Can I add my child's father with no income to my CalWORKs Cash Aid application?

Yes, you can add him to your CalWORKs case, but there are important things to understand first. Since he's the father of your child and living in the home, he's actually REQUIRED to be part of the assistance unit if you apply for your child. This is called the "family unit rule" - parents living with their children must be included in the CalWORKs case. Having him on the case means: 1. He'll need to participate in Welfare to Work activities (like job search, training, etc.) unless he qualifies for an exemption 2. Both of you will have WTW requirements since you have a child over 1 year old 3. Your part-time job hours will count toward your WTW requirement Since he has zero income, including him might increase your grant amount, but he'll need to comply with all program rules. Make sure when you apply through BenefitsCal to list him as living in the home and as the father of your child.

when i applied last year they made by bf do 32 hours per week of activities cause we had a 3yr old. he had to go to this job search place 4 days a week and sign in and everything. kinda strict tbh

just be careful!! if he doesn't do the WTW activities they can sanction your case and reduce the benefit amount. happened to my cousin and she got way less money bc her man wouldn't do the job search stuff. big headache

Something else to consider: When you add your child's father to the case, you'll need to meet Child Support requirements even though he lives with you. Sounds strange, I know, but it's because the system sees him as needing to contribute financially to the child's support. Since he's in the home, this is usually just a formality, but be prepared to fill out extra paperwork and possibly attend an additional interview about this. Also, with your part-time hours (25/week), you're already meeting most of the WTW requirements. When combined with his required hours (as mentioned above), you both need to reach 35 hours total. This means he only needs 10 hours per week of approved activities. Make sure he understands this is MANDATORY - if he doesn't comply, your entire family's grant can be reduced by his portion.

You're right that it's confusing! To clarify: When both parents are in the home, you don't have to pursue traditional child support (like court orders for payment). However, you still have to cooperate with the child support program by providing information about paternity, etc. It's more of a documentation requirement than actually collecting support in this situation. The program calls it "child support cooperation" rather than actual enforcement since you're all living together. It's basically the county making sure paternity is established for your child.

I tried calling CalWORKs for DAYS about this exact situation last month and kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. Finally used Claimyr.com to get through to a worker and had my questions answered in like 20 minutes. They charged a small fee but totally worth it to not waste hours on hold. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE Anyway, the worker told me that with both parents in the home, they'd be evaluated as a "two-parent AU" (assistance unit) which has slightly different rules. Both have to do WTW but your combined hours requirement is less than if you were each applying separately.

Yes, we both had to do WTW, but since I was already working part-time (like 22 hrs/week), my partner only had to do like 13 hours of activities to meet our combined 35-hour requirement. He did a mix of job search and a free certificate program at the community college that they approved. The worker actually helped us find programs that would count toward his hours.

u should just apply for urself and ur kid and not say hes living there tbh... way less hassle and u dont have to worry about him not doing his WTW stuff. thats what my sister did

FYI - I'm on CalWORKs with my boyfriend (not married) and our 2 kids. Having him on the case did increase our grant amount even though he wasn't working when we applied. BUT!!!! Be prepared for lots of appointments and paperwork. The biggest headache was he had to complete an orientation, appraisal interview, AND sign a Welfare to Work plan within the first month. He missed one appointment and they threatened to sanction us. Also ask about the diaper stipend if your child isn't fully potty trained yet - we get an extra $30/month for that which helps!

They'll reschedule if you call BEFORE the appointment to let them know. But if you no-show without calling, that's when they get strict. For sickness, sometimes they ask for a doctor's note, sometimes not - depends on your worker. And definitely ask about the diaper benefit when you apply - they don't always tell you about it automatically!

One more important thing: since both of you will be in the Assistance Unit, both of you will be using months of your 48-month time limit for CalWORKs. This is a lifetime limit. So if he doesn't really need the assistance and could find work soon, you might want to consider if it's worth adding him and using up his months of eligibility. Once those 48 months are used, they're gone forever (with some exceptions for extensions). Also, you'll need to report any income changes on your SAR7 form every 6 months, and if either of you gets a job that puts you over the Income Reporting Threshold (IRT), you have to report that within 10 days regardless of when your SAR7 is due.

Hey Lourdes! Just wanted to add that you should also ask about mental health resources when you apply. Since you mentioned your boyfriend has been really depressed since losing his job, CalWORKs often has connections to counseling services and mental health support that could help him. Sometimes depression can even qualify as a temporary exemption from some WTW requirements if it's severe enough and documented by a doctor. Also, when you do your interview, be honest about his mental health struggles - the worker might be able to connect you with additional resources or be more flexible with his activity requirements while he gets back on his feet. Good luck with everything!

