CalWORKs worker accused me of earning too much during recertification - wouldn't let me explain seasonal work!

This happens ALL the time with seasonal workers! You need to specifically request that they do an "income averaging" calculation for your case. CalWORKs rules actually allow for this exact situation - they can look at a longer period (like 6 months) to establish your true income rather than just using your highest months. Make sure to upload documentation showing how your hours fluctuate throughout the year. I'd recommend submitting pay stubs from the last 6 months through BenefitsCal to show the pattern of high season vs low season. When you submit online, add a detailed note explaining your work situation and specifically request income averaging.

omg same thing happened to me last year! i work at a garden center and make way more in spring than winter. the lady kept saying i was over IRT (income reporting threshold) and i was like DUH thats why im REPORTING IT but my yearly income is still under the limit!!! so frustrating

They DO THIS ON PURPOSE to try and kick people off!!! The whole system is designed to make it hard for working people to keep benefits. They HATE when people work and get aid at the same time even though that's literally what the program is supposed to help with!! I've been through 3 recertifications and EVERY TIME they find some way to make it difficult. The last worker told me I had too many assets because I had $2000 in my bank account that was for paying RENT. Had to get a supervisor involved.

I had a similar problem getting through to anyone helpful on the phone. After being hung up on twice and waiting on hold for hours, I finally tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it basically calls the county for you and holds your place in line, then calls you back when an actual person is on the line. Saved me hours of frustration and I finally got to speak with a worker who understood my situation. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE. Once I got connected to an actual person (not the rude one I spoke with initially), they helped me with the income averaging that the first commenter mentioned.

Let me provide some technical clarification about income reporting for CalWORKs and seasonal employment: 1. Income Averaging: This is a legitimate calculation method for seasonal workers. Request it specifically. 2. Income Reporting Threshold (IRT): Your worker should be evaluating if your AVERAGE monthly income exceeds the IRT, not just your peak months. 3. Documentation: Upload ALL pay stubs from the past 6 months, not just the most recent ones. Mark them as "Evidence of Seasonal Employment Pattern". 4. Submit a formal statement: Write a detailed explanation of your work pattern over a full year cycle. 5. Ask for a different worker: You have the right to request a different eligibility worker if you feel your current one isn't understanding your situation. I've worked these cases before, and seasonal employment absolutely qualifies for special income calculations. Don't let them discontinue your benefits without properly evaluating your true income situation.

just wannna say thiss happen to me too and i lost my benifits for like 3 months b4 they fix it. make sure u Appeal if they cut u off!!! u have only 90 days to appeal and if u win they gotta give u back pay for all the months u missed!!

My sister had this issue and she just went into the office in person with all her paystubs and work schedule notes. Sometimes its easier to just show up because they cant brush you off the same way they do on the phone. bring ALL your documents though so they cant say come back later with xyz

When submitting your information online through BenefitsCal, make sure to include a detailed statement about your work situation. Here's what I'd recommend including: - Explanation of the seasonal nature of your job - Months that are typically high-income vs. low-income - Your expected upcoming schedule/hours - Any documentation from your employer about the seasonal nature of the position - Request for income averaging based on CalWORKs regulations If you're still having trouble after submitting everything online, I'd recommend contacting your local legal aid office. They provide free assistance with public benefits issues and can help you navigate the appeals process if needed. Every county in California has a legal aid office that specializes in CalWORKs cases.

Update: Thank you all SO MUCH for the advice! I uploaded all my paystubs from the past 6 months to BenefitsCal and wrote a detailed explanation about my seasonal work. I also used that Claimyr service someone mentioned to actually get through to a supervisor (after trying for two days on my own with no luck). The supervisor was actually really helpful and said they would assign a different worker to my case who had experience with seasonal income calculations. She explained they can do a "reasonably anticipated income" calculation that takes my annual pattern into account instead of just looking at my current month. Fingers crossed this gets sorted out before my rent is due next week!

So glad to see your update! This is exactly why we need to share these experiences - so many people don't know about income averaging or reasonably anticipated income calculations. Your situation is a perfect example of why seasonal workers need advocates who understand the system. For anyone else reading this thread who works seasonal jobs, save this post! The advice about documenting everything, asking for supervisors, and using services like Claimyr to actually get through to someone helpful could save you months of stress. Really hoping everything works out for you before rent is due - keep us posted on how it goes with the new worker!