As someone new to this community, I just wanted to say thank you all for sharing such detailed and helpful information! I'm in a similar situation with my neighbor who lost her husband and is struggling to navigate all these benefits with her kids. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly valuable - especially learning about the connection between CalFresh and free school meals, and how shelter costs can help increase benefits. It's clear this community really cares about helping families get the support they need. I'll definitely be sharing some of these tips with my neighbor, particularly about having all the documentation ready and not giving up if initially denied. You all are doing amazing work supporting each other through these complicated systems!

I'm new here but wanted to share something that might help - my aunt went through this exact situation in Orange County last year after my uncle passed. Her kids were getting survivor benefits and she was working part-time at a grocery store. What really made a difference was when she found out about the CalFresh "simplified reporting" option. Instead of having to report every little change in income throughout the year, she only had to report if her monthly income went up by more than $100 or if the survivor benefits changed. This made managing the benefits SO much less stressful during an already difficult time. Also, the caseworker told her that survivor benefits for kids are treated differently than other Social Security benefits in some calculations, so it's definitely worth applying even if the income seems borderline. The application might look complicated but the potential benefits (including all those connected programs people mentioned) are really worth it for families with kids.

I'm new here and just went through this exact same nightmare last week! What finally worked for me was calling the BenefitsCal customer service line (1-877-847-3663) instead of my county office. The wait was still long but not as bad, and they walked me through finding the form step by step. They told me to log in, click "My Dashboard," then scroll down to "Quick Actions" and look for "Submit Required Documents." From there you can select SAR 7 from a dropdown menu. The rep also mentioned that if you're really stuck, you can request to have a paper form mailed to you through that same Quick Actions section - just select "Request Paper Form" instead. Hope this helps someone avoid the stress I went through!

I just went through this exact same frustration two weeks ago! After reading through all these responses, I want to add one more option that saved me: if you have the MyBenefitsCalWIN mobile app on your phone, you can actually submit your SAR 7 through there too. Go to "Documents" then "Upload Document" and select "Semi-Annual Report" from the dropdown. The mobile interface is actually cleaner than the website version. You can take photos of each page of your completed form directly through the app instead of having to scan anything. Just make sure the photos are clear and all text is readable before submitting. This was a lifesaver for me since I don't have a printer or scanner at home. The whole process took maybe 10 minutes once I figured out where everything was located in the app.

I'm in a similar situation and wanted to share what I learned when I applied. You're right that it's worth trying! One thing to keep in mind is that CalWORKs has a time limit (usually 48 months lifetime), so you might want to think about whether now is the best time to use those benefits or if you'd rather save them for when you're deeper into your education. Also, since your partner works for Amazon, make sure to report his income accurately including any overtime or bonuses - they'll verify it anyway. The good news is that California has relatively higher income limits compared to other states, and with your high rent costs, you might be surprised at what you qualify for. If you do apply and get approved, definitely look into the CalWORKs education programs. They can help with books, supplies, and sometimes even childcare while you're in school. The combination of benefits plus educational support could really help you reach your goals. Start with the pre-screening tool on BenefitsCal.com to get an idea of what you might qualify for before doing the full application.

Based on your situation, I'd strongly encourage you to apply! With a household of 4 and rent at $2,300, you're likely spending over half your income on housing alone, which actually helps with CalWORKs eligibility calculations. A few key points for your situation: - CalWORKs considers your entire household income, but they also factor in your family size and high housing costs - Since you're unmarried but living together with shared children, you'll apply as one household unit - The child support requirement typically doesn't apply when the father lives in the home and is part of the CalWORKs case - Being a student can actually work in your favor - CalWORKs has educational incentives and you may be able to meet work requirements through school participation For CalFresh (SNAP), the income limits are generally higher than CalWORKs, so even if you don't qualify for cash aid, you might still get food assistance. I'd recommend using the pre-screening tool on BenefitsCal.com first to get a rough idea of eligibility. Even partial benefits could help significantly with your budget. The application process takes time, so starting sooner gives you a better chance of getting help when you need it most. Don't let uncertainty stop you from trying - the worst they can say is no, but you might be pleasantly surprised by what support is available!

This is such valuable information for all of us parents! I'm in a similar boat with my 17-year-old who's been wanting to get a job but I've been hesitant because of benefit concerns. Reading through all these experiences has been incredibly reassuring - it sounds like the key takeaways are: 1) Student income under 18 is exempt for both CalWORKs and CalFresh, 2) Always report it on the SAR7 anyway to stay transparent, 3) Make sure to indicate student status, and 4) Keep school enrollment docs handy. @William Rivera thank you for asking this question - you've helped so many of us! Your daughter is lucky to have such a caring and proactive parent. I think I'm finally ready to encourage my son to start looking for that part-time job he's been wanting. It's amazing how supportive this community is!

As someone who's been through the CalWORKs and CalFresh system for years, I can confirm what others have said - your daughter's income should definitely be exempt since she's under 18 and in school! I went through this exact situation with my own teenager last year. The most important thing is to report it on your SAR7 even though it won't count against your benefits. I made sure to write "STUDENT - EXEMPT" right next to where I listed his income so there was no confusion. Also, don't stress too much about reaching your caseworker - sometimes it's easier to just report everything clearly on the forms and let them process it. Your daughter should be so proud of her first job, and you're being such a responsible parent by making sure everything is reported correctly!

I went through this exact same situation a few months ago! My county (Sacramento) does allow online SAR7 submission through BenefitsCal, but here's the trick - the option only appears in your account about 45 days before your due date. If you're not seeing it yet and your report is due in 10 days, it should show up any day now. Look under "Documents" then "Submit Forms" rather than the main benefits page. Also, pro tip: if you're still having trouble finding it online, you can request an extension by calling the main county line and explaining your transportation issue. They usually grant a 10-day extension for good cause, which would give you more time to figure out the online submission or arrange alternative transport. Don't wait until the last minute though - call ASAP if you need the extension!

Hey everyone! I just wanted to share my recent experience with online SAR7 submission since there's so much conflicting info here. I'm in Orange County and successfully submitted my SAR7 through BenefitsCal last month. Here's what worked for me: 1. The online option appeared exactly 30 days before my due date (not 45 like some counties) 2. It was under "My Documents" > "Required Forms" rather than "Submit Forms" 3. The system required me to upload ALL verification docs as PDFs or clear photos - pay stubs, bank statements, rent receipts, etc. 4. After submitting, I got a confirmation number AND an email receipt (check your spam folder!) For those having technical issues - try using a desktop computer instead of mobile. The upload feature seems more stable on desktop browsers. Also clear your browser cache before starting - that fixed the "form incomplete" error I kept getting initially. @Zoe - definitely try the extension route that Oscar mentioned if you can't find the online option. LA County is usually pretty good about granting extensions for transportation hardships. Good luck!