CalWORKs only counting 4 members instead of 5 in my family - approved for just $21!

This is definitely a mistake that needs to be corrected ASAP. When there's an error with your household composition, it affects both your eligibility and your benefit amount drastically. Here's what you should do: 1. Call your caseworker immediately and explain the error (though getting through can be super frustrating) 2. Submit a written statement through BenefitsCal requesting correction of your household size from 4 to 5 members 3. Include your child's verification documents again (birth certificate, school records, etc.) for the one they missed 4. Ask specifically for the childcare payment rate to be reassessed This sounds like a data entry error. If they counted 5 people correctly, your cash aid amount would be significantly higher than $21, especially with childcare expenses. Don't wait on this - each month with incorrect benefits is money your family needs!

omg the EXACT same thing happened to me last year!!! they somehow "forgot" my youngest on our case and we got like $37 or something ridiculous. took me THREE WEEKS of calling everyday to get it fixed. when they finally fixed it we got back pay but still that was 3 weeks of stress we didnt need. make sure u take screenshots of ur current benefit amount for proof later

I've been working with CalWORKs recipients for years, and this type of error happens more than you'd think. A few important points: 1. You absolutely have the right to request a fair hearing, but that can take 30+ days to schedule 2. The faster route is getting your worker to process what's called an "administrative adjustment" to correct the household composition 3. For the childcare issue - make sure they have your current childcare verification form (CCP 2145) with the correct rates 4. Your benefit amount of $21 suggests they're counting your income against a 4-person household standard instead of 5 Don't just accept the $21. With a family of 5 and childcare expenses, you should be receiving substantially more. If your worker doesn't fix this within 3 business days of you reporting the error, ask to speak with their supervisor.

After weeks of being frustrated with the phone system trying to fix a similar mistake on my case, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a real person at the CalWORKs office. It basically calls for you and holds your place in line, then calls you when a real person picks up. Saved me like 3 hours of hold time! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE. My worker fixed my household composition error the same day once I actually got to speak to someone.

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED I TELL U!!!!! They do this on PURPOSE to save money! My cousin works for the county and she says they are TOLD to find ways to reduce benefits! They probably saw ur income was a little higher this month and decided to "accidentally" drop a family member and only pay half childcare. ALWAYS REQUEST A FAIR HEARING, dont just accept what they give u. They hope people don't notice or are too tired to fight!!!!!

UPDATE: Finally got through to someone yesterday! The worker admitted they made a mistake. Apparently they didn't count my 4-year-old because they somehow had her listed as living with my mom (???) which is completely untrue. They're fixing it and said I should see the corrected amount in 3-5 business days, plus they'll issue supplement for this month. For the childcare, they were only counting hours I work, not including travel time and the hours my husband works when our schedules overlap. I sent in a new CCP 2145 with our full schedule. Thanks everyone for your advice!

Hey just wondering - did they explain how your kid got listed as living with your mom? That's such a weird mistake to make. I'm asking because my sister just applied for CalWORKs and they're saying her daughter is listed on someone else's case who she doesn't even know! Seems like there might be some kind of system issue happening with how they're tracking children?

Have u checked if this affects ur CalFresh too??? When my household size was wrong on CalWORKS it also messed up my food stamps amount. Make sure they fix BOTH programs if u get both!!! And double-check that they're counting your childcare expenses in your CalFresh budget too - that's separate from the childcare assistance through CalWORKs.