CalWORKs after job loss - do I need termination letter to qualify for Cash Aid?

they do need proof ur not working but doesnt have to be a letter. when i applied last yr i just showed them my last pay stub and signed a form saying i wasnt working anymore. they might call ur job but not always. u should apply right now on benefitscal.com dont wait

You don't specifically need a termination letter, but you DO need to verify your unemployment status. Here's what counts: 1. Last pay stub showing employment ended 2. Signed affidavit (form CW 2.1) declaring you're no longer employed 3. Unemployment Insurance benefit letter if you've already applied for UI The county has to verify your job loss, but YOU don't have to provide employer contact info if doing so would be harmful or difficult. Make sure to tell your eligibility worker about your warehouse job and when it ended during your interview. They should schedule an interview within 7 days of your application. Once approved, benefits are issued within 3 business days, but the entire application process can take up to 30 days. If you have less than $100 and your rent is due soon, ask about immediate need/expedited CalWORKs when you apply!

my experience was different they DID make me get a letter when i got fired from amazon last year. the eligibility worker was really strict about it. said I needed proof I wasn't still working there. but maybe it depends on which county ur in? im in LA county.

I'm in the middle of applying for CalWORKs too after losing my job! The interview process is SO STRESSFUL. I've been calling the county office every day for a week trying to schedule my required interview after applying online, but I keep getting stuck in automated phone jail. Just keeps disconnecting me after 30+ minutes on hold. Anyone have tips for actually reaching a human being to schedule the interview???

Make sure you're also applying for CalFresh (food stamps) AND Unemployment Insurance at the same time!!! CalWORKs requires you to apply for UI benefits if you qualify. And don't forget to report any severance pay if you got it - they'll count that as income for the month you receive it and it could affect your eligibility for that month. Also, since this is your first time on CalWORKs, you need to know you'll eventually have to participate in Welfare to Work activities once you're approved (like job search, training programs, etc). They'll explain all that at your interview.

I went through this EXACT situation in January! You need to make sure to specify when filling out the application that you have $0 income currently. I made the mistake of putting my previous income and they denied me at first because they thought I was still employed. ALSO!!! When you get approved, you'll have to do those Welfare to Work (WTW) activities which is basically 20-30 hours a week of job search activities. Don't skip those or they'll cut your benefits!! Nobody told me that part until I almost lost my Cash Aid.

hey just wondering did u have kids? cuz i think calworks is only for people with kids. if u dont have kids u need to apply for general assistance/general relief instead. thats different program.

dont 4get they gonna make u provide info about ur childs father too for child support stuff. they make u cooperate with child support services unless u got a good reason not to (like domestic violence

Just wanted to add - if you're having trouble with the phone system, try calling right when they open (usually 8am) or during lunch hours when it's less busy. Also, some counties let you schedule interviews online through your MyBenefits account after you apply. Check your account dashboard to see if that option is available - way easier than calling! And since you mentioned rent is due in 3 weeks, make sure to bring documentation of your housing costs to the interview (lease, rent receipt, etc). Your CalWORKs amount is partly based on your shelter costs, so having that info ready will help speed up the process.

I'm going through something similar right now - lost my retail job 2 weeks ago and just submitted my CalWORKs application yesterday. From what I learned researching this, you definitely don't need a formal termination letter. I brought my last paystub and filled out the unemployment declaration form they gave me. One thing that really helped me was calling 211 - they connected me with a local nonprofit that helps people navigate the application process for free. They even helped me gather all my documents before applying. Might be worth trying if you're feeling overwhelmed with all the paperwork. Also, since you mentioned having only $42 left, definitely ask about emergency aid when you call. Some counties have programs that can help with immediate needs while your regular CalWORKs application is being processed. Don't suffer in silence - there are people who want to help you through this!

I work as a CalWORKs eligibility technician and wanted to clarify a few things for you. You absolutely do NOT need a formal termination letter - your last pay stub plus a signed statement declaring unemployment is sufficient verification. If your former employer is uncooperative about providing documentation, we have other ways to verify job separation. A few important things to expedite your case: 1. Apply for expedited processing immediately - with only $42 and rent due in 3 weeks, you likely qualify for emergency CalWORKs 2. Bring ALL required documents to your interview: ID, Social Security cards for you and your child, birth certificate for your child, rent receipts/lease, bank statements, and that last pay stub 3. Don't wait for your interview to be scheduled - call first thing Monday morning at 8am when phone lines open Since you have a 4-year-old, your maximum aid will be higher, and yes, you'll need to cooperate with child support services. The whole process can take up to 30 days, but emergency aid can be issued within 3 business days if you qualify. Hang in there - you're doing the right thing by applying now rather than waiting until you're completely out of money.