one thing nobody mentioned is that when u switch from calworks to ssi ur medi-cal might change too. my coverage got messed up for almost 2 months during the transition and i couldn't get my medications. make sure u ask about this specifically!!

Just want to add - during my CBEST interview, they also asked about my living situation and daily routine in detail. They wanted to know things like how I manage household tasks, shopping, personal care, etc. Don't downplay your limitations but be honest about what you struggle with. The interview is really about painting a complete picture of how your condition affects your daily life, not just your ability to work. Also, if you haven't already, start keeping a daily pain/symptom diary - it can be really helpful evidence if you need to appeal. Good luck with your process!

Hey there! I can totally relate to your situation - I went through something really similar about 6 months ago when my partner started working again. The anxiety about potentially losing benefits while still needing them is so real! Based on what you've shared, it sounds like you're actually in a good spot since his income ($2400) is under your IRT ($2780). That means you can wait until your SAR7, but honestly? I'd recommend reporting it early anyway. Here's why: When I reported my partner's new job proactively, our worker was really helpful and walked me through exactly how the income disregards would work. With the $500 disregard plus 50% of the remaining income, we ended up keeping more benefits than I expected! Also, don't forget to ask about transitional Medi-Cal when you report - that was a lifesaver for us because even when our cash aid got reduced, we kept healthcare coverage for a full year. One practical tip: when you call to report, have his first few pay stubs ready and ask them to calculate your new benefit amount right then and there. It takes away the guesswork and helps you plan your budget. You're being really responsible by asking questions first. The system is confusing but there are definitely ways to make the transition to work without falling off a cliff. Good luck!

I just want to say how much I appreciate this whole thread! I'm actually in a really similar situation - my husband just got hired last week and I've been losing sleep over whether to report it right away or wait. Reading everyone's experiences and advice has been so helpful. What really stands out to me is how many people are saying to be proactive about reporting. I was leaning toward waiting until our next SAR7, but seeing how the county workers respond better to people who report early makes a lot of sense. Plus, learning about all these programs I didn't know existed - transitional Medi-Cal, supportive services, Cal-Learn - makes me feel like there might actually be help available during this transition instead of just getting cut off. @StarStrider - I hope everything works out well for your family! It sounds like you're making a smart, well-informed decision by reporting the income change. Your boyfriend's new job could be the beginning of a really positive change for your family, especially with all the support programs people have mentioned here. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, both good and bad. This community is such a valuable resource for navigating these complicated systems!

This whole thread has been such an eye-opener! I'm relatively new to this community but have been on CalWORKs for about 18 months. Like so many others here, I was told early on to "watch my savings" but never got clear numbers from my caseworker. Reading everyone's experiences makes me realize how widespread this misinformation problem really is. I've been keeping my savings under $1,500 this whole time because I was terrified of losing benefits for my two kids. Finding out the actual limit is $10,000 is honestly mind-blowing - that's enough to actually build a real emergency fund! What really strikes me is how many of us are sharing almost identical stories of getting vague or outdated information from workers. This seems like a systemic training issue that's affecting families across multiple counties. We shouldn't have to piece together accurate information from community forums, but I'm so grateful spaces like this exist. @Cass Green - thank you for jumping in with official confirmation! It's reassuring to hear from an actual caseworker that the $10,000 limit is correct. Do you know if there's any way counties could do better outreach about these policy changes? It seems like a simple notice mailed to current recipients could save so many families from this unnecessary financial stress. Planning to call my worker this week to ask about the resource limits and those IDA programs. Thanks to everyone for sharing their knowledge and experiences - you're all helping families build better financial futures! ✊

This entire discussion has been absolutely incredible to read through! I'm a single parent who's been on CalWORKs for about 14 months, and like so many others here, I was given completely wrong information about savings limits. My worker told me during intake to "keep savings minimal" and mentioned something about a $2,000 limit, so I've been terrified to save more than $1,200 this whole time. Reading that the actual limit is $10,000 and that retirement accounts don't even count is literally life-changing information for me! I have a small 401k from a previous job that I've been worried about, plus I've been wanting to save for a car down payment but was scared it would disqualify us from benefits. What really frustrates me is how this misinformation is clearly affecting families across multiple counties. We're all sharing nearly identical stories of getting vague or outdated guidance from caseworkers. This shouldn't be something we have to figure out through community forums, but I'm so grateful this discussion exists! @Cass Green - thank you so much for confirming this as an actual caseworker! It gives me the confidence to call my worker and ask for written confirmation of the current limits. I'm also definitely going to ask about those IDA programs that were mentioned. To everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge here - you're literally helping families build financial stability and peace of mind. This community is doing what the system should be doing automatically. Thank you all! 🙏

Once you submit your SAR-7 and paystubs online, I'd recommend taking a screenshot or printing the confirmation page. In my experience working with benefit programs, having proof of submission can be crucial if there's any dispute later about whether you submitted on time. Also, don't forget to include information about any changes in your household composition, housing costs, or other income sources - not just your new job. The SAR-7 requires reporting all changes that occurred during the report month.

Hassan, definitely get that moving expense and rent change reported along with your Target paystubs! Since you moved to a cheaper place, that could actually help your case since lower housing costs might mean you qualify for more benefits. When you're filling out the SAR-7 online, there should be a section for housing expenses where you can update your new rent amount. Also, if you have any receipts from your move (truck rental, deposits, etc.) keep those handy in case they ask for verification. The combination of new job income + lower rent might actually work out better for your benefit amount than you think!

I'm so glad you found this community and are getting this sorted out! Reading through everyone's experiences really shows how common this mistake is - workers mixing up CalWORKs and CalFresh household rules happens way too often and it costs families money they desperately need. Just to add one more resource that might help: if you run into any roadblocks during your renewal, you can also contact your county's CalWORKs Program Specialist or ask for a "supervisor review" in writing. Sometimes having that formal review request documented gets things moving faster than just talking to your regular caseworker. Also, don't forget that you have the right to keep receiving your current benefits while any household composition changes are being processed, so you won't lose aid while they're figuring this out. That's called "aid continuing" and it protects you during the review process. You're doing exactly the right thing by advocating for your family - your kids deserve every dollar they're entitled to under the correct CalWORKs policies. Keep us updated on how your renewal goes!

This is such an important thread - I see this household composition mistake ALL the time! What's really frustrating is how it affects people for months or even years before they realize they're not getting the benefits they're entitled to. For anyone else reading this who might be in a similar situation: if you're unsure about whether someone should be on your CalWORKs case, here's the simple test: Are they 1) related to you by blood or marriage, 2) the parent of a child on your case, or 3) legally responsible for your children? If the answer is no to all three, they shouldn't be included - regardless of living arrangements. @Omar Zaki - you've gotten excellent advice here. I'd especially emphasize documenting everything in writing and being prepared with those regulation numbers that @Luca Conti mentioned. Don't let anyone make you feel like you're doing something wrong by correcting their mistake. Your children's wellbeing depends on getting the full benefit amount you're legally entitled to under CalWORKs policy. Stand firm and advocate for your family - you've got this! Really hoping your renewal goes smoothly and you see that benefit increase reflected in your next payment!