So glad this thread exists! I'm actually going through this exact situation right now - moved last week and have been stressed about updating my address. Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like the golden rule is: don't trust just the online system. I'm planning to do the BenefitsCal update today, then either try that Claimyr service @Donna Cline mentioned or just bite the bullet and go to the office in person with my lease. One question though - for those who went in person, what time of day did you find was least busy? I'm trying to minimize the wait time if possible, especially since I have to bring my toddler with me. Also, did anyone have issues with month-to-month rental agreements as proof, or do they accept those just fine? My landlord doesn't do formal leases, just a simple rental agreement. Thanks everyone for sharing your real experiences - this is way more helpful than the county website!

This is such valuable information! I'm bookmarking this thread for future reference. What really stands out to me is how many people had issues relying solely on the online system - it seems like BenefitsCal is good for initiating the change but you absolutely need that human confirmation. For anyone still dealing with this, I'd also suggest taking photos/screenshots of your BenefitsCal profile showing the updated address, and if you go in person, ask for some kind of written confirmation or receipt that the change was processed. Documentation is your friend when dealing with any government benefits program. The Claimyr service @Donna Cline mentioned sounds like a game-changer for avoiding those brutal hold times. Has anyone else used it for other CalWORKs issues beyond address changes? I'm curious if it works well for general case questions too. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this kind of real-world advice from people who've actually been through the process is worth its weight in gold!

Just wanted to jump in here as someone who's been through this exact situation! I started a similar job last year ($17/hr, 28 hours/week) with 2 kids and was so worried about losing everything. What really helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet to track all my income and benefits before and after starting work. It showed me that even though my CalWORKs cash went down by about $200/month, I was still coming out ahead by almost $800/month when you factor in the earned income, plus I qualified for the childcare assistance which saved me another $400/month. One thing I wish someone had told me - don't stress too much about the exact numbers right now. The important thing is you found work and you're taking steps to improve your situation. The county workers can adjust your benefits as needed, but having that steady paycheck makes such a difference for planning and budgeting. Also, keep track of your work hours and pay stubs from day one. It makes reporting SO much easier and protects you if there are any questions later. You're making a smart move taking this job - the financial stability alone is worth it, even if the paperwork feels overwhelming at first! 🙌

One more thing that might be helpful - if you end up having any issues with your worker not processing your job report quickly or making errors with your benefit calculations, document everything! Keep copies of all forms you submit, write down dates and times of phone calls, and if possible get confirmation numbers when you report changes. I had a situation where my worker miscalculated my earned income disregard and it took 3 months to fix because I didn't have good documentation at first. Now I take photos of everything I submit and send important updates through the online portal when possible so there's a digital trail. Also, once you start working and get into a routine, consider looking into local food banks and community resources. Even with CalFresh, having access to fresh produce and pantry staples can really stretch your budget. Many food banks don't have income restrictions and are just happy to help families in the community. You're making such a smart choice taking this job - having that work history and income stability will open up so many more opportunities for you and your kids in the future! 💪

I want to clarify something about HSP (Housing Support Program) since there seems to be some confusion. HSP is specifically designed for families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. If you're currently housed but struggling with your rent, you might instead qualify for the Permanent Housing Assistance (PHA) program through CalWORKs. PHA can provide help with move-in costs or temporary rental subsidies for up to 2 years. You need to be working with a case manager who can help determine your eligibility. Some counties also have their own specific housing programs for CalWORKs recipients. Definitely get clarification about which specific program you might qualify for - the names and requirements can get confusing.

I'm also pregnant and went through this exact situation with LA County CalWORKs! Here's what I learned: definitely ask about the Pregnancy Special Needs payment ($30/month) - you need to bring recent pregnancy verification from your doctor. For housing help, ask specifically about both HSP and PHA programs since they have different requirements. I also found out about something called the Cal-Learn program if you're under 19 or in school - it can provide additional support. Don't give up if your worker doesn't know about these programs - I had to speak to a supervisor to get proper information. Also, start preparing your documents now for when the baby comes because your grant will increase once you add them to your case. Good luck mama!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - having a newborn is stressful enough without having to fight for benefits you're entitled to! Unfortunately, this delay is way too common. I went through something similar when I had my daughter and it took them 4 months to process adding her to my case. One thing that helped me was documenting everything - dates I called, who I spoke with, what they said. When I finally got a supervisor, having all those details helped show the pattern of delays. Also, if you haven't already, make sure to ask specifically about the "restoration of lost benefits" that Connor mentioned - it's worth a shot even if they usually say no. The diaper stipend through CalWORKs is definitely real and should be automatic, so definitely follow up on that. And don't give up on pushing for those retroactive CalFresh benefits - you reported everything properly and the delay was on their end. Keep fighting for what you and your baby deserve! 💪

I'm really sorry this happened to you! Three months is absolutely ridiculous for adding a newborn to your case. While CalFresh typically doesn't backdate benefits, there are some exceptions for county processing errors. A few things to try: 1. Request a "fair hearing" if you believe the county made an error - you have 90 days from when they denied your request for retroactive benefits 2. File a complaint with the state if the delay was unreasonable (which 3 months definitely is!) 3. Make sure you're getting all the benefits you qualify for now - the $30/month diaper stipend through CalWORKs, WIC for formula, and check if you qualify for any emergency food assistance programs in your area Document everything moving forward and don't let them brush you off. You did everything right by reporting within 10 days and providing documentation. The delay was entirely on their end and your baby needed that support during those months. Keep pushing - sometimes persistence pays off even when they initially say no!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - 45 days is way too long and completely unacceptable! Reading through all these responses, I'm convinced it's the child support cooperation issue that's holding up your case. I had almost the exact same experience last year where my application sat pending for 6 weeks because I never received or completed some child support form properly. The case worker's advice here is gold - definitely call tomorrow morning right at 8am and ask specifically about your child support cooperation status and whether you need form CW 2.1 or a DCSS interview. If you can't get through on the regular number, that Claimyr service sounds promising based on multiple people's recommendations. Also, I'd suggest documenting everything - write down dates of your calls, who you speak with, what they tell you. If this keeps dragging on, you'll need that info for the administrative hearing process. You and your kids deserve better than this bureaucratic runaround. Stay strong and keep pushing - you've got a whole community here rooting for you to get this resolved!

I'm really sorry to hear about your frustrating experience with the CalWORKs application process - 45 days is definitely too long and you have every right to be concerned! Based on all the helpful responses in this thread, it really does sound like the child support cooperation requirement is most likely what's holding up your case. As a newcomer to this community, I'm amazed by how knowledgeable and supportive everyone has been in helping you figure out what's probably going wrong. The case worker's advice about asking specifically about form CW 2.1 and your child support cooperation status seems spot-on, and multiple people have had success with that Claimyr service for actually getting through to someone. I hope you're able to get through tomorrow morning and finally get some concrete answers about what's been causing the delay. It's so frustrating that these crucial requirements aren't clearly communicated upfront during the application process. You shouldn't have to guess what forms might be missing or what interviews might be required. Please keep us updated on what you find out - I'm sure your experience will help other people who find themselves in similar situations. Wishing you the best of luck getting this resolved quickly so you and your kids can get the support you need!