CalWORKs processing time after submitting verification docs + payment amount for family of 5?

After you submit all verification documents, it typically takes 7-10 business days for them to process everything and make a decision. This can vary by county though - some process faster while others might take the full 30 days they're technically allowed. For a family of 5 in 2025, the maximum CalWORKs grant amount would be around $1,356, but since you're working part-time, they'll calculate something called the "earned income disregard" where they don't count the first $450 of income, then reduce your grant by 50 cents for every dollar you earn after that. So with your income, you'd probably get somewhere between $700-900 in Cash Aid depending on your exact earnings and any other income sources. Make sure they process your childcare assistance application too - that's often overlooked but super important if you're working!

they took almost 3 WEEKS with mine even after i submitted everything!!!! kept sayin they needed to "verify" stuff that i already gave them 🙄 the county is so slow and they dont care if ur rent is due. make sure u call and bug them every few days or they'll just let ur application sit there

I used this service called Claimyr to get through to an actual person at my county office when I was in a similar situation last month. You just go to claimyr.com and they'll call the office for you and get you connected with an actual worker instead of waiting on hold forever. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE - totally worth it because I was able to check on my documents and they found out they were missing one of my pay stubs that I definitely submitted. Got approved two days later!

my sister got calworks for her and her 4 kids i think she gets like $1500 a month but shes not working at all. they calculate it weird if ur working

When I submitted my verification docs last year, they told me 30 days but approved me in 2 weeks. HOWEVER I had to call them 5 times because they kept saying they were "missing" documents I KNOW I submitted!!! So frustrating!!! Write down EVERYTHING you submit and get receipts if possible!!! The system is designed to discourage people I swear. As for family of 5, I'm a family of 3 and get about $800/month with part-time income similar to yours. But I think they increased the amounts for 2025 so you should get more.

Just to clarify some important points: 1) Processing time: Counties have up to 30 days from your application date to make a determination, but typically complete it sooner if all verification is submitted. Always follow up if it's been more than 10 business days. 2) Family of 5 payment: The maximum aid payment (MAP) for a family of 5 in 2025 with no income is approximately $1,356, but this will be reduced based on your reported earnings using the earned income disregard formula. 3) Childcare assistance: As a CalWORKs participant who is working, you absolutely qualify for childcare assistance! This is called "Child Care Payment Program" and covers most or all of your childcare costs. You need to complete a CCP 1 form - ask your worker about this immediately! 4) Backdating: Yes, they will backdate your benefits to the application date if you're approved, so you won't lose money due to processing delays. I recommend calling your county office to confirm they received all your documents and to specifically ask about childcare assistance, as this is often overlooked.

calworks has gotten worse with processing times since covid i swear. took them 25 days for me and i kept getting different answers every time i called. one person said they had everything then next person said they were missing stuff. its like they dont even look at ur file b4 talking to u. and for family of 5 payment my neighbor gets like $1100 i think for her and 4 kids but she works a little bit

I just wanted to follow up on the childcare question since it's important. The CalWORKs Child Care Program has three stages: Stage 1: When you're just starting CalWORKs and working/in training Stage 2: When you've been stable on CalWORKs for a while Stage 3: When you no longer receive Cash Aid but still need childcare (for up to 24 months) You'll start in Stage 1, and there's no separate income test - if you qualify for CalWORKs and are working, you qualify for childcare assistance. The program will pay your childcare provider directly. You'll need to find a provider that accepts CalWORKs payments (most do), and complete the CCP 1 form. This benefit is incredibly valuable - it can cover full-time childcare costs that would otherwise be $1,000+ per month for your 1-year-old!

Regarding your question about family childcare providers - yes, CalWORKs can pay a family member (like your sister) as a license-exempt provider, though the rate is lower than for licensed providers. Your sister would need to complete a background check and some basic health and safety requirements. Also, I noticed in your original post you mentioned a family of 5 with your partner. Just to clarify, if your partner is the biological parent of any of your children, their income will also be counted in calculating your grant amount, even if they recently lost their job. If they received any unemployment benefits, that would be counted as well. For the fastest resolution, I strongly recommend trying to speak directly with your worker to confirm everything is in order rather than waiting and hoping. Processing can sometimes get stuck on small issues that could be resolved quickly.

If you're struggling to get through on the phone, definitely try Claimyr. I've used it three times now for different benefit issues and always got through to someone who could actually help. The last time I called normally, I was on hold for TWO HOURS and then got disconnected! With Claimyr I was talking to a worker in about 10 minutes. Huge difference.