Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like the safest approach is definitely the BenefitsCal written request combined with a phone call for confirmation. I've been on CalWORKs for about 8 months while looking for stable work, and I'm finally in a position where I might be able to transition off too. What I'm taking away from this thread: - Use the exact phrase "voluntarily discontinue CalWORKs Cash Aid" - Submit through BenefitsCal for documentation - Follow up with a phone call for confirmation number - Wait for first paycheck before setting effective date - Be specific about keeping CalFresh/Medi-Cal if you want those The stories about overpayment issues are definitely scary, but it seems like having proper documentation really protects you. I'm bookmarking this thread because the step-by-step advice from people who actually went through this successfully is invaluable. @Connor - sounds like you have a solid plan now! Congratulations on the job offer and good luck with the transition. It's inspiring to see someone taking such a thoughtful approach to getting off benefits the right way.

This is such a valuable thread! I'm currently on CalWORKs and just started interviewing for some promising positions, so this information is incredibly timely for me. Reading through everyone's detailed experiences has given me a much clearer understanding of how to handle the transition properly when my time comes. The consistent advice about using the specific phrase "voluntarily discontinue" rather than just reporting income changes is something I definitely wouldn't have known otherwise. And the emphasis on creating a paper trail through BenefitsCal while also getting phone confirmation seems like the smartest approach to avoid any overpayment issues down the road. I'm particularly grateful for the tips about timing - waiting for that first actual paycheck before setting the effective date, and being specific about keeping CalFresh/Medi-Cal if you're still eligible for those programs. The stories about people who ran into overpayment problems by relying only on phone calls really drive home how important proper documentation is. @Connor - congratulations on your new job! It's clear from this discussion that you're going to handle this transition the right way. Thanks for asking the question that generated such helpful responses from the community. This thread is definitely going to be a resource I refer back to when I'm ready to make my own transition off benefits.

I just wanted to add my experience since I had a PFI about 3 months ago and was in your exact same situation - single mom, been on CalWORKs for about the same amount of time, and completely panicked when I got that letter! What really helped me was calling the office beforehand to confirm the appointment time and asking what specific documents they needed. The worker I spoke with was actually really nice and reassured me that it was standard procedure. During the interview, they asked about my living situation, monthly budget, and if anyone helps me with expenses or childcare. One thing I wish someone had told me - they might ask about any informal work you do, like selling things online or doing hair for friends. I mentioned that I occasionally sell clothes on Facebook Marketplace and they said that was fine as long as I report it if it becomes regular income. The worker was professional and the whole thing felt more like a conversation than an interrogation. My benefits stayed the same and she even gave me information about some utility assistance programs I didn't know about. You're going to do great - just be honest and bring all your paperwork organized!

I had my PFI about 6 weeks ago and wanted to share something that really helped calm my nerves - I brought my mom with me for support! Like others mentioned, you have the right to bring someone, and having her there made me feel so much more confident. The worker was totally fine with it and even included my mom when explaining some of the programs available. One thing I'd add to all the great advice here - if you get emotional or overwhelmed during the interview (I teared up a bit from stress), that's completely normal and the workers understand. My worker actually paused and got me some tissues and reassured me that everything looked fine with my case. Also, after reading through all these responses, I'm struck by how many people had positive experiences! It really shows that these interviews aren't the scary interrogations we imagine them to be. You're clearly a responsible recipient who's been doing everything right, so try to go in with confidence. The fact that you're preparing so thoroughly shows you're exactly the kind of person these programs are designed to help - a caring parent working hard to take care of your kids. You've got this, Cass!

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread! As someone who's been through a messy separation with benefits complications myself about 3 years ago, I wish I had found advice this detailed and helpful when I was going through it. A couple additional things that might help based on my experience: 1. When you do get your separate case set up, make sure to update your emergency contact information in BenefitsCal. During separations, people sometimes forget to change this and it can cause confusion if the county tries to reach your ex about your case. 2. If possible, try to schedule your SAR 3 submission for early in the month rather than near the end. I learned this the hard way - if there are any processing delays near the end of the month, it can affect when your new benefit amounts take effect. 3. Keep a copy of your current EBT card even after the case split. Sometimes there are weird delays in the system and having the old card info can help the eligibility worker troubleshoot if there are any issues with your new benefits loading properly. The system is definitely not perfect, but with all the great preparation advice in this thread, you're setting yourself up for the best possible outcome. Your kids are lucky to have such an organized and caring mom advocating for them during this difficult time. Wishing you all the best!

