So glad you got through to your worker and got it sorted out! This is exactly why I always tell people to ask questions here first - the community knows so much more than the confusing notices they send us. Good luck with your phone interview next week! Pro tip: have all your documents organized and ready before the call starts. They sometimes ask for specific numbers or dates on the spot, and it's way less stressful when you're prepared. You've got this!

I'm so glad to see this community helping each other out! @Brianna Muhammad, it sounds like you got everything figured out, but I wanted to add one more tip for anyone else who might be going through their first annual redetermination - if you're having trouble gathering all the required documents, most county offices will accept a signed statement explaining why a document is missing (like if your bank is slow getting statements or your employer hasn't given you recent pay stubs yet). Just don't use this as an excuse to not try - they really do want to see the actual documents when possible. And remember, the annual redetermination might seem scary, but it's just their way of making sure your case information is current and accurate. The workers aren't trying to kick you off (usually!), they just need updated info to calculate your benefits correctly.

As someone who also has autism and navigated CalWORKs as a single parent, I wanted to share a few things that made a huge difference for me: **Disability accommodations are KEY** - Don't just ask for them, be specific about what you need. I requested all paperwork be sent to me by mail instead of having to pick it up, extended time for deadlines, and written confirmation of any verbal instructions. These small changes made the process so much more manageable. **Know your rights regarding Work Requirements** - With your autism diagnosis, you should qualify for what's called a "disability-based exemption" from the Welfare-to-Work requirements. This means you won't be required to do job search activities or work training programs while receiving benefits. Make sure to bring documentation of how your autism affects your daily functioning. **Apply for multiple programs at once** - When you submit your CalWORKs application, also apply for Medi-Cal (free healthcare), CalFresh (you might qualify for more than you're currently getting), and ask about the Lifeline phone program for discounted cell service. Having all these supports together makes a real difference. **Emergency assistance is available** - Since you mentioned struggling with rent, CalWORKs has immediate need provisions that can provide emergency cash within days if you're facing eviction or utility shutoff. Don't wait for your full application to process if you're in crisis. You're not alone in this, and seeking help shows how much you care about providing for your daughter. The system is complicated, but you deserve these benefits! 💙

I'm so glad you found all this information helpful! Since you mentioned getting an eviction notice next week, I want to stress that you should apply for emergency assistance IMMEDIATELY - don't wait until you finish the full CalWORKs application. Call your county's CalWORKs office first thing in the morning and specifically say "I need to apply for immediate need assistance due to impending eviction." They're required to process emergency requests within 3 working days. Also, since you're dealing with an eviction situation, you should contact your local legal aid organization right away. Many areas have free legal services for tenants, and they might be able to help you negotiate with your landlord or understand your rights. The eviction process takes time, so you may have more options than you think. When you call for the emergency assistance, mention your autism diagnosis upfront and ask for accommodations - they can do the emergency interview over the phone which will be much easier for you than going to the office in crisis mode. You're handling this crisis with such strength and determination. Your daughter is lucky to have a mom who's fighting so hard for stability. Don't hesitate to reach out for help - that's exactly what these programs are for! 💜

side note but does anyone else think its RIDICULOUS that they expect us to know all these complicated rules?? like what even is an IRT really and why do they make it so confusing with the gross vs net stuff? i swear they make it complicated on purpose so people mess up and they can cut people off

This is such a common confusion! I went through the exact same thing when I first started working. The key thing to remember is that the IRT is ALWAYS compared to your gross income (before taxes and deductions). Even though it feels unfair since that's not what you actually take home, that's how the system works. I'd recommend calling your worker to report the change ASAP since you're over the gross threshold - waiting could definitely lead to overpayment issues. And don't worry too much about losing all your benefits! With the earned income disregards, you'll likely still qualify for some assistance even if your gross income exceeds the IRT. Better to report now and keep things above board than risk owing money back later.

I'm so glad I found this thread! I've been pulling my hair out trying to submit my SAR7 online for the past week. My caseworker in Riverside County told me it was "all online now" but I keep getting that same frustrating message. After reading everyone's experiences, it's crystal clear that workers are giving us outdated or incorrect information about which counties actually have the online system working. What really gets me is how much time we waste trying to navigate a broken system when we could just be filling out the paper forms. I spent hours clicking through every section of BenefitsCal thinking I was missing something obvious, when really the feature just doesn't exist in my county yet! I'm definitely taking everyone's advice and going with the paper SAR7. Better safe than sorry when it comes to keeping our benefits. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - this community support is invaluable when dealing with these confusing government systems. At least now I know to always ask for proof of submission no matter which method I use!

I'm having the exact same problem! I've been trying to submit my SAR7 online for over a week now and keep getting that "nothing to do at this time" message. My worker in Orange County also told me I could do it online, but after reading through everyone's experiences here, it's clear that the online system isn't actually available in all counties yet, despite what workers are telling us. This is so frustrating because I've wasted hours trying to figure out what I was doing wrong on the website when it turns out the problem is that the feature just doesn't exist in my county! I really wish the workers would get accurate information about which counties actually have online SAR7 submission working instead of sending us on these wild goose chases. I'm definitely taking everyone's advice and going back to the paper form. With my deadline approaching, I can't risk my benefits getting cut off because of a broken website. I'll fill out the paper SAR7 and drop it off in person to get that receipt - seems like having proof of submission is absolutely crucial based on what everyone is sharing here. Thank you all for sharing your experiences! This community has been so much more helpful than trying to call the county office. At least now I know I'm not alone in dealing with this mess and that it's not user error on our part!

I'm so glad this thread exists - I was in almost the exact same situation about 8 months ago. I had left my abusive ex with my 2-year-old and was terrified about the child support requirement when I needed CalWORKs. Just want to echo what others have said - the good cause exemption is REAL and it works. I got approved without any police reports, just my written statement on the CW 51 form about his threats and controlling behavior. My caseworker was actually really understanding about it. One thing I'll add - when you're filling out that form, be as detailed as possible about specific incidents. Don't just say "he threatened me" - write exactly what he said or did that made you fear for your safety. The more specific you can be, the stronger your case will be. You deserve to get help without putting yourself and your kids in danger. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Apply with confidence knowing that this protection exists for exactly your situation.

I'm a survivor who went through this process last year and I can't stress enough how important it is to know your rights here. The good cause exemption saved my life - literally. I was in a situation where my ex had explicitly threatened to kill me if I ever tried to get child support, and I was living in a shelter with my kids. What I learned is that you need to be your own advocate. Some workers are amazing and know the process inside and out, but others might not be as familiar with domestic violence protections. If you get pushback, don't give up. Ask for a supervisor, ask for the CW 51 form by name, and use the exact phrase "good cause exemption for domestic violence." Also, keep copies of everything - your application, the CW 51 form, any documentation of approval. I had to switch counties when I moved and having all my paperwork made the transition so much smoother. You're being smart by asking these questions before applying. Your safety and your children's safety are the top priority, and CalWORKs does have systems in place to protect families like ours. Don't let fear of this requirement keep you from getting the assistance you need and deserve.