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@username5 With a child under 6, your WTW requirement is only 20 hours per week, not 30. Since you're working 15-20 hours, you're right at the minimum. Your worker should have discussed WTW with you if it was an issue. If they're just fixing the income calculation, that's probably all it was. But it wouldn't hurt to ask about your WTW status the next time you speak with them, just to make sure you're meeting requirements. There are also exemptions available if you can't meet the hours requirement for good cause (like lack of childcare, health issues, etc.).
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this reminds me of when my CalWORKs worker said my bank statements weren't good enough proof of my savings account because they were printed at home even though they had my name and account number and everything!!! i had to go to the bank and get them stamped!!! so annoying how they make everything so complicated!!! good luck with your SAR7!!
Ugh that's so annoying! Did you get it resolved in time? I'm really worried about my benefits getting cut off because my rent is due right after my SAR7 deadline.
I'm a benefits advocate, and here's what you should know: If your SAR7 deadline is approaching and you're having trouble getting verification, you can request a "reasonable accommodation" due to timing issues. Call your worker ASAP and explain the situation - that you're actively trying to get the correct documentation from EDD. Also, if you submit your SAR7 with whatever verification you have by the deadline (even if incomplete), and then submit the correct documentation within 30 days, they should restore any benefits that were temporarily discontinued. Make sure to document all your attempts to get the verification (dates you called EDD, etc.). Most importantly, don't miss the deadline - submit something, even if imperfect, and include a written explanation of your efforts to get the proper documentation.
Thank you so much for this detailed info! This makes me feel much better. I'll definitely submit something by the deadline even if I'm still waiting on the official EDD records. Really appreciate the help!
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this happens every month lol welcome to the system. i dont even try online anymore i just go in person and get a receipt. yeah it takes forrrrever but at least i know my stuff is turned in
UPDATE: BenefitsCal is working now! I was able to upload my paystubs, but still had an issue with my address change form. Went to the office this morning and they were able to process everything. Thanks everyone for your help and advice! For anyone with similar issues - definitely try different browsers, and don't wait until the last minute like I did!
Great to hear you got it worked out! One more tip - always take a screenshot of your confirmation page when uploading documents to BenefitsCal. I've had workers claim they never received documents that were definitely uploaded, and having that proof saved me from a benefit discontinuance.
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have you checked your benfitscal account? sometimes they post notices there faster than they come in the mail. might explain whats going on without having to call
Good idea! I just checked and there's nothing new there except the standard deposit notification. No explanation for the increase at all.
One more thing to check - does anyone else in your household receive CalWORKs Cash Aid? Sometimes when there's a change in household composition due to someone going on SSI, they recalculate both programs and may have accidentally added Cash Aid to your account instead of just CalFresh. The amount ($1,831) sounds more like it could be a combined CalWORKs + CalFresh issuance rather than just food benefits.
We don't get Cash Aid, only CalFresh. I managed to finally get through to someone using that Claimyr service another commenter mentioned. The worker confirmed it was an error - they somehow entered my son's SSI as a deduction instead of income! They're fixing it now and said not to spend the extra money because they'll be adjusting the balance on my EBT card within 2-3 business days. Thank you all for your help and warnings about not spending it!
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One more thing to remember - if the regular deposit date falls on a weekend or holiday, you'll actually get your money the business day BEFORE. So like if your normal date is the 3rd but that's a Sunday, you'll get it on Friday the 1st. Tripped me up a few times.
Oh that's good to know! Does that apply to all holidays or just major ones?
ya this happens to me all the time and its actually nice getting paid early lol
Since you mentioned you've only been on CalWORKs for 4 months, here's something important to know: sometimes your first 1-2 payments might come on irregular dates as your case is being fully processed. After that, it should stabilize to the regular schedule based on your case number. If you're still seeing inconsistent dates after 3-4 months, definitely contact your worker because something might be wrong with your case.
This makes so much sense! I think that's exactly what happened. My first payment was partial because it was mid-month, then I got a full payment but it was on a weird date. Thanks for explaining - I'll watch to make sure it comes on the 3rd next month.
