This is a really good thread with lots of helpful info! I'm new to CalWORKs and had no idea about the "excluded member" rule before reading this. It actually makes sense when you think about it - they're trying to help as many family members as possible rather than denying the whole family. One thing I wanted to add is that you should also make sure your worker is using the most current income limits. The limits did increase at the beginning of 2025, so if your case was processed using old limits, you might want to ask for a redetermination. Also, if your income changes (like if you get a raise or your hours get cut), make sure to report it because it could affect whether you're excluded or not. It sounds like you're asking all the right questions though - definitely get that income calculation worksheet and double-check their math!

I'm new to this community but this discussion has been incredibly helpful! I'm currently going through the CalWORKs application process and was totally confused when my caseworker mentioned something about "assistance units" and excluding family members. Reading everyone's experiences here makes so much more sense than the brief explanation I got at the office. I wanted to ask - for those who have been through this excluded member situation, how long did it take for your benefits to actually start once they figured out the correct calculation? My worker said it could take a few weeks but I'm hoping it's faster than that since we really need the help. Also, does anyone know if being excluded from CalWORKs affects eligibility for emergency assistance programs? We might need help with utilities while we're waiting for the regular benefits to kick in. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories and advice - this community is amazing for getting real information that actually makes sense!

Hey Jasmine! I just wanted to add that when you apply, make sure to ask about emergency aid if you really need help right away. Some counties can provide a small emergency payment while your regular application is being processed - it's not much but it can help with immediate needs like groceries or utilities. Also, if you're having trouble with childcare while job searching or going to appointments, ask about the CalWORKs childcare program. They can help pay for childcare so you can work or your husband can look for work. Good luck with your application! 🙏

Just wanted to share my recent experience since it might help! I was in a similar situation 6 months ago - family of 4, husband lost his job, I was making about $2,200/month part-time. We got approved for CalWORKs and received $1,087/month plus CalFresh benefits. The whole process took about 6 weeks from application to first payment, but like others said, they backdated it to our application date so we got a nice lump sum initially. One thing I wish I'd known earlier - keep ALL your documentation organized from day one. They asked for additional paperwork twice during our case review, and having everything ready made it so much smoother. Also, don't be discouraged if they ask for clarification on something - it doesn't mean you're getting denied, they just want to make sure they calculate your benefits correctly. You've got this! 💪

I just went through this same process in San Bernardino County last month! The $200 WTW participation incentive definitely exists, but like others mentioned, the timing varies. For me, it took exactly 4 weeks from when my sanction was removed to when I saw the payment. What I learned is that your worker has to complete two separate actions in the computer system: 1) officially close/cure your sanction case, and 2) enter your participation verification for the incentive payment. Sometimes there's a gap between these two things happening. I'd suggest calling and specifically asking if both steps have been completed. Also, when you do get it, it'll show up as a separate line item on your Notice of Action - mine said "WTW PARTICIPATION INCENTIVE $200.00" so you'll know exactly what it is. Hang in there, it should come through!

I just wanted to add my experience from Orange County - I got my sanction removed about 8 months ago and had a similar situation. The $200 WTW participation incentive took about 3 weeks to show up for me, but here's something important that I don't think anyone mentioned yet: make sure you're meeting the minimum weekly participation hours AFTER your sanction is removed. In my county, I had to complete at least 32 hours per week of approved WTW activities (job search, education, work experience, etc.) for a full month before the incentive payment was triggered. My worker initially forgot to tell me this requirement, so I was only doing like 20 hours a week thinking it was enough. Once I started hitting the 32 hours consistently and turned in my participation verification sheets on time, the payment came through. Also, if you're doing job search activities, make sure you're documenting everything properly - they want to see specific employer names, dates, and contact methods for each application. Hope this helps!

Andre, that's incredible news about getting your approval text! I'm so excited for you - I know how stressful that whole waiting period can be, especially when you're worried about rent. Since you already have your CalFresh EBT card, you're in a really good position for the cash aid to load quickly onto the same card. I'd definitely start checking your balance Thursday evening just in case it processes early - sometimes they surprise you! The backdated payment from your application date 3 weeks ago is going to be such a huge help for getting caught up on everything. Make sure to keep that approval text saved as documentation. This community has been so supportive helping you through this whole process, and we're all celebrating this win with you! Can't wait to hear when those funds hit your account!

Andre, that's absolutely fantastic news! I'm so thrilled you got that approval text - what a huge weight off your shoulders that must be! It sounds like you really got a great worker who followed through on their promise. Since you already have your CalFresh EBT card, you're definitely in the best position for a quick transfer - they'll just activate the cash aid portion on your existing card. I'd suggest checking your balance Thursday evening and Friday morning just to be safe, sometimes they process earlier than expected! The backdated payment from your application date 3 weeks ago is going to be such a blessing for getting caught up on rent and other bills. Make sure to screenshot that approval text for your records - it's always good to have documentation. Welcome to the CalWORKs community! We're all so happy for you and excited to hear when those funds finally hit your account. You've got this!

I've been on CalWORKs for about 6 months now and I remember having this exact same anxiety after my first SAR7! The waiting and not knowing is honestly the worst part. What really helped me was creating a little calendar reminder to check my BenefitsCal account and EBT balance about 10 days after submitting - that way I wasn't obsessively checking every day but still stayed on top of it. One thing I wish someone had told me earlier is that you can actually call the county office and ask them to confirm they received your mailed SAR7 without having to talk to your specific worker. Just ask for "document verification" and give them your case number. They can usually tell you right away if it's in their system. Since you mentioned this is only your second SAR7, you're still learning the rhythm of how this all works. It gets less stressful once you realize that the system, while flawed, does generally work if you submit everything correctly. The fact that you triple-checked and included all your pay stubs sounds like you did everything right! Also wanted to say good for you for working part-time while finishing school - that's not easy to balance but you're investing in your future. Keep up the good work! 🎓

I've been on CalWORKs for about a year now and I still get anxious every time I submit my SAR7! The waiting period is definitely nerve-wracking, but from my experience, if you included all your pay stubs and double-checked everything like you said, you should be fine. One thing that's really helped me is keeping a simple checklist of what I include each time - pay stubs for the required months, signed form, any other verification they asked for. Then I make a note in my phone of when I mailed it and set a reminder to check my BenefitsCal account in about 10 days. Your new worker probably won't call unless there's an issue - that's been my experience with 3 different workers now. The silence is actually a good sign! You should get your Notice of Action in the mail within a couple weeks if everything processes normally. Since you mentioned being in school, just wanted to say that's awesome you're working toward your education while managing all this. It's not easy but you're doing great by staying on top of your reporting requirements. The CalWORKs support really does help make it possible to focus on school. Keep it up! 📚