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!

This is a really good thread with lots of helpful info! I'm new to CalWORKs and had no idea about the "excluded member" rule before reading this. It actually makes sense when you think about it - they're trying to help as many family members as possible rather than denying the whole family. One thing I wanted to add is that you should also make sure your worker is using the most current income limits. The limits did increase at the beginning of 2025, so if your case was processed using old limits, you might want to ask for a redetermination. Also, if your income changes (like if you get a raise or your hours get cut), make sure to report it because it could affect whether you're excluded or not. It sounds like you're asking all the right questions though - definitely get that income calculation worksheet and double-check their math!

This is such an important thread for anyone dealing with CalWORKs paperwork issues! I'm a newcomer to this community but have been receiving CalWORKs for about 6 months now. Reading through all these responses really highlights how common these SAR7 problems are. I had no idea about the mail delivery issues or that BenefitsCal wasn't always reliable for notifications. The tips about setting calendar reminders and having backup plans like Claimyr are incredibly valuable. It's honestly heartbreaking that families have to stress about losing essential benefits due to administrative mix-ups, but I'm so grateful for communities like this where people actually help each other navigate these challenges. @Marcus Patterson I'm so glad you got everything sorted out before school started! Your experience will definitely help other families facing similar situations.

I'm new to this community and to CalWORKs, but this entire discussion has been incredibly helpful and honestly quite alarming. I had no idea that missing a SAR7 form could happen so easily or that the system had so many communication gaps. @Marcus Patterson, I'm so relieved you were able to get everything resolved! Your situation really highlights how stressful this process can be when you're depending on these benefits for your family. What strikes me most is how everyone here jumped in to help with practical solutions - from explaining the 90-day restoration period to sharing specific services like Claimyr. This is exactly the kind of community support that makes such a difference when dealing with complicated bureaucracy. I'm definitely taking notes on all the tips shared here: setting up calendar reminders regardless of notices, checking spam folders, knowing about the cdss.ca.gov form downloads, and having backup plans for when phone lines are impossible. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge - it's going to help so many families avoid this same panic!

I went through something very similar when I started working part-time while on CalWORKs. Here's what I learned that might help you: First, yes your benefits will decrease but you'll likely still be financially better off overall. The income disregards mean they won't count every dollar you earn against your grant. Second, DEFINITELY apply for the childcare assistance program that others mentioned - it was a game changer for me. Having reliable childcare let me take on more consistent hours without worrying about my kid. Third, keep detailed records of everything - your paystubs, hours worked, rent payments, etc. This makes reporting much easier and protects you if there are any questions later. Last tip: if your hours are inconsistent week to week, ask your worker how to handle reporting fluctuating income. Some months you might be under your IRT and others over, so knowing the rules helps avoid any overpayment issues. You're doing great by working and staying on top of your reporting requirements. The transition period is stressful but it does get easier once you understand how everything works together.

I'm in a really similar situation right now! I just started a part-time job at $16/hour getting about 18-20 hours per week while receiving CalWORKs for me and my two kids. I was so worried about losing all my benefits when I had to report it. What I found out from my worker is that they actually WANT you to work and the system is designed to make sure you're better off working than not working. Like others said, they don't count every dollar - there's that $225 they don't count at all, then they only count half of what's left. One thing that really helped me was asking my worker to do a "what if" calculation before I officially reported. They could estimate how my grant would change based on my expected income. Maybe ask about that when you submit your SAR 7? Also, definitely look into the childcare program! I qualified and it's been amazing - my kids are in a great daycare program and I don't pay anything. It actually motivated me to ask for more hours at work since I had reliable childcare. You're doing the right thing by working and reporting properly. The first few months are the hardest while you figure out how everything works together, but it does get easier!

UPDATE: The payment finally hit my account this morning! Exactly 24 hours later than it used to come on my EBT card. My landlord was understanding when I explained the situation. Lesson learned though - next month I'll know not to expect it at 1am like before. Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance!!!

So glad to see your update that the payment came through! This is exactly what happened to me when I first switched - that first payment always seems to take the longest. For future reference, I've noticed my direct deposits now consistently come around 8-9am on payment day instead of the midnight EBT timing. It's actually been more reliable for me long-term since I don't have to worry about EBT card issues or ATM fees. Just takes some getting used to the new schedule!

Just wanted to add that if you're concerned about the timing of the COLA increase, you can also look into emergency assistance programs while you wait. Many counties have one-time rental assistance or utility help available even if you're already on CalWORKs. Also, since you mentioned you're working 15 hours, increasing to 20+ hours not only helps with the time limit exemption but you might qualify for additional work incentive deductions that could actually increase your monthly grant amount. Worth asking your worker about the $90 work expense deduction and childcare assistance too!

Just want to echo what others have said about the work exemption - it's SO important to get those 20+ hours documented properly! I was in a similar situation last year and my worker actually helped me find a part-time position through the CalWORKs WTW program that got me to exactly 20 hours. The program also paid for my work clothes and bus pass which was a huge help. And yes, the COLA should be around 3% this year based on what I heard at my last appointment. For your family size that's probably $28-30 more per month starting in October. Not huge but combined with getting your time clock exemption sorted out, you'll have more stability to plan ahead. Definitely push for that exemption paperwork ASAP!