One more important point: If you're starting a GED program, make sure you ask about supportive services! CalWORKs can provide: - Transportation assistance to get to and from classes - Book and supplies money - Childcare during class and study time Don't miss out on these benefits - they're designed to help you succeed in your education while meeting your WTW requirements. Some counties also have specific CalWORKs counselors at community colleges and adult schools who can help you navigate the system.

I'm currently in the process of getting my GED approved for my WTW hours too! One thing I learned from talking to other people in my area is that you should ask your worker about "concurrent enrollment" if there's a community college near you. Some counties will let you take GED prep classes at the community college AND get college credit for them at the same time. That way when you finish your GED, you're already started on college courses which can also count toward WTW. Also, if you're worried about the 30 hours, ask about "barrier removal" activities. If you have any issues like transportation problems, childcare needs, or even mental health stuff, they sometimes count counseling or case management toward your hours while you're getting your GED. Every little bit helps when you're trying to make those 30 hours work with school! Good luck with getting everything approved - sounds like you're on the right track now!

I just wanted to add my experience as someone who recently went through this process when moving from California to Colorado. The anxiety you're feeling is completely normal - I was terrified about potentially being accused of fraud too! What really helped me was understanding that there's a big difference between fraud (intentionally hiding your move to keep collecting benefits) and legitimate transition use (using benefits issued before you report a recent move). You're clearly in the second category since you're planning to report on Monday. A few practical tips that made my transition smoother: 1. When you call on Monday, write down the date, time, and worker's name/ID for your records 2. Ask them to note in your file exactly when you physically moved vs when you reported it 3. Request documentation of your case closure - some counties email this, others mail it For Texas benefits, I'd echo what others said about applying online at YourTexasBenefits.com as soon as possible. The sooner you get in their system, the better. Colorado took about 2 weeks for me to get approved, so having that California buffer really helped. You're handling this exactly right - don't let the stress get to you! Using benefits that load before you report is completely legitimate and expected during interstate moves.

I moved from California to Florida about 8 months ago and went through this exact same anxiety! You're absolutely doing everything right by planning to report on Monday. What really helped ease my mind was when the caseworker explained that the 10-day reporting requirement exists specifically because they know people need time to get settled after a move. Using benefits that were already issued or are about to be issued before you report isn't fraud - it's part of the normal transition process. I used my remaining CalFresh and CalWORKs for about a week and a half after my move while getting my Florida application together, and there were zero issues. The key is that you're being proactive about reporting, which clearly shows you're following the rules in good faith. One tip that helped me: I applied for Florida benefits the same day I reported my California move, which helped minimize the gap. Florida's system was actually pretty efficient compared to what I'd heard about other states. Don't stress too much about this - you're handling the transition exactly how you're supposed to! The benefits loading in the next couple days are yours to use while you get everything sorted out.

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the stress of suddenly losing benefits when you have kids depending on you is just overwhelming. I went through something very similar last year where my recertification notice somehow never made it to me, and I had to scramble to get everything sorted out. One thing that really helped speed up my case was when I reapplied through BenefitsCal, I made sure to select every "emergency" or "immediate need" option available and wrote detailed explanations in the comments sections about never receiving the notice and having urgent housing costs. I also called the day after submitting to specifically request expedited processing due to financial hardship. Since you mentioned your rent is due next week, definitely ask during your interview about any emergency payment programs your county might have - some have one-time assistance that can help bridge the gap while your regular benefits are being processed. Also, if you're not already receiving CalFresh (food stamps), make sure to apply for that at the same time since it often gets approved faster than the cash assistance. The whole situation is so unfair and stressful, but hang in there - it sounds like you're doing everything right by being persistent and advocating for your family. Keeping my fingers crossed that your reapplication goes smoothly and you get your benefits restored quickly!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this situation - it's absolutely infuriating when the system fails you like that, especially when you have kids depending on you! I went through something very similar about 6 months ago where my recertification notice apparently got "lost in the mail" and I had no idea until my benefits suddenly stopped. Here's what I learned that might help you: 1. **Good cause review is KEY** - Since you never received the notice and your contact info was current, definitely request a "good cause" review during your interview. This can potentially restore your benefits much faster than a full reapplication (I'm talking days instead of weeks). 2. **Emergency assistance while you wait** - Ask specifically about your county's Emergency Rental Assistance Program (separate from CalWORKs), immediate need payments, and homeless prevention services since you're at risk of eviction. 3. **CalFresh expedited processing** - Apply for expedited food stamps at the same time if you haven't already - this often gets approved within 3-7 days and can help with your grocery budget while waiting for cash aid. 4. **Document everything** - Keep detailed records of all calls, take screenshots of your online submissions, and don't be afraid to call frequently to check status. You're not bothering them - you're advocating for your children's basic needs. The whole notification system is seriously broken and it feels like they set us up to fail sometimes. But don't give up - with persistence and the right approach, you can get through this! Keep us posted on how your Monday interview goes!

