UPDATE: You all are amazing! I called this morning and specifically asked about the One-Time Special Needs Payment and Barrier Removal Funds like you suggested. My worker still seemed confused, but I asked to speak with a WTW specialist. The specialist knew exactly what I was talking about! They're going to cover my insurance down payment through their Barrier Removal Funds because it's directly preventing me from getting to my interview and potential job. I had to fill out some extra paperwork and provide proof of the insurance quote plus my interview confirmation, but it's getting approved! Thank you all so much for your help - I never would have known to ask for these specific programs otherwise.

That's such great news, Anita! 🎉 Thanks for updating us - this is exactly the kind of information that helps everyone in this community. It's so frustrating that knowledge about these resources seems to depend on which worker you get, but at least now we know to specifically ask for a "WTW specialist" if our regular worker doesn't know about Barrier Removal Funds or One-Time Special Needs Payments. Good luck with your interview! Hope you get the job and this whole experience leads to better things for you.

any update? did ur payment come thru?

this is why i always keep a little extra in my account from the month before if possible. never know when theyll mess up the timing and then your stuck with late fees and stuff. glad it worked out for you tho!

Just want to add that if you're having trouble reaching your caseworker, you can also try contacting the county's CalWORKs office directly and ask to speak with a supervisor. Sometimes they can help expedite things when there's a tight deadline like this. Also, if you end up writing a statement explaining why you don't have the paystubs, make sure to be specific about the dates you worked, why you no longer have the documents (moving, etc.), and emphasize that this was before you received CalWORKs if that's the case. Keep copies of everything you submit! The system can be really frustrating but don't give up - there are usually solutions even when it seems impossible at first.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress! I went through something similar last year and it was terrifying at first. The good news is that since your job was in 2022 and you didn't apply for CalWORKs until late 2023, this shouldn't result in an overpayment - they can't penalize you for income you earned before you were even in the program. Here's what helped me get through it: - Contact your old employer's HR/payroll department ASAP - many keep records for years and can email you copies - Try to get your 2022 W-2 from the IRS website (irs.gov) or your tax preparation software - Bank statements showing deposits from that employer can work as supporting evidence - If all else fails, write a detailed statement explaining the situation and timeline Don't wait until day 10 to respond - even if you just send a letter saying you're working on getting the documents, it shows you're cooperating. Also try calling first thing in the morning or right after lunch - those seem to be the best times to actually get through to someone. You've got this! 💪

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! My CalWORKs cash aid shows up when I check my balance, but every ATM I try gives me a "transaction declined" message. It's so stressful when you need the money for bills and can't access it. Reading through all these responses has been really helpful though - I had no idea about the cash back option at stores. I'm going to try that tomorrow at my local grocery store. Also going to look into that Claimyr service to try to reach my caseworker faster. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions. It's reassuring to know I'm not the only one dealing with this and that there are workarounds while we get it sorted out with the county!

Hey is anyone still having trouble withdrawing cash from the ATMs or is it just me only?

Since you're pregnant, make sure you're also on WIC if you're not already. It won't replace Cash Aid, but it provides nutritional support during pregnancy and after baby arrives. Also look into the Pregnancy Special Needs payment through CalWORKs which gives you a small additional amount each month while pregnant. After reporting your change in living situation, if your benefits are reduced significantly, ask your worker about what will happen after the baby arrives. Once the baby is born, you'll need to provide verification (birth certificate, hospital documents) to add the child to your case within 10 days. At that point, the situation changes again because you and your boyfriend will share a child, which affects how they consider your household composition.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! I went through something similar when I was expecting my second child. Here's what I learned from my experience: You definitely need to report the address change within 10 days - that's a firm requirement regardless of how it affects your benefits. When you call, be very specific about your living arrangement. Tell them: - You're pregnant with your boyfriend's child (due July) - Who's on the lease - Exactly how much each of you pays toward rent/utilities - That you're not married Since you're pregnant with his child, they may treat this differently than if you were just roommates. Ask specifically about: 1. The Pregnancy Special Needs payment ($47/month) 2. How they'll calculate any "in-kind income" from shared housing costs 3. What happens to your case after the baby is born One tip: if possible, try to contribute something toward the rent from your Cash Aid (even if it's just $50-100) and document it. This shows you're using your benefits for housing costs, which can sometimes work in your favor during their calculations. The rules change again once baby arrives since you'll share a child together, so ask them to explain both scenarios. Getting everything in writing helps too - workers sometimes give different info and having documentation protects you. Good luck mama! The system is confusing but being proactive and honest is always the best approach.