number and said my SAR7 was successfully submitted! I also called my county office (it took forever to get through) and they confirmed my job doesn't put me over my IRT so I didn't need to report it within 10 days. But the worker said I did the right thing reporting it now on my SAR7. I'll still keep an eye out for the paper form in the mail just in case. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly! This is all so stressful when you're trying to work and take care of kids at the same time.

To the person who asked about timeframes for underpayment claims - it took about 10 business days for mine to be processed and the additional funds to be loaded onto my EBT card. However, I had to be extremely persistent and call every other day to check on the status. If you're facing an emergency situation like potential eviction or utility shutoff, be sure to mention that specifically when you talk to your worker. They can sometimes expedite payments in genuine emergency situations.

Update: I finally got this resolved today! After three more calls and asking to speak with a supervisor, they found the original Good Cause paperwork in my case file. The supervisor admitted they're having major issues with the child support cooperation flags in the new system. They're issuing me an emergency supplemental payment for the missing $523 that should be on my EBT card within 3 business days. If anyone else is dealing with this, definitely ask for a supervisor review and use the specific phrase "immediate need payment due to agency error" - that seemed to get things moving faster. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

The county ALWAYS tries to cut people off their benefits!!! They look for ANY reason!! One month over and they act like you're rich forever. My sister had the EXACT same thing happen and they cut her off completely and she had to reapply and it took MONTHS to get back on!!! The system is BROKEN!!!

After reading all the comments, I want to summarize the correct steps for the OP: 1. Report the income change immediately (even though it's late, better late than never) 2. Clearly explain it was a one-time project and provide documentation of regular income 3. Specifically request "income averaging" or "anticipatory budgeting" 4. Bring the past 3 months of pay stubs to show the normal income pattern 5. If they still calculate benefits incorrectly, request a hearing Your benefits may be reduced for the month the $5,000 was received, but should return to normal levels after that if your husband's income returns to normal.

lol dont waste ur time with a new card its not the card thats the problem. its ur case thats on hold for something

UPDATE: I finally got through to my worker! It was definitely the school attendance verification form that was missing. I submitted it today and they said my Cash Aid should be available again in 2-3 business days. Thanks everyone for your help! I really wish the EBT customer service would have just told me this instead of saying nothing was wrong with my card. Would have saved me so much stress!

Great news! Glad you got it sorted out. It's always best to get that direct confirmation from your worker. Make sure to keep your December statement on file for your own records too, just in case there are any questions later.

So glad you got through! It's RIDICULOUS how they stress us out with vague requests. Glad it worked out!!

UPDATE! Finally got through to someone! Turns out there WAS a letter sent 3 weeks ago requesting verification of my new apartment lease (I moved in February). The letter got lost in the mail or something because I never received it. The worker I spoke with was actually helpful and said she'd release the payment tomorrow once I email her a copy of my lease. So if anyone else has this issue - KEEP CALLING and check if they need documents from you!

glad u got it fixed! this happens way too often tbh. i always take pictures of every paper i give them now and ask for receipt numbers for everything. ive been on calworks for 3 years and learned the hard way lol