Thank you everyone for explaining! The county worker never mentioned this

I'm sorry you're going through this - the CalWORKs system can be really confusing! Just wanted to add that you might also want to look into local food banks and community resources while you're job searching. Many areas have programs specifically for families dealing with unemployment that don't have the same restrictions as CalWORKs. Your local 211 service (dial 2-1-1) can connect you with emergency assistance programs, utility help, and job training resources that might be available in your area. Also, since you're already getting CalFresh and Medi-Cal, make sure you're signed up for all the associated benefits like the California Lifeline phone program if you need it. Hang in there!

can u update us after u go? i need to move counties soon too and im worried about the same issues

I went through a similar situation when I moved from San Diego to Riverside County last year. The key thing is to act fast - don't wait for them to contact you because it might not happen automatically. Here's what worked for me: I went to the Riverside DPSS office with ALL my paperwork (ID, lease, kids' birth certificates, recent pay stubs, and my LA County case information). I specifically asked for an Inter-County Transfer worker and they were able to process everything that same day. My WTW activities did transfer over - I was in a job training program and they let me continue it through a Riverside provider. The whole process took about 2 weeks but my benefits weren't interrupted because I acted quickly. Definitely go in person tomorrow morning and don't leave until someone gives you a confirmation that your case is being transferred. Good luck!

One more important detail: When you report WEX or Subsidized Employment income on your SAR 7, the first $225 of earned income is disregarded, and then 50% of the remainder is disregarded. This means only a portion of your earnings will count against your Cash Aid. Example: If you earn $1,000 from WEX: - First $225 doesn't count = $775 remaining - 50% of $775 doesn't count = $387.50 remaining - Only $387.50 affects your Cash Aid amount This is why these programs are so valuable - you gain work experience AND increase your total income substantially.

Just want to add that timing matters too! I'm also in Merced County and when I started my WEX placement last fall, they told me it can take 4-6 weeks after your orientation to actually get placed somewhere. The county has to find an appropriate work site that matches your skills/schedule and then do all the paperwork. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen right away! Also, some placements are better than others - I got lucky and was placed at the library which was perfect for my schedule with kids. My friend got stuck doing maintenance work at a park which wasn't ideal for her. If possible, mention any preferences or limitations during your assessment so they can try to match you better.

Thank you everyone for all this information! I'm going to help my parents apply for the Non-Needy Caretaker Relative case for my son. We'll gather all the documentation showing he stays with them during the week while I work. I'll also look into the childcare assistance program - that could be a game-changer for us financially. I really appreciate all your advice and warnings about the application process. I'll make sure to keep copies of everything and follow up regularly. This community has been so helpful!

Just wanted to add that when your parents submit their application, they should ask for expedited processing if possible. Since you mentioned you're visiting food pantries and struggling financially, they might qualify for emergency assistance which can speed up the approval process. Also, if your son is already enrolled in any programs like WIC or receives free school meals, bring those documents too - it helps establish his needs and your family's financial situation. The eligibility worker should also inform your parents about other resources like food stamps (CalFresh) that your son might qualify for as part of their household. Every little bit helps when you're trying to make ends meet!

Update: I called BenefitsCal today and after being on hold for almost 2 hours, I finally got through. The worker said I should report now that I got hired (even without a paystub), and then bring in my first paystub when I get it. They made a note in my file that I reported my job. She also checked my IRT and said as long as I don't earn more than $2,735 a month (which I definitely won't at Target part-time), I'm good until my next SAR7. Thanks everyone for your help! This stuff is so confusing sometimes.

Great job getting everything sorted out with CalWORKs! Your experience is really helpful for others who might be in the same situation. It sounds like you handled it perfectly by calling and getting that documentation in your file. For anyone else reading this thread - Mateo's approach is exactly what I'd recommend. Report when hired (even without pay info) to create that paper trail, then follow up with actual pay stubs. The key is showing you're being proactive and transparent about changes. And congrats on landing the Target job! Having that IRT number ($2,735/month in your case) is super helpful to know. Most part-time retail jobs won't get anywhere close to that, so you should be good to go. Best of luck with the new position! 🎉