I just wanted to add something that helped me when I was in a similar situation - consider asking about the CalFresh Employment and Training (E&T) program when you report his new job. If your boyfriend qualifies, it can provide additional support like transportation assistance, work equipment, and even childcare help while he's getting established in his new position. Also, since you mentioned rent going up, make sure to ask about utility assistance programs when you call. Even if your CalWORKs gets reduced, you might still qualify for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) or other utility help that could offset some of the housing cost increases. One more thing - document the date you report the income change and who you spoke with. If there are any issues later with timing or what was reported, having that information can really help resolve things quickly. You're handling this really well by getting informed first. The transition from benefits to work is always stressful, but it sounds like your family is taking positive steps forward. With all the programs and disregards people have mentioned, you might be surprised how much support is still available even with his new income!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share something that really helped when I went through a similar situation. Along with all the great advice everyone's given about reporting income and the various programs available, I'd suggest asking about the "bridging" period when you call. When I reported my partner's new job, our caseworker explained that there's often a gap between when income starts and when benefits get recalculated - sometimes a month or more depending on when you report and when their next processing cycle runs. During that time, you might continue receiving your current benefit amount even though you've reported the change. This isn't something to worry about - it's just how the system works, and they'll adjust everything properly once they process the information. Also, one thing that surprised me was learning about the "retrospective budgeting" vs "prospective budgeting" differences between CalWORKs and CalFresh. They don't always calculate changes the same way or on the same timeline, so you might see your food stamps adjust differently than your cash aid. Your family is making such a positive step forward, and it's clear you care deeply about doing everything right. The fact that you're getting all this information beforehand puts you in such a better position than people who just hope for the best. Wishing you all the luck with this transition!

Hey Aaliyah! I'm also pretty new to CalWORKs and this thread has been so helpful to read through. I'm in a similar boat - my car is starting to have issues and I've been worried about what would happen if I need to replace it. From everything everyone has shared, it sounds like you're doing everything right by being proactive about reporting the purchase. The vehicle exemption policy seems really straightforward - your primary car doesn't count against the resource limit as long as it's used for transportation, which yours obviously is. I love that you went with a Toyota - those are so reliable! And congrats on finally having dependable transportation. I know how stressful it is when your car is constantly breaking down and you can't count on it to get to work. Thanks for asking this question and getting such great responses from everyone. As someone who's still learning all these rules, it's incredibly valuable to see real examples of how this stuff actually works. Hope your call with your worker goes smoothly - sounds like you've got all the info and paperwork you need to make it quick and easy!

Hey Aaliyah! I'm also new to CalWORKs and have been reading through this whole thread - it's been incredibly helpful! Your situation with the car purchase is exactly the kind of thing I would stress about too, so thank you for asking this question. From everything everyone has shared, it sounds like you're totally in the clear. The one vehicle exemption policy seems pretty straightforward, and with your equity being only around $2,000, you're well below the $10,000 resource limit. Plus the fact that you're being proactive about reporting it right away shows you're following all the rules properly. I really appreciate how supportive this community has been in sharing their experiences. As someone still learning how all this works, hearing real stories from people who've actually been through the process makes such a difference. The consistent advice about having paperwork ready and calling promptly seems to be the key to smooth interactions with workers. Congrats on getting a reliable Toyota! Having dependable transportation is such a huge step. Hope your call goes well tomorrow - you've definitely got all the info you need to make it quick and easy. Thanks for starting such an informative discussion that's helping all us newcomers!

Just want to echo what others have said about checking online - your cousin should definitely log into her BenefitsCal account or try the automated phone line. I'm currently on CalWORKs and I've found that sometimes the online system shows when a payment has been "issued" even before it arrives in the mail, which at least gives you peace of mind that it's coming. Also, since she's in LA County and rent is due soon, I'd suggest she be proactive about contacting her worker if the check doesn't arrive by this Friday. Don't wait until the last minute - if there's any issue with the address or the check got lost, it's better to know sooner rather than later so she has time to request a replacement or ask about that emergency assistance option that Sean mentioned. One more thing - make sure she checks her mailbox at the same time every day. My mail carrier comes at different times but usually within the same 2-hour window, so I learned when to expect mail and it helped reduce the anxiety of constantly checking!

