UPDATE: I just got a call from my worker - they received my mailed documents and my application is now approved! Benefits will be backdated to my original application date. So relieved this nightmare is finally over. For anyone else dealing with pending applications - keep calling until you get answers!

This is such valuable information, thank you for sharing your experience! I'm currently dealing with a similar situation - my application has been pending for 3 weeks now and I keep getting the runaround when I call. Reading all these comments makes me realize I need to be way more proactive about following up. I'm going to start mailing physical copies of everything today, even though the website says my documents were received. It's frustrating that we have to work around a broken system, but I'm grateful for this community sharing real solutions. Has anyone had success getting through to a supervisor when the regular workers can't help?

I'm a benefits advocate, and I've been seeing this issue a lot with the CalSAWS transition. Here's what's happening: The new system is flagging income as "changed" even when it's stable because it's comparing to a different baseline than the old system used. It's a programming issue. Everyone affected should: 1. Request an immediate case review for "administrative error" (use those exact words) 2. Ask for "expedited aid restoration" due to imminent harm (potential eviction) 3. Request retroactive benefits from the date of discontinuance 4. File for a State Hearing using the back of any CalWORKs notice you've received or online at https://acms.dss.ca.gov/ If you request the hearing and specifically check the box for "aid pending" before the 10-day deadline, they must restore your benefits while investigating. The deadline is usually 10 days from the discontinuance notice date - but since you didn't receive notice, argue that the clock hasn't even started. Don't give up! This is a clear violation of your due process rights under MPP Section 22-072.

I'm so glad you got through to someone and they're reopening your case! This exact same thing happened to me 3 weeks ago - benefits cut off with no warning, same income for months. The worker told me it was definitely a system glitch where the new CalSAWS was flagging stable income as "changes." Mine took 4 days to get restored once they reopened it, but I did get all the back pay from when it was cut off. Make sure you ask them to put a note in your file about this being a system error so it doesn't happen again next month. And definitely keep all your documentation showing your income never changed - I had to prove it twice before they finally flagged my case as "stable income, do not auto-discontinue." Fingers crossed you get this sorted before your rent is due! The stress is unreal when you're just trying to keep a roof over your kid's head.

Wait so u still get CalWORKs for ur husband?? My worker told me if either parent works full time they count both parents income against just the kids?? I'm so confused now

I went through something similar when I first applied for CalWORKs. The "excluded member" rule is actually pretty common but they don't explain it well. What helped me understand it was thinking of it like this: they're trying to help as many family members as possible, so if your income disqualifies you but not the rest of your family, they'll exclude you to keep benefits flowing to your husband and kids. One thing I learned is that even though you're excluded from the grant, you might still be eligible for other support services through CalWORKs like job training or childcare assistance. Have you asked your worker about those? Also, being excluded from CalWORKs doesn't automatically exclude you from other programs - you might still qualify for things like WIC or reduced-price school meals for your kids. The key is making sure they calculated your income correctly with all the proper deductions. If you're not sure, definitely ask for that income calculation worksheet someone mentioned earlier!

Just to add to what others have said - when you use your EBT card for Cash Aid, you can buy almost anything except: - Alcohol - Cigarettes - Gambling - Adult entertainment - Items from liquor stores Also, you can't use the Cash Aid portion of your EBT card in casinos, liquor stores, adult entertainment venues, or marijuana dispensaries - even for non-restricted items. This is different from CalFresh which has more restrictions on what you can buy but fewer restrictions on where you can shop. One more tip: set up text alerts for your EBT card by calling the number on the back or through the ebtEDGE app. That way you'll get a text when your benefits are deposited each month.

Hey Zara! Congrats on getting approved! 🎉 I know how stressful that wait can be. Just wanted to add a couple quick tips that helped me when I first started getting Cash Aid: 1. Your benefits should be available starting at 6 AM on your designated day (the 3rd for you), not midnight like some people think 2. If you're planning to pay rent with your Cash Aid, some landlords accept money orders which you can buy at most grocery stores with your EBT card - just ask for "cash back" when you make a small purchase 3. Keep track of your spending because unlike CalFresh, there's no monthly "reset" - once you use your Cash Aid for the month, that's it until next month Also, since you mentioned your worker is hard to reach, definitely try that Claimyr service someone mentioned if you have more questions. The county offices are super overwhelmed right now. Good luck with everything and welcome to the community! 💪

OMG I LOVE when people find out they're actually eligible for MORE benefits than they thought! Fill out that SAR7 TODAY and get it submitted. Don't wait until the deadline because processing can take a few days. And once your cash aid is back, make sure to ask about the diaper benefit and childcare assistance - those are HUGE helps when you have a toddler. The CalWORKs childcare benefit alone can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars if you're working or in school!

Great job figuring this out! Just wanted to add that when you do start looking for work, make sure to let your CalWORKs worker know - they have programs that can help with job search, training, and even transportation assistance. And the childcare benefit through CalWORKs can cover daycare costs while you're working OR looking for work, which is amazing. Also, with a child under 2, you're in the "young child exemption" category, so you won't have strict work requirements right away. Take advantage of this time to get stable housing, finish any education/training you want to do, and plan for when those requirements kick in after your daughter turns 2. You're doing great advocating for yourself and your little one!