This thread has been an incredible resource for me as someone new to both this community and the CalWORKs system! I'm not currently facing a housing crisis, but I'm amazed by how much practical, life-saving knowledge has been shared here. What really impresses me is how everyone rallied around Aileen when she was in crisis, providing specific, actionable advice rather than just generic sympathy. The details about bringing the 3-day notice as emergency documentation, the reality of waiting hours at the office, and the importance of getting landlord agreements in writing - these are the kinds of insights you simply can't find in official program materials. I'm particularly grateful for the transparency about both the system's strengths and limitations. Learning that Homeless Assistance can cover up to 2 months of back rent but has a 12-month waiting period, or that phone systems are nearly impossible but in-person visits can get same-day approval - this helps people approach the process with realistic expectations and proper preparation. The additional resources mentioned throughout this discussion - from Claimyr for phone assistance to legal aid for landlord disputes to 211 for supplemental rental help - show there's actually a broader safety net than many people realize. It's clear that while navigating these systems is challenging, there ARE pathways to help when you know where to look. Aileen, I'm so glad your story had a positive outcome! Your updates will undoubtedly help future families facing similar crises. Thank you to everyone who contributed their knowledge and experience - this is exactly the kind of community support that can prevent homelessness and keep families together.

As a newcomer to this community, I'm absolutely amazed by this thread and how everyone came together to help Aileen navigate such a scary situation! Reading through all these responses has been incredibly educational about the CalWORKs Homeless Assistance program. What strikes me most is how much practical knowledge exists within this community that you just can't find in official materials. The specific tips about bringing the eviction notice as emergency proof, the reality of waiting hours at the office with kids, and the importance of getting everything in writing from landlords - these details could literally make the difference between staying housed and becoming homeless. I'm also grateful for the honesty about the system's challenges alongside the practical workarounds. Learning that phone systems are nearly impossible but services like Claimyr can help, or that you can't apply online for emergency assistance but same-day approval is possible in person - this helps people approach the process with realistic expectations. The additional resources mentioned throughout - legal aid for landlord issues, 211 for supplemental assistance, various CalWORKs supplements beyond just Cash Aid - show there's actually more help available than many people realize. It's just a matter of knowing these programs exist and how to access them. Aileen, I'm so relieved your story had a happy ending! Your updates will definitely help other families who find themselves in similar crises. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge - this community is truly making a difference in people's lives during their most vulnerable moments.

That's such a relief! Thanks for updating us - I was wondering how it turned out. It's actually really helpful to know that they sometimes schedule interviews as standard procedure even when they're not required. I've been stressed about my own upcoming SAR 7 interview next month, but this gives me some peace of mind that if I submit everything correctly, it might not be as big a deal as I thought. Glad everything worked out for you!

So glad to see this update! This is exactly why I always tell people in this community to double-check with their worker even when the online system shows approval. The CalWORKs system can be confusing but it sounds like everything worked out perfectly in your case. For anyone else reading this who might be in a similar situation - the key takeaway is that if you submit all required documents on time and there are no changes to report, the interview might just be a formality. But it's always worth confirming directly with your worker for peace of mind. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!