Congratulations on the job offer! This thread has been incredibly helpful - I'm in a similar situation and was worried about the same things. Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me when I was transitioning to work: if your new employer offers flexible scheduling or the ability to pick up extra shifts, be really careful about how that affects your monthly income reporting. Even though the income disregards help a lot, if you have a month where you pick up overtime and your gross income jumps significantly, you need to report that change right away. I learned this when I worked some extra holiday shifts and my monthly income went from $2,200 to $2,800 one month. Even though it dropped back down the next month, I had to report the increase because it put me over my Income Reporting Threshold (IRT). The good news is that the disregards still applied, so I didn't lose my benefits completely, but my cash aid did get reduced for that month. Also, don't forget to save all your documentation about any work-related expenses like uniforms, transportation, or work supplies - some of these can be deducted from your countable income, which could help keep your benefits higher while you're getting established in the job. Take that job! You're going to do great, and this community has given you such solid advice for navigating the transition successfully!

Congratulations on the job offer! This is such exciting news and you should definitely take it. Everyone here has given you incredible advice about the income disregards and how you'll still qualify for benefits while working. I wanted to add something that really helped me when I made this transition - once you start working and get your first reduced benefit payment, don't panic if the amount seems confusing at first. The county sometimes processes work income in weird ways initially, and it can take a pay period or two for them to calculate everything correctly with all the disregards applied properly. Also, when you call Monday to report your job, ask them about the "earned income tax credit advance" if your county participates in that program. Some counties can help you get a portion of your tax credit throughout the year instead of waiting until tax time, which can really help with cash flow during the transition. One more thing - if this job offers any kind of employee assistance program (EAP), take advantage of it! Many employers offer free financial counseling, childcare referrals, or even emergency loans for work equipment. These resources can be super helpful when you're adjusting to your new income and benefit structure. You're making such a smart choice for your family's future. The combination of your earnings plus partial benefits plus all the work supports available will put you in a much stronger financial position than benefits alone. This community is here to support you through the transition - you've got this!

BTW dont let anyone tell u that u need a court custody order!!! my worker tried to tell me that but its NOT TRUE. as long as both parents agree where kids are living its fine. they just need statements from both of u

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago! Just want to add that you should also check if you're receiving any other benefits like WIC or Medi-Cal for the kids - those will need to be transferred separately too. The county offices don't always automatically coordinate between different programs, so you might need to contact each one individually. Also, make sure your ex knows that he'll need to complete the eligibility interview within 30 days of submitting his application, and he should bring proof of income, rent/utilities, and any childcare expenses. The county will want to verify everything fresh since it's technically a new case. Good luck with the transition!

This thread has been incredibly informative! As someone who's relatively new to CalWORKs, I had no idea about the earned income disregard calculation or all the emergency assistance programs that are available. @PrinceJoe - I really hope you're able to get help through one of the emergency assistance routes people mentioned rather than having to do plasma donation. The 211 option and CalWORKs emergency supportive services sound really promising, and it would be so much less stressful than worrying about income reporting and benefit calculations. One thing that stood out to me from everyone's advice - it seems like there are way more help programs out there than most of us realize. Churches, nonprofits, county emergency assistance, 211... it's encouraging to know there's actually a network of support available for situations like car repairs when you really need transportation for work. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and broke down the rules so clearly. This is exactly the kind of real-world knowledge that makes such a difference when you're trying to navigate these systems!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share something that might help! My sister went through almost the exact same situation last year - her car needed transmission work and she was on CalWORKs. She called 211 and they connected her with a local organization that covered $800 of the repair costs! What really helped her was being specific when she called - she explained that the car was essential for her husband's work and that losing transportation could affect their ability to maintain employment. They prioritized her case because it was work-related. Also, she found out her county had a "transportation assistance" program specifically for CalWORKs recipients that she never knew existed. Her worker told her about it when she finally got through to ask about reporting some side income (similar to your plasma question). I know it's frustrating when you're stressed about money and just want a quick solution like plasma donation, but from everything I've read here, it really sounds like there are better options available that won't complicate your benefits. Plus you won't have to deal with the physical exhaustion of donating twice a week when you're already dealing with so much stress. Definitely try calling 211 first thing Monday morning - they seem to have the most comprehensive list of emergency assistance programs. Good luck with your car situation!

One more thing to try - check if you can upload a written statement through BenefitsCal explaining the situation. Under California regulations, a signed statement from you can sometimes serve as verification when other documentation isn't available. Make sure to explain that you're actively trying to get the records from San Diego but need more time. Be specific about what steps you've already taken.

I went through this exact same situation when I moved from Riverside to LA County about 8 months ago! The key thing is to act fast since your redetermination is coming up. Here's what worked for me: 1. Go to your LA County office in person if at all possible - bring a printed copy of your BenefitsCal account showing your address change and any correspondence you have 2. Ask specifically for form CW 215 and have them fill it out right there with you 3. Get a copy for your records and ask them to fax it to San Diego that same day 4. While you're there, request a "good cause" extension for your verification deadline - explain you're actively working to get the documents I also had success calling San Diego directly and explaining I was a former client who needed verification sent to my new county. They were actually more helpful than LA! Ask for their CalWORKs records department specifically. Don't give up - the system is frustrating but there are ways to make it work. You've got this!

Charlotte, I wanted to add something that hasn't been mentioned yet - since your son has a spinal cord injury requiring round-the-clock care, you should also look into getting him evaluated for Regional Center services if you haven't already. Regional Center can provide additional support services, equipment, and resources that complement what you get through CalWORKs and SSI. Also, regarding your small business - while you're navigating all these benefit applications, make sure to keep detailed records of your business expenses vs. income. Sometimes having even a small income source can actually help your case by showing you're trying to be self-sufficient despite the challenges. One more thing - when you go to your appointment next week, ask specifically about "child-only" CalWORKs if for some reason they try to deny you the caretaker exemption. Even if they initially say no to your exemption request, your son can still qualify for benefits on his own while you continue to advocate for the full family grant with exemption. You're being such a strong advocate for your son. The fact that you're researching all these options while managing his complex care needs shows incredible dedication. These programs exist for families exactly like yours!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with such a challenging situation, but you're doing everything right by seeking help and asking these questions! As a parent who went through something similar when my daughter was diagnosed with a developmental disability, I want to echo what others have said about applying for CalWORKs immediately. One thing I don't think anyone has mentioned yet - when you're at your appointment next week, also ask about the Transportation Allowance if your son has frequent medical appointments. CalWORKs can provide additional money for gas/mileage to get to his therapy sessions and doctor visits, which can really add up with a child who has complex medical needs. Also, regarding the SSI wait - I know 6 weeks feels like forever when you're struggling financially, but that's actually still early in the process. Most initial applications take 3-6 months, so don't lose hope! And definitely keep detailed records of all his medical care during this waiting period, as it can help strengthen your case. You mentioned you're behind on rent - make sure to ask about emergency assistance programs too. Some counties have one-time rental assistance that can help prevent eviction while you're getting these longer-term benefits set up. Hang in there - it gets easier once you get plugged into these support systems!