I've been dealing with BenefitsCal issues for months now and this thread is so validating - at least I know it's not just me! I wanted to add one more tip that helped me: if you're having trouble uploading documents, try reducing the file size of your photos/scans. Sometimes the site times out with larger files. You can use your phone's photo editing to compress images or there are free apps that do it. Also, for anyone who gets their benefits discontinued due to these tech issues, don't give up! You can request a state hearing to get your benefits restored. I had to do this last year when my cash aid got cut off because BenefitsCal "lost" my SAR7 form (even though I had screenshots proving I submitted it). The hearing officer ruled in my favor and I got back pay for the month I missed. It's frustrating that we have to jump through so many hoops just to access the benefits we're entitled to, but knowing your rights and keeping documentation really does help protect you when the system fails.

This whole thread is incredibly helpful! I'm a newer CalWORKs recipient and had no idea about so many of these workarounds and rights. The BenefitsCal system has been such a source of stress for me - I thought I was doing something wrong when it kept glitching out. Reading about the state hearing process and "good cause" extensions is really eye-opening. I wish this information was easier to find when you first get on CalWORKs. It feels like they expect you to just magically know all these backup plans and legal protections. I'm definitely going to start documenting everything with screenshots and keeping both digital and physical copies of all my documents. Better to be overprepared than lose benefits over technical issues that aren't even my fault. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is such a lifeline when dealing with these complicated systems!

Hey everyone! I'm fairly new here but wanted to jump in because this conversation is so important. As someone who works with families navigating benefits, I see this confusion about CalWORKs income limits ALL the time. @Yara Khoury - you're definitely not alone in this! The $6k vs $3k confusion happens because different programs have wildly different income limits. It's honestly ridiculous how complicated they make it. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if your income varies month to month (like with freelance work), make sure your worker is calculating your eligibility correctly. They should be looking at your actual monthly income, not projecting based on one high-earning month. Also, if you just started earning more, there might be a grace period or transition benefits available. The system really does set families up to fail with these benefit cliffs. You shouldn't have to choose between earning enough to survive and keeping assistance that helps your family. Have you looked into any local emergency assistance programs while you figure this out? Many counties have short-term help for families transitioning off CalWORKs.

I'm new to this community but going through something very similar right now! I have 5 kids and just got my CalWORKs discontinued last month after my work hours increased. Like you, I was so confused about the income limits - my caseworker had told me different numbers at different times and I couldn't figure out what was accurate. What really helped me was going to my local legal aid office. They have advocates who specialize in benefits and they helped me understand that CalWORKs uses something called "prospective budgeting" - meaning they estimate your future income based on recent earnings. If you have irregular income, they're supposed to average it over a reasonable period, not just use your highest month. The legal aid advocate also helped me file an appeal and request a "continuing benefits pending" hearing, which means you can keep getting benefits while the appeal is being decided. You might still have time to do this if it hasn't been too long since your benefits stopped. I know how overwhelming this all is, especially when you're trying to take care of 7 people. The income limits really are impossibly low for California's cost of living. Hang in there and definitely try to get some advocacy help if you can - it made all the difference for me!

Just wanted to add something that helped me when I went through this with my nephew - keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit. The county has a habit of "losing" paperwork, and having your own copies saved me from having to restart the process multiple times. Also, when you get that school letter, ask them to include the date she enrolled at your address. That creates a clear timeline showing when she moved in with you. Some schools will also note in the letter that she's been attending regularly, which shows stability. One more tip - if your worker seems confused about the caretaker relative rules or gives you wrong information, don't be afraid to ask to speak with a supervisor. Not all workers are familiar with these situations, but supervisors usually know the policy better. You have every right to include your sister on your case as long as she's living with you full-time.

I work with families in similar situations and wanted to share some additional resources that might help. The California Department of Social Services has a specific handbook section (MPP 82-823) that covers adding household members who are caretaker relatives - you can reference this if your worker seems uncertain about the process. One thing I'd recommend is asking your sister if she has her birth certificate or any medical records that show your family relationship. While not always required, having documentation that proves you're siblings can make the process smoother. Also, don't worry too much about your mom's current benefit status. When you add your sister to your case, the county's computer system will automatically check for duplicate enrollment across cases. If there's an overlap, they'll work with you to resolve it - it's not something that will get you in trouble. The most important thing is that you're providing a stable home for your sister during a difficult family time. The CalWORKs program is designed to support exactly these kinds of situations. Make sure to emphasize on your SAR7 that this is a long-term living arrangement, not just temporary babysitting.

This is such valuable information from everyone! I'm in Alameda County and experiencing the same 8am delay with my Cash Aid. What's really frustrating is that my childcare provider expects payment on the 1st when my benefits are supposed to hit, but now I can't access the money until after I've already dropped my kids off. I had no idea about form CW 2218 for hardship accommodation - my caseworker definitely never mentioned this when I explained how the timing was affecting my childcare situation. I'm going to request this form and see if it helps. @Naila Gordon that Claimyr service sounds amazing! I've wasted so many hours on hold trying to get through to my worker about various issues. Having a service that actually gets you connected to a real person would be a game changer. @Sofia Ramirez that's a great tip about the different ATM error messages! I never thought about how the specific message might tell you whether it's a timing issue vs an account problem. That could definitely save some unnecessary trips and gas money. It's crazy how much we're all learning from each other here that we should have been told by the system from the beginning. Thank you @Dana Doyle for starting this conversation - it's helping so many of us figure out what's actually going on!

I'm also dealing with this same timing change and it's been such a headache! I'm in Fresno County and my Cash Aid switched from midnight to 8am availability sometime last fall. Like so many others here, I found out the hard way when I was standing at an ATM at 12:30am trying to get money for an emergency. What I've learned is that you can actually call your county's EBT customer service line the day before your deposit date to confirm the exact time your benefits will be available. They won't always volunteer this information, but if you specifically ask "what time will my Cash Aid be available for withdrawal on [date]" they'll give you the exact window for your county. I've also found that having a backup plan is essential now. I started keeping a small emergency fund (even just $20-30 when possible) from the previous month specifically for situations where the timing doesn't work out. I know that's not always possible when every dollar is stretched, but even that small buffer has saved me from late fees twice. @Dana Doyle definitely look into that CW 2218 hardship accommodation form that @Liam Duke mentioned - if this timing is causing you to get late fees on your rent, that sounds like exactly the kind of situation it's meant to address. And thank you for starting this thread! It's so helpful to know we're not alone in dealing with these changes that nobody bothered to properly announce to us.

Since you're new to CalWORKs, here's another tip that might help: the Semi-Annual Report (SAR 7) is super important to keep your benefits coming without interruption. Make sure you turn it in on time when you get it in the mail (around the 5th month of your certification period). If you miss submitting it, your benefits can be delayed or stopped completely, which could affect your ability to pay rent in the future. Also, if your income changes (you get a job, lose a job, get child support, etc.), you need to report it within 10 days if it puts you over the Income Reporting Threshold (IRT) listed on your approval notice.

Hey StarGazer101! Welcome to CalWORKs! I see you've gotten some great advice already about the payment schedule and withdrawal limits. Just wanted to add that if you're really worried about timing, you can also call the EBT customer service number (1-877-328-9677) to check your balance before heading to the ATM. The automated system is available 24/7 and will tell you exactly how much is available on your card. Also, since you mentioned you're new - make sure to keep all your receipts and paperwork organized from day one. It makes everything so much easier when you have to do your redetermination or if any issues come up with your case. Good luck with getting your rent sorted out!