Hi Lourdes! Just wanted to share my experience - I'm in a similar situation with my boyfriend and our 3-year-old. We've been on CalWORKs for about 8 months now and honestly, having him on the case has been worth it despite the extra requirements. A few things that helped us: 1. We made sure to attend ALL the initial appointments together - they're really strict about this in the beginning 2. My boyfriend started with just online job search activities through the CalJOBS website, which counted toward his WTW hours and was less overwhelming than in-person stuff 3. We asked our worker about mental health exemptions early on since he was also dealing with depression - they have a form (MC 219) that his doctor filled out which gave him some flexibility The grant increase was significant for us - we went from what I would have gotten alone with our daughter to about $200 more per month with him included. That extra money really helped with groceries and gas. Also, don't stress too much about the child support cooperation thing - it's mostly just paperwork since he's living with you. They just need to document paternity and that's it. Feel free to message me if you have more questions! You got this mama! 💪

Hi Lourdes! I just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this process about a year ago. Adding your child's father to the case was definitely the right choice for us, even though it seemed scary at first. A few practical tips that helped us get through the initial period: - When you go to your eligibility interview, bring ALL his documents even if he doesn't have income - they'll want to see his ID, Social Security card, and any termination letter from his construction job - Ask specifically about the "good cause" exceptions for WTW activities - if his depression is documented by a doctor, they can sometimes reduce his required hours temporarily - The orientation appointments are usually group sessions, so don't worry too much about those - they're mostly informational One thing I wish someone had told me: if you're already working 25 hours, you're in great shape for the WTW requirements. The caseworkers actually prefer when people are already working because it shows you're serious about the program. Also, definitely apply online through BenefitsCal if you can - it's way easier than doing it in person and you can save your progress if you need to gather more documents. You're doing the right thing by asking questions first. It shows you want to do everything correctly! The program really can be a lifeline when you need it most.

Hi Lourdes! I just wanted to add something that might help with your boyfriend's situation - if he's been out of work for 3 months and dealing with depression, he might qualify for what's called a "mental health exemption" that could reduce his WTW hours temporarily. You'd need to get documentation from a doctor or mental health professional, but it can give him some breathing room while he gets back on his feet. Also, since you mentioned he lost a construction job, make sure to ask your worker about any job training programs specifically for construction or trades. Sometimes they have partnerships with local unions or training centers that can help people get back into their field with updated certifications. These programs often count as WTW activities and can be more motivating than just general job search. One last tip - when you do your interview, emphasize that you're already working and committed to the program. Workers really appreciate when applicants are proactive and already contributing. It often leads to a smoother experience overall. Good luck with your application! The extra support can really make a difference when you're struggling to make ends meet.

Hey Lourdes! I'm actually going through the application process right now and wanted to share something that might help - when I called to ask questions, the worker told me that having both parents in the home can sometimes actually make the application process smoother because they see it as a more "stable household situation." One thing I learned is that you should definitely mention his construction background during the interview. Even though he's unemployed right now, they have something called "prior work history" that can help with his WTW plan. Instead of just generic job search, they might be able to set him up with construction-specific resources like equipment certification updates or safety training that counts toward his hours. Also, I found out that the 10 hours per week he'd need to do (since you're already working 25) can include things like online courses, not just in-person activities. There are free courses on sites like Coursera that they sometimes approve, especially if they're related to his field. Just wanted to give you some hope that it's not as scary as it seems at first! The extra money really does help, and there are more flexible options for the WTW requirements than I initially thought.

Hi Lourdes! I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago with my partner and our toddler. Just wanted to add a few things that really helped us: 1. **Documentation is key** - Start gathering everything now: his ID, Social Security card, any unemployment paperwork, and definitely that termination letter from his construction job. Having everything ready made our interview so much smoother. 2. **The mental health angle is real** - Since you mentioned he's been depressed, definitely ask about mental health services during your interview. They connected us with free counseling through the county, and it made a huge difference for my partner's motivation with the WTW requirements. 3. **Construction-specific resources** - Ask specifically about trade programs! Our county had partnerships with local construction unions for safety certifications and equipment training that counted as WTW activities. Way better than generic job search. 4. **Start with online activities** - The CalJOBS website and some online courses can count toward his 10 hours per week requirement. It's less overwhelming than jumping straight into in-person stuff, especially when dealing with depression. The extra $150-200 per month we got from adding him to our case has been a lifesaver. Yes, the paperwork and appointments are a hassle at first, but it's totally worth it. You're already working 25 hours which puts you in a great position - the workers love seeing that commitment! Feel free to reach out if you need any specific tips about the application process. You've got this! 💪

Hi Lourdes! I just wanted to add one more thing that might be helpful - make sure to ask about the Young Child Exemption during your interview. Since you have a 2-year-old, you might qualify for reduced WTW hours or different requirements. Some counties are more flexible with parents who have children under 3, especially if you don't have reliable childcare. Also, regarding your boyfriend's depression - if he's not already seeing someone, many CalWORKs offices can refer you to mental health services that accept Medi-Cal. Getting him connected with a therapist or counselor could help with both his mental health AND potentially provide documentation for WTW exemptions if needed. One practical tip: when you fill out the BenefitsCal application online, there's a section about household composition where you'll list him as "unemployed parent living in home" - this will automatically trigger the system to include him in your assistance unit and calculate benefits accordingly. The fact that you're asking all these questions shows you're going to handle this process really well. Having that extra support can be a huge weight off your shoulders when you're working part-time and trying to care for a toddler. Best of luck with everything!

