FINAL UPDATE: Went to the office today and got everything resolved! They updated my documentation and said my payment should be processed within 3 business days. The worker also helped me apply for CalWORKs since my RCA is ending after next month. She said there might still be a gap between programs but at least I'm prepared for it now. Thanks again everyone for all your advice!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm also on RCA and approaching my 8-month limit soon, so reading about your experience gives me a heads up about what to expect. I had no idea that the transition to CalWORKs wasn't automatic - I definitely need to start that application process early. The documentation requirements for RCA seem so much more complicated than regular CalWORKs. Has anyone else here had success with applying for CalWORKs before their RCA ended? I'm worried about that gap in benefits that keeps getting mentioned.

Regarding your question about when to close the case - ideally you should report your move as soon as possible, but request that they close the case effective on your actual move date. This way you'll receive benefits up until you leave California, but not after. Be very clear about your move date when you talk to them. Also, in Colorado you can apply for multiple benefits through their PEAK system with one application - it covers their TANF program, SNAP (food assistance), Medicaid, and more. Definitely easier than California's system in my opinion.

I just went through this same situation moving from California to Washington state last year! One thing I wish someone had told me - make sure to ask about your current month's benefits when you report the move. In my case, I moved mid-month and California still owed me a partial payment for the days I was still living there, but they initially said the case was "closed" so no more payments. I had to fight for 6 weeks to get that partial payment! Also, start gathering all your documents NOW (birth certificates, social security cards, proof of income, etc.) because you'll need them all again for the new state application. Colorado's system might be faster than California's but you still want to have everything ready to go. The transition period between states can be really tight financially so the more prepared you are, the better! Good luck with your move and taking care of your mom! 💙

make sure ur reporting the same income on both applications!!! i accidently put different amounts when i applied and they flagged me for potential fraud even tho it was just a mistake. had to do this whole interview to explain why the numbers were different. so stressful!!

Hey! I went through this same situation last year and it was definitely confusing at first. Everyone here is giving you good advice - yes your CalFresh will go down but you'll have more money overall. One thing I wish someone had told me is to take a screenshot of your current CalFresh amount before you apply for CalWORKs, so you can compare later and make sure they calculated the reduction correctly. Also, if you're doing gig work or babysitting like you mentioned, just make sure you're reporting that income consistently on both applications. The county workers are usually pretty helpful during the interview if you ask them to explain exactly how they calculated your new benefit amounts. Good luck with your interview next week!

Thanks everyone for the super helpful info! I'm going to use the BofA ATMs to avoid fees and try the cash back at stores. Looks like I need to learn the difference between using the CASH vs FOOD options on the card. Will the cashier know which one to select if I just tell them I want to use Cash Aid? Also still wondering about my PIN - will the card come with instructions on setting that up?

Hey Aisha! Welcome to CalWORKs - I know it can feel overwhelming at first but you've got this! Just wanted to add a couple things that helped me when I started: 1. Download the "ebtEDGE" app - it's the official EBT app and you can check your balance without it counting as a transaction (unlike ATM balance checks). Super convenient! 2. If you're ever unsure about a transaction, you can always ask the cashier to show you the PIN pad before you enter anything. Most are happy to help. 3. Keep your EBT card receipts for a while - they show your remaining balance and can help you track spending. 4. Pro tip: Some stores like Target and CVS let you get cash back even on small purchases (like buying gum), so you don't always need to find an ATM. The learning curve is real but once you get the hang of it, accessing your benefits becomes much easier. Don't hesitate to ask questions here - this community is super supportive!

As a follow up - if your cousin is contacted by investigators, she should: 1. Stay calm and be polite 2. Ask for identification from the investigator 3. Take notes about what's being asked 4. Only answer questions she knows the answer to (it's okay to say "I don't recall" or "I'm not sure") 5. Request a written list of any documents they want her to provide 6. Get contact information for the investigator If she's accused of something she didn't do, she should contact legal aid immediately. The Legal Aid Association of California can help her find free legal assistance: https://www.laaconline.org/

I'm going through something similar right now and wanted to share what I've learned. The key thing is that these investigations are often triggered by data matching - like if her employer reports different hours/income to the state than what she reported to CalWORKs. Even small discrepancies can flag a case. From what my legal aid attorney told me, the investigators will look at: - Bank statements and deposits - Work schedules vs reported hours - Anyone who regularly spends time at her home - Her car registration and insurance - Utility bills to see who's living there The good news is that if she's been honest about everything, this will just be a hassle that eventually clears up. But she should definitely start gathering all her documentation now - pay stubs, bank statements, lease agreement, anything that shows her household composition and income. Having everything organized will make the process smoother if they do contact her directly. Also tell her not to stress too much about minor tip reporting issues - they're usually looking for bigger stuff like unreported jobs or people living in the home.