I'm in a similar situation right now - just got approved for CalWORKs last week and have been stressing about this exact thing! Reading everyone's responses here is so helpful. It sounds like even though the CalFresh will go down, we'll still be better off overall with the Cash Aid. I'm definitely going to try calling my worker to get the specific numbers like some of you suggested. Has anyone had luck getting through to the county office lately? I keep getting busy signals when I call. Also wondering - do they usually give you advance notice before they change your CalFresh amount, or does it just happen automatically once the Cash Aid starts?

I just wanted to add something that helped me when I went through this transition - try to stock up on some non-perishable foods before your CalFresh amount changes, especially if you're worried about that first month. Things like rice, beans, pasta, canned goods, etc. That way you have a buffer while you're adjusting to the new amounts. Also, don't forget that many food banks and pantries are available if you need extra help during the transition. I used a local food pantry for a couple weeks when I was figuring out my new budget and it really took the stress off. There's no shame in using all the resources available to feed your family! One more tip - if you shop at stores that accept EBT, many of them also participate in programs that give you extra money for buying fresh fruits and vegetables. Like at farmers markets you can sometimes double your CalFresh dollars for produce. Every little bit helps stretch that food budget further.

Just wanted to check in - how did your recertification interview go? Mine was yesterday and I got approved on the spot! Hope yours went well too!

So glad to hear it went well! I'm new to this community but going through my first CalWORKs application process right now and reading everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful. The anxiety around these interviews seems so universal - it's reassuring to know that most of the time things work out fine when you have your documents ready and are honest. Thanks for sharing the update, it gives me hope for when I have my own interview next month!

I just went through my redetermination last month and can share my experience! The interview was definitely easier than my initial application - took about 15 minutes by phone vs. the 2+ hours I spent at the office originally. A few tips that helped me: - Call your county office first thing in the morning (8-9am) to request phone interview - that's when I had the best luck reaching someone - Have your documents organized in advance: recent pay stubs, rent receipt, utility bills, and bank statements - Write down any changes since your last review (new job, moved, household changes, etc.) - Keep notes during the interview about what they tell you The caseworker mostly asked about my current income and if anything had changed with my living situation. Since you're working part-time now, make sure to emphasize that you're meeting your Welfare to Work requirements - they love to hear about employment progress! Don't stress too much about the savings account - as others mentioned, you're way under the asset limit. Good luck with your interview!

I'm going through my first redetermination next month too and this thread has been SO helpful! Reading everyone's experiences makes me feel less anxious about it. One thing I wanted to add - I called my county office yesterday using that early morning tip someone mentioned and actually got through to a real person! They confirmed I can do the phone interview and even let me schedule it for a time that works with my work schedule. The caseworker I spoke with said to have my last 4 pay stubs ready, current rent receipt, and any bank statements from the past 3 months. She also mentioned something that might help others - if you're having trouble gathering all the documents, they can sometimes give you a 10-day extension to submit missing paperwork after the interview. Obviously it's better to have everything ready, but it's good to know there's some flexibility if needed. Thanks again to everyone who shared their experiences - this community is amazing for getting real advice from people who actually know what it's like to navigate this system!

Don't stress too much about it! I've been through several of these interviews and they're really just checking that your situation hasn't changed dramatically since your last report. The workers are usually pretty understanding if you're honest about your circumstances. One thing I wish someone had told me before my first recert interview - if you're nervous or don't understand a question, it's totally okay to ask them to repeat it or explain what they're looking for. They'd rather you ask for clarification than give an unclear answer. Also, if you realize you forgot to mention something small during the interview, you can always call back within a day or two to add that information. I once forgot to mention that my mom occasionally helps with groceries, and when I called the next day to clarify, my worker appreciated that I followed up. The fact that you're preparing ahead of time and asking these questions shows you're being responsible about the process. You'll do fine!

I just had my recertification interview two weeks ago and wanted to share some encouragement! The "recertification/termination" language on the notice is just standard wording - it doesn't mean they're planning to terminate you, it's just the official name for the process where they either recertify you for another period or end the current certification period. My interview was actually pretty straightforward. The worker went through each section of my SAR7 and asked if anything had changed since I submitted it. They asked about my work hours, if anyone moved in or out of my household, any changes in childcare costs, and whether I was still living at the same address. One thing that really helped me was having all my documents organized in a folder next to me during the call, even though I didn't need to read from most of them. It made me feel more confident knowing I had everything if they asked for specific details. The whole interview took about 15 minutes for me. The worker was actually pretty friendly and patient when I had to look up a specific date. Just be honest about your situation and you'll be fine! Good luck with your interview on Tuesday!

Just wanted to share another tip that helped me when I was new to CalWORKs - if you're having trouble remembering all the important dates and deadlines, create a simple note in your phone with your key info: your deposit date (7th for you!), your SAR7 due date, your county office phone number, and your case number. That way you always have it handy when you need to call or check something. Also, the BenefitsCal website has a message center where you can sometimes get answers without having to call - it's under the "Contact Us" section. Hope this helps and congrats on getting approved!

One thing that really helped me when I first started getting CalWORKs was setting up a simple budget tracker on my phone. Since you know your deposit will hit on the 7th each month, you can plan backwards from there - like if rent is due on the 1st, you'll have about a week cushion each month which is actually pretty good! Also, don't be afraid to ask your worker to slow down during appointments - you have the right to understand what they're telling you. I used to bring a notebook and pen to write things down because I'd get nervous and forget everything too. The whole system can feel overwhelming at first but once you get into the rhythm of it, it becomes much more manageable. Good luck with everything!