I went through this exact situation about 3 years ago when my daughter was 15! Yes, your CalFresh will go down some when you get CalWORKs, but you'll definitely have more total money each month. In my case, I was getting around $500 in food stamps and that dropped to about $320, but I was getting $700+ in cash aid, so it was totally worth it. For the work requirements, they'll work with you to create a plan. Since your son is 16, you do need to do the 30 hours, but like others mentioned, there are options. I did a mix of job search and community college classes. The education route was actually amazing - I got my medical assistant certificate and now have a stable job that pays well enough that I don't need CalWORKs anymore. One tip: when you meet with your WTW worker, be upfront about your goals and what kind of work or training interests you. They have partnerships with local colleges and training programs that can really set you up for success. Don't just accept the first thing they suggest if it doesn't feel like a good fit for you. The application process can be frustrating, but stick with it. Having that financial stability while getting training or education can be life-changing!

I'm new here but wanted to chime in since I just went through this process myself last year. Everything everyone has shared is really accurate - your food stamps will decrease but you'll have more money overall with the cash aid. One thing I haven't seen mentioned is that during your initial interview, they'll ask about any assets you have (bank accounts, vehicles, etc.). Make sure you're honest about everything because they do verify this information. Also, if you have any money saved up, there are limits on how much you can have in the bank and still qualify. The WTW program really isn't as scary as it sounds. My worker helped me figure out a plan that worked with my schedule and my kids' needs. They also have childcare assistance if you need it for job interviews or training programs, which was a huge help for me. Good luck with your decision! It sounds like it could really help your family's situation, especially with the education opportunities others have mentioned.

Hi Zainab! I went through a similar situation when I moved here from Florida with my two kids last year. A few things that really helped me that haven't been mentioned yet: 1. When you apply on BenefitsCal, save your confirmation number and take screenshots of everything - the system sometimes glitches and you'll want proof you submitted everything on time. 2. For temporary housing proof while staying with your cousin, I used a simple letter from my family member stating I was staying there temporarily, plus I had them sign an affidavit. The county accepted this along with any mail I'd received there. 3. They'll assign you to a specific county office based on where you're staying. Once you know which office, try calling first thing in the morning (8 AM sharp) - that's when I had the best luck getting through. 4. If you get approved for CalWORKs, ask about their transportation assistance program too. They can help with bus passes or gas vouchers while you're job searching or attending WTW activities. The whole process took about 3-4 weeks for me, but I did get expedited CalFresh in 3 days since my savings were almost gone. Don't give up if it feels overwhelming - the benefits really do help while you get back on your feet in a new state. You're doing the right thing by applying immediately!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share what I learned when my sister moved from Oregon to CA last year. One thing that really saved her time was setting up a MySocialServices account online BEFORE applying - it's connected to BenefitsCal but gives you access to additional resources and lets you track your case status more easily. Also, since you mentioned your savings are running low, make sure to mention that during your CalFresh interview because it could qualify you for emergency food assistance even before your regular benefits start. The county sometimes has local food banks they can refer you to immediately while your application is processing. Another tip - if you end up needing to visit the office in person, try to go mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) as Mondays and Fridays tend to be absolutely packed. Best of luck with everything, and don't hesitate to ask questions here - this community has been super helpful for navigating CA benefits!

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!

when I was on calworks they told me differnt counties have differnt hours. i think its dumb they can just decide when to stop answering calls. i remember in LA county they stopped taking calls at 4 but in san bernardino they were open till 5. My cousin in alameda county said there open till 5:30 there!!!! makes no sense why every county is different when its all the same calworks program!!!!

Call hour the same 8 to 5 but they stop putting ppl in line early. my worker told me they all do this. riverside extra bad tho, my friend had to physically go into the office to resolve her case they NEVER anwsered phones.

UPDATE: Had my interview this morning and it went way better than expected! The worker was actually really nice and didn't lecture me about missing the SAR7 before. She just reminded me about reporting deadlines and the Income Reporting Threshold (which I guess is higher now in 2025?). She said since I'm already working, I still need to attend WTW orientation but it can be done online now. The only issue is they need verification of my kids' school enrollment and my landlord needs to fill out a housing form. They said I should get a notice within 7-10 days. Thanks everyone for your help! I feel so much more prepared than I was yesterday.

Congratulations on getting through your interview! That's such a relief when it goes better than expected. Quick tip about the housing form - make sure your landlord fills it out completely and signs it. I had to get mine redone twice because my landlord left some sections blank the first time. Also, for the school enrollment verification, you can usually get that same day from the school office or sometimes even print it from the parent portal online if your school district has one. Getting those documents in quickly will definitely help speed up your approval!