I just went through this process myself about 3 weeks ago in LA County! My first CalWORKs check took 8 business days to arrive after approval. What helped me was calling the automated line (1-877-847-3663) with my case number on day 6 to confirm the payment had been issued - it showed up 2 days later. One thing that caught me off guard was that my check was about $200 less than I expected because it was prorated for the partial month. So definitely have your cousin prepare for that possibility if she applied mid-month. If she's really worried about timing for rent, she should ask her worker about Immediate Need assistance ASAP rather than waiting. I wish I had known about that option when I was in a similar situation. Also definitely sign up for USPS Informed Delivery - it's a game changer for knowing exactly when important mail is coming!

I'm also new to CalWORKs (been on Cash Aid for about 7 weeks now with my 9-year-old son) and wow, this thread has been absolutely incredible to find! Like so many others here, I had no idea we could get tax refunds without working. I was actually stressed about tax season because I thought I'd either owe money or there'd be no point in filing at all. Reading everyone's real experiences getting back thousands of dollars with just CalWORKs benefits is giving me so much hope right now. We've been really struggling since I lost my job, and hearing that I could potentially get $3,000-4,000 back with my one child would be absolutely life-changing for us. I'm definitely calling 211 tomorrow to find the nearest VITA location. One question - has anyone had success with the weekend appointments some locations offer? I saw online that some places have Saturday hours during tax season, which would be perfect since I don't have childcare during the week and my son would need to come with me. Thank you all so much for sharing your stories and being so supportive. This community has given me more helpful information in one thread than I've gotten from any official resources. Finally feeling like there might be some financial relief on the horizon!

I'm also new to CalWORKs (just started about 5 weeks ago with my 4-year-old daughter) and this entire thread has been such an eye-opener! Like everyone else, I had absolutely no idea we could get tax refunds without any job income. I was actually dreading tax season because I thought I'd either have nothing to file or somehow end up owing money. Reading through all these real experiences of people getting back $3,000-6,000+ with just Cash Aid is incredible - that kind of money would completely change our situation right now. We're still trying to get back on our feet and this could help us catch up on some overdue bills and maybe even put a little aside for emergencies. I'm definitely calling 211 tomorrow morning to find a VITA location near me. Has anyone had experience with bringing documentation of when you started CalWORKs benefits? I have my approval letter showing I started receiving Cash Aid in late November - should I bring that along just in case, or is it not needed since the benefits aren't taxable income anyway? This community is absolutely amazing - thank you all for sharing your stories so openly. You've given me more useful information and hope than I've gotten anywhere else. Finally feeling optimistic about our financial future for the first time in months!

This is such a frustrating situation and you're absolutely right to be upset! The system really fails people when they don't clearly explain these major differences between programs upfront. I went through something similar and was shocked to learn that Medi-Cal cooperation requirements are so much harsher than CalWORKs. Here's what I'd strongly recommend doing immediately: **Request a fair hearing with "aid paid pending" RIGHT NOW** - you have 90 days from your notice date and this keeps your Medi-Cal active during the entire hearing process (which can take months). This is absolutely critical. **Document everything about your current arrangement** - gather texts showing expense sharing, custody coordination, anything proving your system works well for the kids. Even without safety concerns, showing that forced cooperation would disrupt a beneficial arrangement might help. **Talk to your ex BEFORE the county contacts him** - explain this isn't your choice and you're only considering cooperation to keep healthcare. When they contact him without warning, it can destroy co-parenting relationships. The whole system punishes families who are already handling things responsibly, but don't give up. I've seen people successfully navigate this while protecting both their healthcare and family relationships. Act fast on that hearing request though - it's your best protection right now.

I'm so sorry this is happening to you - it's absolutely infuriating that they don't explain these crucial differences upfront! I just went through something very similar and the lack of transparency about Medi-Cal vs CalWORKs cooperation rules is honestly unacceptable. Here's what you need to do IMMEDIATELY: 1. **Call to request a fair hearing with "aid paid pending" first thing tomorrow** - you only have 90 days from your notice date and this will keep your Medi-Cal active during the entire hearing process. This is your lifeline right now. 2. **Have that conversation with your ex TONIGHT** - explain that this isn't your choice and the county is forcing cooperation just to keep your healthcare. Don't let them blindside him and destroy your co-parenting relationship. 3. **Start gathering documentation** - all those texts about shared expenses, custody schedules, how well your arrangement has worked for the kids over 2 years. Even without safety concerns, showing that disrupting your functional system would harm the children might give you a shot at that good cause exemption. The system is completely backwards for punishing responsible parents who already have arrangements that work, but don't lose hope. I've seen people here successfully navigate this mess while keeping both their healthcare and family relationships intact. You've got a solid plan now - just act fast on that hearing request!