Just to clarify something important: even though the COLA is a "known" change, the different benefit systems (CalWORKs, CalFresh, SSI) don't automatically talk to each other as well as they should. The best practice is: 1. If the COLA puts you over your IRT - report immediately (required for CalWORKs) 2. If the change is more than $50/month - report for CalFresh (technically required) 3. If under both thresholds - you can wait until your next SAR7, but reporting now prevents any possible issues Report it through BenefitsCal and get a confirmation number as proof. This covers you completely.

Just wanted to add my experience - I'm a former county eligibility worker and can confirm that yes, you should report the COLA increase even though it seems redundant. The issue is that while SSI data flows into CalWIN, the actual benefit calculations for CalWORKs and CalFresh run on different schedules and sometimes don't sync up properly. What happens is SSI reports the COLA to the state, but your individual case might not get recalculated until your next review period unless YOU trigger it by reporting the change. This is especially true if your county is backlogged (which most are). The safest approach: Report any income change over $50 through BenefitsCal within 10 days. Take a screenshot of the confirmation. This way you're covered for both programs and won't get hit with an overissuance later. The system should work automatically, but it doesn't always, and the burden falls on you to prove you reported it.

When I first got CalWORKs, I was so confused about the whole EBT card thing too! I learned that for Cash Aid specifically: • Most major bank ATMs work (BofA, Chase, Wells Fargo) • You get 4 free withdrawals per month • After 4 withdrawals, there's a $1 fee each time • Daily ATM withdrawal limit is usually $1000 but most ATMs have lower limits • You can also get cash back at grocery stores which doesn't count toward your 4 free withdrawals • The EBT customer service number (on the back of your card) can tell you your exact balance too Also, keep your withdrawal receipts! Sometimes there are errors and you'll need those receipts to prove you didn't receive the money if there's a problem.

One thing I'd add that helped me a lot when I started CalWORKs - if you're ever unsure about whether an ATM will work, look for the "Quest" logo on the machine. That's the network that processes EBT transactions. Also, some grocery stores like Safeway and Vons let you get cash back with your EBT card when you buy something, even if it's just a pack of gum. This doesn't count against your 4 free ATM withdrawals either! I usually do this when I need cash and I'm already shopping for groceries. It's saved me from making extra trips to find an ATM that works.

anyone else notice that sacramento county ALWAYS does this right when rent is due??? like they know exactly what theyre doing cutting ppl off at the end of the month smh

Just wanted to add - if you're going in person tomorrow, write down exactly what happened and what you need resolved. When you check in, ask if there are any CalWORKs supervisors available. Sometimes they can resolve issues on the spot, especially when it's clearly an error in their system. Also, if you have any documentation showing your income has been consistent (pay stubs, employer letters, etc.), bring multiple copies so they can keep one for their records. If they restore your benefits but say the payment will take days to process, ask specifically about emergency payment options. Sacramento County can issue same-day payments in true emergency situations, though they don't advertise this option. Keep us updated on how it goes! Many people are dealing with the same issue right now.

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.

Thank you everyone for all the advice! I decided to submit online through BenefitsCal today. I uploaded my two paystubs and also found a section to enter my work information. The system gave me a confirmation number and said my SAR7 was successfully submitted! I also called my county office (it took forever to get through) and they confirmed my job doesn't put me over my IRT so I didn't need to report it within 10 days. But the worker said I did the right thing reporting it now on my SAR7. I'll still keep an eye out for the paper form in the mail just in case. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly! This is all so stressful when you're trying to work and take care of kids at the same time.

So glad you got it submitted successfully! Just wanted to add one more tip - screenshot or save that confirmation number somewhere safe. I learned this the hard way when my benefits got delayed and the county claimed they never received my SAR7. Having that confirmation number saved me because I could prove I submitted it on time. Also, since this is your first SAR7, you might want to set a calendar reminder for your next one. They're due every 6 months, so yours will be due again in October. The system usually sends notifications about 30 days before the deadline, but it's good to have your own reminder too. Good luck mama, you've got this! 💪