CalWORKs payment split confusion - missing COLA increase amounts after approval

The same thing happened to me but I eventually got it sorted. What you're looking for is the CalWORKs COLA that went into effect October 2024 - it should've been automatically added to your benefits. Your regular worker actually CAN help with this, you probably just got someone who didn't know what they were talking about. Try specifically asking for a "benefit calculation review" and mention the "October 2024 COLA adjustment" by name. If your worker still claims they can't help, ask to speak with their supervisor. Don't give up - those adjustments are your right if you're eligible!

Its probly becuz youre only gettin $52 which means u have other income right? Sometimes the COLA is super small like $5-10 if ur already gettin a reduced amount. Mite not even notice it tbh

This is a classic communication breakdown with CalWORKs. The COLA adjustment should have been automatically applied to your case starting in October 2024, and if you were approved in December, it should already be calculated into your benefit amount. HOWEVER, there was also a one-time supplemental payment that went out to some recipients that's separate from the regular COLA increase. You need to figure out which one they were referring to. If it's the regular COLA, it's already included in that $52. If it's the one-time supplement, you need to ask specifically about the "2024 CalWORKs Supplemental Payment" by name. I had to deal with this exact issue and finally got through to someone after using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me connected to an actual worker who could explain everything within 15 minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE. That was the only way I could actually get someone who knew what they were talking about.

I HATE how they never explain anything clearly!!! When I got approved last year they told me about some extra payment too and I NEVER saw it. When I called they acted like I was crazy for asking. Then 3 months later it randomly showed up on my EBT card with zero explanation. The system is designed to confuse us so we give up asking for what we're entitled to. DON'T GIVE UP!!!

I got confused about this too. There's a difference between the annual COLA adjustment (which just increases your base benefit amount) and the supplemental payments that sometimes come separately. For the supplemental payment, you might need to meet certain criteria. Have you checked your BenefitsCal account? Sometimes the explanations show up there even when workers don't explain things well. Also, did you complete your SAR7 for the previous period? Sometimes supplements get held if reporting isn't up to date.

my case worker told me the extra COLA money wont show up as a separate payment for most people, its just included in the regular amount. but some people who had special situations might get a separate payment. did they tell you specifically youd get a separate payment or just that youd get the COLA increase?

I just checked with my friend who works for the county (not my county, but still knows the system). She said there was a CalWORKs Cost of Living Adjustment that went into effect in October 2024, AND there was a separate supplemental payment that went out to families with certain circumstances. If you were just approved in December, your base amount should already include the COLA. But you might also qualify for the supplemental payment, which is separate. You need to speak directly with a benefits specialist or supervisor, not just the front-line workers. Be persistent and specifically ask for a supervisor if the regular workers can't help.

good luck actually reaching anybody! i spent THREE DAYS trying to get through to my county office last month. kept getting disconnected after waiting 45+ minutes each time! the system is BROKEN