Just wanted to jump in and add something that really helped me when I went through a similar separation last year - ask your eligibility worker about getting a "case summary letter" before the split happens. This document shows exactly what benefits each person and child was receiving, which becomes super important if there are any disputes or confusion later about who was supposed to get what. Also, since you mentioned your older child has serious medical issues, you might want to contact the Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan (if he's enrolled in one) directly to let them know about the upcoming case changes. Sometimes the managed care plans can put a "protection flag" on accounts for members with ongoing medical needs to prevent any accidental terminations during transitions. One thing I learned the hard way - if your ex is staying temporarily with his brother, make sure he gets some kind of written statement from the brother BEFORE he applies for benefits. Counties are really picky about temporary housing situations and having that documentation ready upfront can prevent delays in processing his application. You're doing all the right things by asking questions and preparing ahead of time. The separation process is hard enough without worrying about losing benefits, but with all the great advice in this thread you should be in good shape. Hang in there!

I'm so sorry you went through all that stress and confusion! As someone who's been navigating CalWORKs for a while, I can tell you that your original worker was definitely giving you incorrect information. It's unfortunately pretty common for workers to misunderstand policies, especially around housing situations. Just wanted to add a couple things that might help others in similar situations: 1. If you're staying somewhere for free, the county might assess it as "in-kind income" but they have to use fair market value calculations - they can't just make you pick a random rent amount. And even if they do count some in-kind income, it usually only reduces your grant slightly, not eliminates it entirely. 2. For documentation, keep records of all your conversations with workers - dates, times, what was said. This really helps when you need to escalate or clarify conflicting information later. 3. The CalWORKs All County Letter (ACL) system has all the official policy guidance. You can actually look these up online if you want to verify what workers are telling you. It sounds like you did everything right by pushing back and asking for a supervisor. That takes courage, especially when you're dealing with pregnancy stress on top of everything else. Hope your case gets resolved smoothly from here!

I'm so glad you were able to get this resolved by speaking with a supervisor! Your story is a perfect example of why it's so important to question things when workers give you information that doesn't sound right. As someone who's helped family members navigate CalWORKs, I can confirm that your original worker was completely wrong on multiple points. You should never be told to make up a rent amount you're not actually paying - that's literally asking you to commit fraud! And the idea that free housing automatically disqualifies you from CalWORKs is just not true. For anyone else reading this who might face similar issues: document everything, don't be afraid to ask for supervisors, and remember that you have the right to understand exactly which policies apply to your situation. Workers sometimes get overwhelmed or confused about complex rules, but that doesn't mean you have to accept incorrect information that could harm your benefits. The address situation you mentioned is also really common - definitely get that other person to update their information ASAP to avoid fraud investigations for everyone involved. Thanks for sharing your experience and the resolution! Stories like this help other community members know what to expect and how to advocate for themselves.

Here's a practical tip I used when my husband had variable income: I created a simple spreadsheet where I recorded each paycheck as it came in and had it automatically total the monthly amount. Then I wrote my IRT amount at the top in bold. As soon as that monthly total exceeded the IRT, I knew I had to report within 10 days. Another important thing to remember is that if you go over your IRT one month, your cash aid will be adjusted for that month, but it doesn't automatically mean you'll lose benefits completely. They recalculate based on the actual income and deductions.

I just went through this same situation a few months ago and it was so stressful! What really helped me was requesting my specific IRT amount in writing from my caseworker - they're supposed to tell you this number on your Notice of Action but sometimes it's buried in all the paperwork. One thing I learned is that you can also submit your income reports through the mail with a return receipt requested if you're worried about documentation. That way you have proof of when you submitted it if there are any questions later. Also, don't feel bad about the confusion - I've been on CalWORKs for 2 years and I'm STILL learning new things about how it all works. The system is incredibly complex and they really don't do a good job explaining it clearly to recipients.