CalWORKs redetermination showing $3900 income when I make less than $1900 - how to fix this error?

This happened to me during my last redetermination too. Turns out they added up my bi-weekly paystubs incorrectly and counted some income twice. Definitely go into the office IN PERSON with all your original check stubs, your ID, and the letter they sent you. Ask to speak with your assigned worker or a supervisor. Make sure they actually correct it in the system while you're there - don't just leave your documents. Also, request that they send you a new NOA (Notice of Action) with the correct income calculation. If you wait too long and they reduce your benefits, you'll have to file for a fair hearing and wait for everything to get sorted out.

omg they ALWAYS mess up income on redetermrations!!! i had same thing happn 2 me last year. they counted my overtime pay from december TWICE. u need 2 go in person with ur stubs dont waste time on phone. bring everything n ask 4 supervisor right away dont talk 2 regular worker

This is a common calculation error that happens during redeterminations. There are a few possibilities for what went wrong: 1. They may have accidentally doubled one month's income 2. They might have calculated your weekly income and multiplied by 4.33 (weekly to monthly conversion) incorrectly 3. If you have variable income, they might have used your highest pay period as the baseline 4. They could have confused you with another case You need to request an immediate case review. Call your county office and use these exact words: "I need to request an immediate case review due to a significant income calculation error on my redetermination." If you can't get through on the phone, you should submit a written statement through BenefitsCal AND go in person. Make sure to bring: - All pay stubs for the last 3 months - The incorrect redetermination letter - A written calculation of your actual monthly income - Your case number and any other identifying information If they don't fix it within 3 business days, request a fair hearing immediately. You have 90 days from the date on your NOA to request a hearing, but don't wait that long.

I've had workers try to tell me I make more than I do several times over the years. It's like they WANT to kick us off benefits. Did you check if they accidentally counted your gross income instead of net? Or maybe they're counting someone else's income in your household? Either way, you need to fight this. Call and demand to speak to a supervisor or go in person. Don't give up!

When I had income calculation problems with my Cash Aid last year, I wasted two weeks trying to get through on the phone. I finally tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and was able to get through to a CalWORKs worker in about 10 minutes. They have this service that calls the county for you and then connects you when they reach a person. Saved me from having to take time off work to go to the office. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE if you want to check it out. My worker was able to fix the income calculation over the phone once I finally got through.

Ugh this system is so broken! They're always making these errors and WE have to chase THEM to fix it! So frustrating. Definitely go in person with all your documents and don't leave until they fix it. Make sure they give you something in writing too! Good luck!

Just wanted to add - make sure when you talk to them that you ask them to check if they accidentally calculated your income as bi-weekly when it's actually semi-monthly, or vice versa. This is a really common mistake. Bi-weekly means every two weeks (26 pay periods per year) while semi-monthly means twice a month (24 pay periods per year). Also, if they do correct it but your benefits are already reduced for next month, ask them to issue an emergency supplemental payment to make up the difference. They can do this, but you have to specifically request it.

If you're unable to get this resolved quickly, remember that you have the right to request a fair hearing. When you request a hearing, you can also request "aid paid pending" which means your benefits will continue at the previous level until the hearing decision. You must request the hearing within 10 days of receiving the NOA that reduces your benefits to qualify for aid paid pending. You can request a hearing online at https://acms.dss.ca.gov/ or call the state hearing division at 1-800-743-8525. Make sure you have your case number and the NOA date ready when you call. In my experience working with the system, most income calculation errors can be resolved without a hearing, but it's important to know your rights just in case.