Hey Oliver! I'm currently in almost the exact same situation - lost my job at a fulfillment center last month and getting $395/week from EDD with two kids. I was terrified to apply for benefits thinking the unemployment would disqualify me, but I'm SO glad I did! I got approved for both CalFresh and CalWORKs even with the EDD income. The CalFresh gives me about $285/month for groceries, and the CalWORKs cash aid helps cover utilities and other bills that unemployment doesn't stretch to cover. It's not a ton of money, but it's enough to take the constant stress off so I can actually focus on finding a good job instead of panicking about feeding my kids every week. The application on BenefitsCal was way easier than I expected - took about 30 minutes once I had all my documents ready. Make sure you apply for expedited service since you have kids and limited income - my CalFresh got approved in 5 days instead of waiting a month! One thing I learned - start keeping a simple notebook or phone note tracking every EDD payment (date and amount) from day one. When you have to do those SAR7 reports later, having everything organized will save you so much stress. Your $385/week with kids should absolutely qualify you for help. Don't feel embarrassed about needing assistance - you're being a responsible parent by making sure your family is taken care of during a tough time. That's exactly what these programs are for!

Hey Oliver! I just wanted to jump in and say you're absolutely doing the right thing by reaching out for help. I went through this exact same situation about 9 months ago when I lost my job at a warehouse and was getting around $370/week from EDD. The great news is that yes, you can definitely get CalFresh (which is the same as food stamps/EBT - just California's name for it) while receiving unemployment benefits. Your EDD income does count, but with kids in your household, the income limits are much higher than you might think. I ended up getting approved for both CalFresh and CalWORKs even with my unemployment income. The CalFresh gave me about $295/month for groceries for me and my son, and the CalWORKs cash aid helped with utilities and other expenses that unemployment wasn't covering. It's not luxury living, but it gave me enough breathing room to actually focus on job hunting instead of constantly stressing about whether I could afford groceries that week. My biggest advice: apply for BOTH programs on BenefitsCal.com (it's one application), definitely check the "expedited service" box since you have kids and limited income, and start keeping track of your EDD payment dates and amounts RIGHT NOW. You'll need that info for reporting later and it'll save you headaches down the road. With your $385/week and kids, you should absolutely qualify for assistance. These programs exist for exactly this situation - helping families stay stable while getting back on their feet. You've got this!

Hi Yara! Welcome to the community! I just wanted to share my experience as someone who recently went through the CalWORKs application process with a similar family size. Reading through this thread has been amazing - everyone has given you such comprehensive advice! One thing I'd add that really helped me was creating a simple checklist of all the steps involved: gathering documents, submitting application, scheduling interview, following up on missing items, etc. It helped me feel more in control of the process and less overwhelmed. Also, I wanted to echo what others have said about being persistent but patient. My application took about 4 weeks total, but the financial relief for our family was absolutely worth the wait. The combination of CalWORKs cash aid and CalFresh really does make a significant difference when you're dealing with reduced income. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions as you go through the process. This community has been such a lifeline for families like ours navigating these systems. We're all rooting for you and your family! Keep us posted on how your application goes.

Hi Yara! Welcome to our community! I'm also new here and have been following this incredible thread with so much interest. As someone who's been considering applying for CalWORKs for my own family, reading through all these detailed responses has been incredibly educational and encouraging. What strikes me most is how everyone has gone above and beyond to share not just basic information, but real insider tips and personal experiences that you just can't find anywhere else. From the practical advice about keeping copies of documents to the strategic tips about calling times and expedited processing - this has been like getting a masterclass in navigating the CalWORKs system. I'm particularly grateful for all the specific numbers people have shared. Knowing that a family of 5 with your income level could potentially receive around $682 in cash aid plus significant CalFresh benefits really helps put things in perspective for those of us trying to figure out if these programs could make a meaningful difference for our families. The supportive atmosphere here is exactly what families like ours need when we're going through tough times and trying to navigate complex systems for the first time. Thank you to everyone who has shared their knowledge and experiences - you're not just helping Yara, you're helping all of us newcomers who are reading along and learning. This community is truly amazing!

Update: I went to the county office today and applied for General Assistance. The worker was actually really helpful and explained everything. She said based on my situation I'll probably get around $340/month, and they might be able to process it within 7-10 days because of my emergency situation. I also asked about my CalFresh application and it turns out they were missing verification documents! They never contacted me about it. I provided everything they needed while I was there, and the worker said she put a note that I qualify for expedited processing. Hopefully I'll get food benefits in the next 3 days. Thanks everyone for your help! I would have never known about General Assistance without your advice.

This is such great news! I'm really happy you were able to get help today. It's frustrating that they never contacted you about the missing documents for CalFresh - this happens way too often and people end up waiting unnecessarily. For anyone else reading this thread who might be in a similar situation, Alexis's experience shows how important it is to go to the office in person when possible. Phone systems are overwhelmed, but caseworkers can often help resolve multiple issues at once when you're there face-to-face. Also want to emphasize what Samantha mentioned about keeping track of reporting requirements once you start receiving GA. The job search activities they require aren't too burdensome - usually just documenting that you applied to a certain number of jobs per week or attended job training. But they do check, so keep good records. Hope your CalFresh comes through quickly with the expedited processing!

Also want to mention that when you get CalWORKs, your children automatically qualify for free school meals without having to complete a separate application. And you might qualify for reduced-cost internet and phone services through California LifeLine. These additional benefits add even more value beyond just comparing the Cash Aid amount to the CalFresh reduction.

Just wanted to add that you should also ask your worker about the CalWORKs housing assistance programs when you get approved. Some counties offer additional rental assistance or help with security deposits that can make a huge difference alongside your Cash Aid and CalFresh benefits. Also, if you're looking for work or need job training, the Welfare-to-Work (WTW) program can provide childcare vouchers and transportation assistance - these aren't counted as income so they won't affect your CalFresh calculation. The whole CalWORKs package is really designed to help you get ahead financially, not just replace one benefit with another.

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!

Charlotte, I'm so glad you found this community! Your situation resonates with me because I went through something very similar when my nephew was born with spina bifida. The stress of caring for a child with complex medical needs while trying to navigate the benefits system is overwhelming, but you're asking all the right questions. I wanted to add a few things that might help for your appointment next week: **Bring a "care log"** - If you can, start documenting your son's daily care needs for even just a few days before your appointment. Note things like how often you need to reposition him, medication schedules, therapy exercises, feeding assistance, etc. This concrete evidence of round-the-clock care really helps workers understand why you need the caretaker exemption. **Ask about the Family Stabilization Program** - This is a newer CalWORKs component that provides additional case management and support services for families with barriers to employment, including caring for disabled family members. Not all counties advertise it well, but it can provide extra help navigating multiple systems. **Request a "good cause" determination** - If there are any work requirements they initially try to impose while your exemption is being processed, you can request good cause based on your caregiving responsibilities. This prevents any penalties while they review your medical documentation. The community here has given you such thorough advice - you're going in well-prepared! Remember that you're not just asking for help, you're accessing programs specifically designed for families exactly like yours. Your son is lucky to have such a dedicated advocate.