Just wanted to add something that might help - if you're having trouble keeping track of your income month to month, I've found it helpful to keep a simple spreadsheet or even just a notebook where I write down my hours and pay each week. Since you're at $2,000 now and the IRT is $2,635, you have about $635 of wiggle room, but it can creep up faster than you think with overtime or extra shifts. Also, don't forget that the IRT calculation includes ALL income sources - not just your main job but any side gigs, unemployment, disability payments, etc. I made that mistake once and got confused about why my numbers didn't match what the county had on file. Stay organized and you'll be fine!

Just joining this community and this thread was super helpful! I'm in a similar situation - single mom with one kid, working part-time. Reading everyone's experiences here has been eye-opening, especially about the benefits cliff and the importance of tracking income carefully. I had no idea about services like Claimyr to help get through to caseworkers faster - that's going to be a game changer for me since I've been playing phone tag with mine for weeks. Also really appreciate the tip about CalWORKs childcare benefits through the CCP 7 form. I've been struggling with childcare costs eating up most of my paycheck, so I'm definitely going to look into that. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge and experiences - this community seems like such a valuable resource for navigating the system!

I just went through this exact situation last month! My SAR7 was 5 days late and I was missing my rent verification. The 3-day review timeline they gave you is pretty standard - they can't just process it over the phone when it's both late AND incomplete because it requires supervisor approval. What really helped me was following up on day 3 if I hadn't heard anything yet. In my case, they ended up approving it and my benefits continued without any gap. The key is that you got those missing documents in quickly after they told you what was needed. Try to stay positive - from what I've seen, most people who get their paperwork in within a day or two like you did end up being fine. The waiting is definitely the hardest part though!

I'm also dealing with CalWORKs right now and this thread has been so helpful! I had a question about the BenefitsCal portal - when your case is under review like this, does it usually show any kind of status update or does it just stay as "active" until they make their decision? I've been checking mine obsessively every day but it never seems to change, even when I know they're processing something. Also, has anyone had luck with emailing their worker instead of calling? Mine has an email listed but I wasn't sure if that's actually a good way to follow up or if phone calls are better. Thanks for sharing all your experiences - it really helps those of us who are new to navigating this system!

I'm also navigating CAPI benefits and had similar tax confusion! What everyone said is correct - CAPI itself isn't taxable income, but you definitely should file taxes for any work income you had. I'd also suggest keeping detailed records of when you received CAPI versus when you had work income, just to make everything clear if questions come up later. Since you mentioned your immigration status is pending, having organized documentation showing you're following all tax requirements properly could be really helpful for your case. The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program often has volunteers who are familiar with immigrant tax situations if you need free help preparing your return.

I've been through a similar situation with mixed income sources during immigration proceedings, and I just want to echo what others have said about the importance of filing taxes for your work income even though CAPI isn't taxable. One thing that really helped me was creating a simple timeline showing when I received different types of income throughout the year - it made tax preparation much clearer and gave me confidence that I was reporting everything correctly. Also, if you're nervous about making mistakes, many community organizations offer free tax prep specifically for immigrants and low-income families during tax season. They understand the complexities of having benefits alongside work income and can walk you through everything step by step. Don't let the confusion discourage you - you're asking all the right questions and being proactive about compliance, which speaks well for your character during your immigration process!

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!