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Hey just wondering - did they explain how your kid got listed as living with your mom? That's such a weird mistake to make. I'm asking because my sister just applied for CalWORKs and they're saying her daughter is listed on someone else's case who she doesn't even know! Seems like there might be some kind of system issue happening with how they're tracking children?
This is actually a common issue in the CalWORKs system. Sometimes when multiple generations of a family have received benefits at different times, the system can incorrectly link household members. Your sister should immediately request what's called a "case clearance" where they verify the correct household composition. She needs to bring identity documents for her daughter and proof they live together (school records, medical records, lease with both names, etc).
Have u checked if this affects ur CalFresh too??? When my household size was wrong on CalWORKS it also messed up my food stamps amount. Make sure they fix BOTH programs if u get both!!! And double-check that they're counting your childcare expenses in your CalFresh budget too - that's separate from the childcare assistance through CalWORKs.
Omg I didn't even think to check that! Just looked and you're right - my CalFresh is also less than it should be. Will definitely bring this up when I follow up. Thank you so much for pointing this out!
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anybody know if u can report income on the app?? my hours change every week at my job n its annoying to keep calling about it
Yes, you can report income changes through the app. Go to the "Changes" section and select "Income Change." You can take pictures of your paystubs right from your phone to upload. Just remember you only need to report when your income goes OVER the Income Reporting Threshold (IRT) that's listed on your last approval letter, not for every small change.
Just wanted to update that I got the BenefitsCal app and it's working pretty good for checking my balance and upcoming payment dates. It did crash once when I tried to upload a document but it worked the second time. Way better than calling that automated line! Thanks everyone for the help.
Glad it's working for you! One tip: if you turn on notifications in the app, it will actually alert you when your SAR7 is due, when you have a new notice, or when there's an action needed on your case. Saves a lot of stress about missing important deadlines.
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That's amazing news! I'm still trying to get through. Did they just fix it while you were on the phone? How long did it take for your account to update after they fixed it?
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One thing no one has mentioned: if your sister has high rent costs compared to her income, that can help increase her CalFresh amount. When they calculate benefits, they take the shelter costs into consideration. Also, if she pays for childcare for the 8-year-old so she can work, that's another deduction that could help her get more benefits. Make sure she reports ALL expenses when applying!
This is actually really important! When I finally reported my ACTUAL rent ($2700 for a 2bd in LA) instead of just guessing, my benefit went up by $78/month. They have a formula where if your housing costs are over a certain percentage of your income, you get an extra deduction.
One last thing to consider: if they do apply and get approved for even a small amount of CalFresh, they should also look into the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Some counties offer additional food benefits on top of CalFresh. It's not a separate application - they're automatically considered if they qualify for CalFresh.
oh yea thats rite! i get a little extra on top of my regular calfresh and didnt even know why until i asked my worker. its not alot but hey every little bit helps when your trying to feed kids!
Javier Mendoza
CalWORKs eligibility worker here. The BenefitsCal portal has been displaying inconsistent status indicators since the January 2025 system update. This is a known issue that the state is working to fix. Here's what you need to know: 1. The actual determination of your benefits happens in the county's system (CalSAWS), not in BenefitsCal 2. If your worker confirmed your eligibility verbally, your benefits are almost certainly approved 3. The 'active' status actually means your case is currently authorized for benefits 4. Only worry if you receive an official Notice of Action (NOA) indicating a problem 5. If your payment doesn't arrive on your regular issuance date, then contact your worker immediately The status display issues should be resolved in the next system update.
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AstroAdventurer
•is this happenig with calfresh to? my friend said her calfresh disapeered from the system but she still got her food stamps
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Javier Mendoza
•Yes, it's affecting both CalWORKs and CalFresh status displays. The benefits are still being issued correctly, but the display in BenefitsCal may not accurately show the current status. Always check your EBT card balance on your regular issuance date to confirm.
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Amina Diallo
UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know my Cash Aid came through right on schedule today! The status in BenefitsCal never changed from 'active' but the money showed up in my account this morning. Thanks for all the help and reassurance everyone!
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Emma Wilson
•So glad to hear it worked out! The system really needs to be more reliable. It's so stressful when you're dependent on these benefits and can't get clear information.
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Oliver Schulz
•Awesome! Glad it worked out for you! 👍
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