CalWORKs discontinued after telling worker about prepaid cell phone - is this a resource trap?

This is unfortunately a common misunderstanding. The worker wasn't trying to trick him, but the cell phone question relates to verifying resources. CalWORKs has resource limits (currently $10,000 for most households). They don't count your primary phone as a resource, but they DO need documentation to verify it's just a basic necessity and not an expensive asset. When they send those verification requests, you actually need to provide something - a statement showing the prepaid plan amount, a receipt for the phone purchase, or even just a signed statement explaining the phone's value and plan cost. Checking "worker already knows" isn't considered sufficient documentation. He should immediately contact his worker and explain he misunderstood the verification requirement. He might be able to get benefits restored if he provides the documentation now. The discontinuance was probably for "failure to provide verification" not because of the phone itself.

omg the SAME EXACT thing happend to me!!!! they always looking for reasons to kick ppl off. my worker asked about my internet and then boom cut off my cash aid saying i didnt verify it. like how am i supposed to even apply for jobs without internet?? the system is 100% rigged

He has 90 days from the discontinuance date to request a hearing and potentially get benefits restored without a gap. This is called "aid paid pending." But he needs to act FAST - like within the first 10 days of getting the discontinuance notice if he wants benefits to continue while waiting for the hearing. If it's been longer than 10 days but less than 90, he can still request a hearing but might have a gap in benefits. He should also immediately submit whatever phone documentation he has (receipt, plan statement, etc.) along with a written statement explaining the misunderstanding. If he goes to the office in person and explains the situation, sometimes they can fix it on the spot without a hearing. And yes, prepaid phones are totally allowed and don't count against him as long as they're not super expensive. They're just checking he's under the resource limits.

wait im confused why would they even care about a prepaid phone?? its not like its an asset or anything i thought they only cared about like cars and bank accounts over the limit??

I had something similar happen with my tablet. The county is really cracking down on verifying all possible resources right now because of some audit they're under. Here's what I'd recommend: Your friend should try calling early in the morning, like right when they open (usually 8am). That's when wait times are shortest. Tell him to specifically request his case be reopened due to "good cause" for not providing the verification - the good cause being he misunderstood what was being requested. If he can't get through on the phone, I actually found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to my worker when I was in a similar situation. They'll wait on hold with the county and then call you when a rep comes on the line. Saved me hours of waiting. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE It was worth it for me because I was about to lose my housing without my benefits.

One thing your friend needs to understand is that checking the box saying "worker already knows" is NEVER sufficient for verification requirements. Even if the worker knows the information, the regulations require them to have documented proof in the case file. This is a common misunderstanding that leads to discontinuances. For a prepaid phone, he should provide: 1. Make/model of the phone (to establish value) 2. Documentation of the prepaid plan (receipt or statement) 3. A signed statement that this is his only phone He can still fix this! He should submit these documents along with a written request for "restoration of aid based on good cause" explaining that he misunderstood the verification requirement. The county has discretion to reopen the case without a hearing if he acts quickly.

i work wtih homeless clients and see this CONSTANTLY. It's not just phones - I've seen them discontinue for verifying small amounts in Cash App, Venmo, or asking for receipts for things people bought months ago. The system is absolutely DESIGNED to create barriers. Your friend should file for a hearing AND submit the verification. But here's the truth - even after he fixes this, they'll find something else to question in a few months. Tell him to DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Save every receipt, every letter, take notes during phone calls with date/time/worker name. The county workers have impossible caseloads so they look for any reason to close cases and reduce their workload. It's disgusting but that's how the system operates now.

Update: I talked to my roommate and helped him understand what probably happened. We're putting together documentation about his phone today, and he's going to try to visit the office in person tomorrow morning. I'm also going to help him write a statement explaining that he misunderstood the verification requirement. Thanks everyone for the advice - I'll let you know what happens after he talks to them!