CalWORKs discontinued after spouse's unemployment - can I get reinstated with $0 income before rent due?

Yes, they should reinstate your benefits! When your income drops to zero, you qualify for expedited processing. Bring every piece of documentation showing your husband's unemployment situation - the interview appointment letter and any communication showing his payments aren't coming through. Also bring ID, rent agreement, and utility bills. Ask specifically for an "expedited determination due to zero income." Don't leave without speaking to a supervisor if the front desk tries to just take your paperwork. Explain your rent deadline situation clearly.

they canceled my calworks last year becuz of my boyfriends income to. took almost 3 weeks to get it back when he lost his job. bring EVERYTHING with u tomorrow. theyll just keep asking for more stuff if u dont

This is exactly why the system is so broken. They cut you off because of potential income, then when that income doesn't materialize, they take FOREVER to fix their mistake. Meanwhile YOUR RENT IS DUE! Make sure to ask for an "immediate need" payment - they can issue emergency funds within 3 days if you qualify (and you should with zero income). The county workers will try to dodge this but it's your RIGHT. Don't leave without submitting the immediate need paperwork!!!

I had almost this exact situation last year. The key is documentation - bring printouts of your bank account showing zero deposits from unemployment, any email or letter from EDD showing the interview date, and something showing when your benefits were cut off. Also bring your rent statement! When your income drops to zero, you qualify for expedited processing, but in my experience, the in-person visit is critical. Be prepared to spend a few hours there. Ask for a supervisor if needed. They can actually reactivate your case same-day if you're persistent.

Just wanted to add that you should ask for an "immediate need" payment like someone else mentioned. It's for exactly this situation - when you have a financial emergency (like eviction) and your regular benefits are delayed. They can provide up to one month's benefit amount while your regular case is being processed. I've been through this nightmare too!

omg they always do this!!! my caseworker never calls back either 🙄 have u tried using Claimyr? it's the only way i can ever get through to my worker. it holds your place in line and calls u back when someone picks up. saved me from going down there so many times. check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE the website is claimyr.com

cant they check ur husbands unemployment status thru the system? like dont they have access to see that EDD hasnt paid him? seems like they should be able to verify that without making u bring all that paperwork

Make sure to also ask them about retroactive benefits! If they terminated you incorrectly (which it sounds like they did since the unemployment never actually materialized), you should be eligible for backpay from when they cut you off. Don't let them just reinstate going forward - ask specifically about getting the missed month's benefits too.

yah defintly go in person!!!! calling is useless they never pick up. i waited 2 hrs last time i went but at least i got to talk to a actual person who fixed my case

One more thing - if by some chance they refuse to help you tomorrow, ask for a "Notice of Action" with the denial in writing. You have the right to appeal any decision through a "fair hearing" process. But I'm hoping they'll just reinstate your benefits on the spot given that your income is zero now!