I'm so sorry you went through all that stress and confusion! As someone who's been navigating CalWORKs for a while, I can tell you that your original worker was definitely giving you incorrect information. It's unfortunately pretty common for workers to misunderstand policies, especially around housing situations. Just wanted to add a couple things that might help others in similar situations: 1. If you're staying somewhere for free, the county might assess it as "in-kind income" but they have to use fair market value calculations - they can't just make you pick a random rent amount. And even if they do count some in-kind income, it usually only reduces your grant slightly, not eliminates it entirely. 2. For documentation, keep records of all your conversations with workers - dates, times, what was said. This really helps when you need to escalate or clarify conflicting information later. 3. The CalWORKs All County Letter (ACL) system has all the official policy guidance. You can actually look these up online if you want to verify what workers are telling you. It sounds like you did everything right by pushing back and asking for a supervisor. That takes courage, especially when you're dealing with pregnancy stress on top of everything else. Hope your case gets resolved smoothly from here!

I'm so glad you were able to get this resolved by speaking with a supervisor! Your story is a perfect example of why it's so important to question things when workers give you information that doesn't sound right. As someone who's helped family members navigate CalWORKs, I can confirm that your original worker was completely wrong on multiple points. You should never be told to make up a rent amount you're not actually paying - that's literally asking you to commit fraud! And the idea that free housing automatically disqualifies you from CalWORKs is just not true. For anyone else reading this who might face similar issues: document everything, don't be afraid to ask for supervisors, and remember that you have the right to understand exactly which policies apply to your situation. Workers sometimes get overwhelmed or confused about complex rules, but that doesn't mean you have to accept incorrect information that could harm your benefits. The address situation you mentioned is also really common - definitely get that other person to update their information ASAP to avoid fraud investigations for everyone involved. Thanks for sharing your experience and the resolution! Stories like this help other community members know what to expect and how to advocate for themselves.

Here's a practical tip I used when my husband had variable income: I created a simple spreadsheet where I recorded each paycheck as it came in and had it automatically total the monthly amount. Then I wrote my IRT amount at the top in bold. As soon as that monthly total exceeded the IRT, I knew I had to report within 10 days. Another important thing to remember is that if you go over your IRT one month, your cash aid will be adjusted for that month, but it doesn't automatically mean you'll lose benefits completely. They recalculate based on the actual income and deductions.

I just went through this same situation a few months ago and it was so stressful! What really helped me was requesting my specific IRT amount in writing from my caseworker - they're supposed to tell you this number on your Notice of Action but sometimes it's buried in all the paperwork. One thing I learned is that you can also submit your income reports through the mail with a return receipt requested if you're worried about documentation. That way you have proof of when you submitted it if there are any questions later. Also, don't feel bad about the confusion - I've been on CalWORKs for 2 years and I'm STILL learning new things about how it all works. The system is incredibly complex and they really don't do a good job explaining it clearly to recipients.

my sister had same problem they didnt take her calworks but the next year they took her tax return without telling her first so watch out for that part

I went through something similar last year. EDD said I owed them about $800 from unemployment overpayment, but when I got my CalWORKs emergency assistance payment, they didn't touch it. The two systems really don't talk to each other that way. However, I did end up setting up a $15/month payment plan with EDD after they started sending threatening letters about wage garnishment (even though I wasn't working at the time). It was worth it for peace of mind. Also, definitely keep all your paperwork about the stimulus payment - you'll need it for your next reporting period. Your CalWORKs worker should be able to tell you exactly how to report it so it doesn't mess with your regular benefits.

I'm so sorry you're going through this! I had my CalWORKs stolen about 6 months ago and it was such a nightmare. Mine took 16 business days to get replaced - way longer than they initially told me. The key things that helped me were: 1) calling every single day to check status, 2) asking to speak with a supervisor when regular workers couldn't help, and 3) documenting EVERYTHING (dates, times, who I spoke with, reference numbers). Also definitely apply for that emergency assistance/immediate need payment while you wait - even if it's partial, it's better than nothing when you have kids to feed. And if you haven't already, make sure you've changed your PIN and requested a new card. The person who stole your benefits might still have access otherwise. Hang in there - I know it's incredibly stressful but most people do eventually get their money back. The system is just overwhelmed right now with all the theft cases. 💙

I'm a caseworker at one of the county offices and I want to give you some insider tips that might help speed things up. First, when you call, specifically ask for the "EBT theft unit" - don't just talk to general intake. They handle these cases faster. Second, if you're facing immediate hardship (which you clearly are with rent due), mention that you want to file for "emergency food assistance" in addition to your theft claim - it's a separate process but can get you some help within 24-48 hours. Third, if it's been more than 10 business days without a decision, you can file a complaint with the state - sometimes that gets counties moving faster. I've seen too many families struggle while waiting, and there ARE ways to get help faster if you know what to ask for. Keep advocating for yourself!

That's great news! Glad you got it sorted out before your deadline. Make sure to save/print the confirmation number for your new application just in case there are any future issues.

This is such a relief to hear that others have experienced this too! I've been dealing with CalWORKs for 3 years now and the BenefitsCal system has always been glitchy, but it seems like it's gotten worse lately. Last month my neighbor had a similar issue where her whole application just vanished mid-process. She ended up having to go to the county office in person with all her documents because she couldn't get the online system to work at all. For future reference, I always recommend taking screenshots after each page you complete and saving any confirmation numbers you get along the way. The system definitely has issues but documenting everything helps if you need to appeal or prove you were trying to meet deadlines. Hope everyone gets their issues resolved quickly!