Can CalWORKs WTW help with car insurance down payment for approved transportation?

they dont do insurance i tried lol. they gave me gas cards + bus tickets but when i askd about insurance they told me no. idk why its stupid cuz how r we supposed to get to workfare without a car that can legally drive????? maybe ur county different tho

CalWORKs WTW transportation assistance typically covers gas cards, bus passes, and sometimes car repairs, but insurance down payments are generally not covered under standard transportation supportive services. However, there's something called the One-Time Special Needs Payment that might help in your situation. It's discretionary and depends on your county, but it can cover unexpected expenses that are necessary for obtaining or maintaining employment. Here's what you should do: 1. Ask your worker specifically about the One-Time Special Needs Payment for your insurance down payment 2. Explain that without this insurance, you cannot legally drive to your interview or potential job 3. Provide documentation showing the insurance quote and lapse 4. Get a letter from the potential employer confirming your interview If your regular worker isn't helpful, ask to speak with a WTW specialist or supervisor who might better understand these less common supportive services.

When I was in WTW last year, I had a similar issue and my worker told me insurance wasn't covered. I ended up having to borrow money from my sister to pay it. But then 3 months later I found out another participant in my job club DID get help with her insurance through some emergency fund! Seems like some workers know about all the available resources and some don't. Definitely ask to speak to a supervisor if your regular worker says no. The system is so frustrating sometimes.

I had a HORRIBLE time trying to reach my WTW specialist about transportation assistance - kept calling for DAYS with no response. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real person at my county office in like 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE Once I actually talked to someone, I explained my transportation barriers in detail and they approved payment for my car registration and smog check through the Barrier Removal funds. They couldn't directly pay my insurance but they gave me a higher transportation allowance for the month which essentially covered it. Worth asking specifically about Barrier Removal funds for your situation.

THIS IS EXACTLY WHY THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!!!! They expect us to work but won't help with the basics of getting there legally. My cousin's worker told her she should "just take the bus" when she needed car insurance, but the bus route would've taken 2.5 HOURS EACH WAY to her job. Meanwhile these workers sit in their cushy offices making rules about transportation they don't understand. I'm so angry for you right now.

Update to my earlier comment - I did some research and found that some counties have something called "Barrier Removal Funds" or "Barrier Elimination Funds" specifically for WTW participants that can sometimes cover car insurance when it's directly preventing employment. These funds are separate from regular supportive services and have different guidelines. Also, check if your county has a Self-Sufficiency Fund. This is another discretionary fund some counties use for one-time expenses that aren't covered under standard supportive services but directly impact your ability to work. Be specific about how this insurance payment will directly lead to employment.

i thot wtw was suposed to pay for childcare not car stuff???

UPDATE: You all are amazing! I called this morning and specifically asked about the One-Time Special Needs Payment and Barrier Removal Funds like you suggested. My worker still seemed confused, but I asked to speak with a WTW specialist. The specialist knew exactly what I was talking about! They're going to cover my insurance down payment through their Barrier Removal Funds because it's directly preventing me from getting to my interview and potential job. I had to fill out some extra paperwork and provide proof of the insurance quote plus my interview confirmation, but it's getting approved! Thank you all so much for your help - I never would have known to ask for these specific programs otherwise.