Can CalWORKs WTW pay for my GED books & supplies? Meeting tomorrow but already enrolled
I'm stressing about my Welfare to Work appointment tomorrow. I already signed up for GED classes at my community college that start next week (didn't know I was supposed to wait for approval first). Will they be mad I enrolled without permission? Can I still ask them to help pay for my books, calculator and other supplies I need for class? I can't afford them on my own with just Cash Aid, and the bookstore said I need like $240 for everything. Also, will they count my GED hours toward my WTW requirements or do I need to do other activities too? Never done this before and didn't get much info from my eligibility worker about what to expect.
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Katherine Hunter
You're actually in a good position! When I had my WTW orientation, they told me they WANT people to get education that leads to better jobs. Make sure you bring your enrollment papers tomorrow and ask about the Ancillary Support Services. That's what pays for books, supplies, transportation, etc. for approved activities. I got almost $300 for my CNA program supplies last year. They weren't mad at all that I had already enrolled - the worker said it showed initiative. Just explain that you're motivated to get your GED but need their support to be successful. The GED hours should count toward your WTW participation as long as they approve it in your plan. Good luck!
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Emma Morales
•Thank u, that makes me feel so much better! I was worried they would be upset I didnt wait and make me start over. Do you know if i need to bring receipts for the books or just a list of what I need?
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Katherine Hunter
•You don't need receipts yet - they'll give you a form called a WTW 20 that lists the items you need and estimated costs. Your college will usually need to sign it to verify the items are required for your class. After it's approved, some counties give you the money first, others make you buy the items and then reimburse you with receipts. Bring your course syllabus if you have it - that usually lists required materials.
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Lucas Parker
•my worker made me buy my stuff first then get reimbursed. took FOREVER to get the money back tho, like 6 weeks! they shuld really tell people this stuff BEFORE ur meetings so u can be prepared!!
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Donna Cline
•The process for getting supplies paid for can definitely vary by county. In my county (Los Angeles), I've had clients who were given a store voucher directly for their books rather than paying upfront themselves. Make sure to document EVERYTHING. If your GED classes don't meet the full participation hours required (usually 20-30 hours per week, depending on your case), they might have you supplement with job search activities or another approved activity. Be prepared to discuss your weekly availability so you don't get scheduled for additional activities that conflict with your classes.
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Harper Collins
•If you're having trouble getting through to someone at your county office before your meeting (which happens all the time), try using Claimyr. It's a service that gets you through to a live CalWORKs worker without waiting on hold forever. I was trying to ask questions about my WTW plan for 3 days and kept getting disconnected. Used Claimyr and got through in 10 minutes. There's a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE and the website is claimyr.com - seriously saved me so much frustration.
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Kelsey Hawkins
•congrats on going back to school! my GED classes counted for my welfare2work hours but i had to do job search too cuz it wasnt enough hours. bring your school schedule and ask if u can do study hours too - those can count! get everything in writing!!
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Dylan Fisher
•Don't stress about signing up before your WtW plan was approved. You're showing initiative! But definitely bring proof of enrollment and class schedules to your appointment. One important tip - make sure your classes are at an APPROVED educational facility. Most community colleges qualify, but some private programs don't. I made that mistake with an online GED program that wasn't on their approved list, and ended up having to switch to a different program. They should definitely help with the costs as long as you follow their process. Might take some paperwork, but stick with it!
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Edwards Hugo
One thing nobody mentioned - if your GED program doesn't meet your full WTW hours requirement (which depends on your family situation, usually 20-35 hours/week), you can ask about "study time" hours to supplement. Many counties allow you to count supervised study time toward your required hours. For your appointment tomorrow, be prepared with: 1. Class schedule with days/times 2. Program information showing it leads to employment 3. List of required materials with costs 4. Childcare needs if applicable Also, ask about transportation assistance! Many don't realize CalWORKs can provide bus passes or mileage reimbursement for approved WTW activities. Good for you taking this step to improve your situation!
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Emma Morales
•Thanks for the tips! I do have 2 kids (preschool and 1st grade) so I definitely need childcare. Will they help with that too? My classes are Tuesday-Thursday 9am-12pm but the syllabus says we need at least 10 hours of study time per week outside of class.
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