I work as a benefits coordinator and wanted to add some clarification about the income limits that might be helpful. For CalWORKs, they use a "net income" calculation after certain deductions. With VA disability of $3,738 plus dependent benefits, you're likely over the gross limit, but there are some deductions they can apply like work-related expenses if you're employed, certain medical costs, etc. Even if you don't qualify for cash aid, I'd strongly recommend applying because: 1. Stage 1 childcare can cover up to 75% of childcare costs 2. Cal-Learn program if you're pursuing education 3. Mental health services and substance abuse counseling (if needed) 4. Job training programs that might benefit your family long-term The key is being very specific about what services you're interested in when you apply. Don't just ask about "CalWORKs" - ask about "CalWORKs supportive services for families with disabled veterans." The terminology can make a big difference in what information you receive.

I'm also new to this community and wanted to share what we discovered when navigating similar benefits with my husband's disability status. One thing that really helped us was contacting our local Family Resource Center - they often have advocates who specialize in helping veteran families navigate the maze of different benefit programs and income counting rules. What surprised me most was learning that some counties have their own additional programs for veteran families that aren't widely advertised. Our county had an emergency assistance fund specifically for disabled veterans' families that helped us with a security deposit when we had to move due to rent increases. Also, since you mentioned struggling with rent increases - definitely look into your county's Emergency Rental Assistance program if you haven't already. Many of these programs have separate eligibility criteria from CalWORKs and don't count VA disability the same way. We were able to get help with back rent even though we didn't qualify for ongoing cash assistance. The application process can feel overwhelming, but don't let that discourage you from exploring all your options. Every bit of assistance helps when you're trying to make ends meet with a growing family.

Glad to see some payments are coming through! For future reference, it might be a good idea to save this information somewhere. These quarterly system updates usually happen around the same time each quarter (end of February, May, August, and November). If you keep track of these dates, you can plan ahead for potential delays. Honestly it's frustrating they don't communicate this better though!

Same thing happened to me! My 15-month-old's diaper allowance didn't come through today either. I was starting to panic thinking I did something wrong or missed some paperwork. Really glad to see it's just a system issue and not just me. Going to check my balance again now that some people are saying theirs showed up. This whole quarterly maintenance thing is news to me - wish they would send us some kind of heads up about it!

Hi Lourdes! I just went through this exact process a few months ago with my partner and our 18-month-old. I was so nervous about adding him to our case, but it ended up being the right decision. A few things that really helped us: - We scheduled our eligibility interview for early morning when we were both fresh and focused - I made a checklist of all the documents we needed and gathered everything beforehand (like others mentioned - ID, Social Security card, termination letter, etc.) - When we explained his depression during the interview, our worker was actually really understanding and connected us with mental health resources right away The WTW requirements seemed scary at first, but since you're already working 25 hours, he really only needs those 10 hours per week. Our worker helped us find a combination of online job search through CalJOBS and a free OSHA safety certification course that counted toward his hours. Having that structure actually helped his mental health - gave him something productive to focus on. The extra money (we got about $180 more per month) has been a lifesaver for groceries and gas. And honestly, having him officially part of the case meant we had access to more supportive services too. Don't let the paperwork intimidate you - once you get through the initial setup, it's pretty manageable. You're already doing great by working and asking all the right questions beforehand!

Hi Lourdes! I just wanted to add something that might be helpful - make sure to ask about transportation assistance during your interview. Since your boyfriend will need to attend WTW activities and potentially job interviews, CalWORKs often provides bus passes or gas vouchers to help with transportation costs. This was a huge help for us when my partner was doing his required activities. Also, I noticed people mentioned the construction training programs - definitely push for these if available! My brother was in a similar situation and got into a free forklift certification program through CalWORKs that led directly to a job. The key is emphasizing his prior construction experience during the interview so they know to look for trade-specific opportunities rather than just generic job search. One more tip: if your boyfriend struggles with the initial WTW appointments due to his depression, don't be afraid to advocate for accommodations. They can sometimes adjust the schedule or format to make it more manageable while he's getting mental health support. The workers are generally pretty understanding if you're upfront about challenges and show you're committed to making the program work. The extra monthly assistance really does make a difference - we used ours primarily for childcare and groceries, which freed up more of my work income for rent and utilities. You're making a smart choice by including him and planning ahead like this!

Just wanted to add that your mom should also ask about emergency aid when she applies! Since she's caring for the kids due to your sister's sudden incarceration, she might qualify for immediate temporary assistance while her regular CalWORKs application is being processed. This can help with urgent needs like food, utilities, or clothing for the kids. Also, when she goes to her interview, she should bring any documentation about your sister's incarceration if she has it (like court papers or jail records). This will help establish the timeline and circumstances that led to her taking care of the children. One more tip - if your county has long wait times for interviews, she can ask about doing a phone interview instead of in-person. Many counties offer this option now and it can be much more convenient, especially when you're caring for young kids. Your mom sounds like she's doing an amazing thing taking care of her grandchildren during this difficult time. The system is designed to help families like yours!

I just wanted to share some encouragement - your mom is in a really good position to get approved! Home ownership is absolutely not a barrier for CalWORKs, and grandparents caring for grandchildren is exactly the type of situation the program is designed to support. A few practical tips for the application process: - Apply online at GetCalFresh.org or YourBenefitsNow.org to avoid long office waits - Make copies of all documents before submitting them - Keep a record of when she submits the application - CalWORKs has 30 days to process it - If approved, benefits are retroactive to the application date Also, don't forget about other programs she might qualify for: - CalFresh (food stamps) - separate application but can be done at the same time - Medi-Cal for the kids if they don't already have it - WIC if either child is under 5 (which the 4-year-old is) - Utilities assistance through LIHEAP Your mom is doing something incredible taking in those kids during such a difficult time. The community resources are there to help families exactly like yours navigate these challenges. Wishing you all the best with the application process!

Hey Connor! Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been on CalWORKs for a while now. I think what might be happening is people are mixing up different programs or maybe hearing about county-specific pilot programs that don't apply everywhere. I've learned the hard way to always double-check any rumors about extra money - last year I heard about some "emergency payment" that turned out to be only for people affected by wildfires in specific counties. One thing that might help with your budget planning though - have you looked into the local food banks and WIC if your kids qualify? I know it's not cash, but it can free up some of your grocery budget for other necessities like those school supplies and winter clothes you mentioned. Also, some school districts have programs that help with supplies and clothing - worth asking at your kids' schools. Good luck with getting the real info from your county office!

I'm new to this community but I've been on CalWORKs for about 8 months now with my 3-year-old daughter. Reading through all these responses has been really eye-opening! I had no idea about some of these additional benefits like the diaper allowance - definitely going to ask about that at my next appointment. It's frustrating how much confusing information gets passed around, but I really appreciate everyone taking the time to clarify things. I've been struggling to reach my caseworker too (the phone system is awful), so I'm going to check out that Claimyr service someone mentioned. Connor, I hope your visit to the county office goes well! Let us know what you find out about the childcare assistance - I'm working part-time too and childcare costs are eating up most of my paycheck. Thanks to everyone for being so helpful and sharing real information instead of just rumors.