Hey Lourdes! I just wanted to share something that helped me when I was in a similar situation. Since your boyfriend has construction experience, definitely ask about the "prior work experience" credit during your interview. Even though he's unemployed now, his construction background can actually count toward his WTW participation in some cases - they might let him do construction safety courses or equipment certifications that count as his required hours. Also, one thing I learned is that they have something called "supportive services" that can help with things like gas money to get to appointments or even work clothes if he finds a job. These little extras really add up when you're struggling financially. The depression aspect is important too - make sure to mention that during your interview because they often have resources specifically for people dealing with mental health challenges. Sometimes they can even temporarily reduce WTW requirements while someone gets mental health treatment. You're already ahead of the game by working 25 hours and asking these questions beforehand. That shows the kind of commitment workers like to see. The extra monthly assistance (usually around $150-200 from what I've seen) can really help bridge the gap while you're both getting back on your feet. Good luck with your application!

Hi Lourdes! I wanted to add something that might help - since you're already working 25 hours per week, you're actually in a really strong position for the CalWORKs application. The caseworkers love to see that kind of work commitment, and it shows you're serious about using the program as temporary assistance while you get more stable. One thing I didn't see mentioned yet is that you should ask about the Earned Income Disregard (EID) when you apply. Since you're working, they'll disregard part of your earnings when calculating your grant amount, which means you'll actually keep more of your CalWORKs benefits even while working. This makes the program way more worth it for working families. Also, regarding your boyfriend's construction background - definitely ask about apprenticeship programs during your interview. Many counties have partnerships with construction apprenticeship programs that count as WTW activities AND can lead to real job opportunities. These are usually way better than generic job search activities and might help him feel more motivated since it builds on skills he already has. The fact that you're planning ahead and asking all these questions tells me you're going to navigate this process successfully. That extra monthly support can make such a difference when you're working part-time and raising a toddler. You've got this mama! 💪

Hi Lourdes! I'm a CalWORKs eligibility worker and wanted to give you some official guidance on your situation. Yes, your child's father MUST be included in your assistance unit since he's living in the home and is the parent of your child - this is federal law, not optional. Here's what you need to know: - Your combined household will have a 35-hour WTW requirement (since your child is over 1) - With your 25 hours of work, he only needs 10 hours of approved activities - Both of you will use your 48-month lifetime clock while receiving aid - His zero income may actually increase your grant amount During your interview, bring his ID, Social Security card, and termination letter from his construction job. Ask specifically about: - Mental health exemptions (if documented by a doctor) - Construction-related training programs that count as WTW - Supportive services for transportation/work expenses - Young child exemptions for households with children under 3 The Earned Income Disregard will help you keep more benefits while working - definitely ask about this. And don't worry about the child support cooperation requirement when both parents live together - it's mostly just paperwork. Start your application online at BenefitsCal.org and list him as "unemployed parent living in home." The extra monthly assistance (typically $150-200) can really help while you're both getting back on your feet. Good luck!

Hi Lourdes! I just went through this exact process a few months ago with my partner and our 18-month-old. I was so nervous about adding him to our case, but it ended up being the right decision. A few things that really helped us: - We scheduled our eligibility interview for early morning when we were both fresh and focused - I made a checklist of all the documents we needed and gathered everything beforehand (like others mentioned - ID, Social Security card, termination letter, etc.) - When we explained his depression during the interview, our worker was actually really understanding and connected us with mental health resources right away The WTW requirements seemed scary at first, but since you're already working 25 hours, he really only needs those 10 hours per week. Our worker helped us find a combination of online job search through CalJOBS and a free OSHA safety certification course that counted toward his hours. Having that structure actually helped his mental health - gave him something productive to focus on. The extra money (we got about $180 more per month) has been a lifesaver for groceries and gas. And honestly, having him officially part of the case meant we had access to more supportive services too. Don't let the paperwork intimidate you - once you get through the initial setup, it's pretty manageable. You're already doing great by working and asking all the right questions beforehand!

Hi Lourdes! I just wanted to add something that might be helpful - make sure to ask about transportation assistance during your interview. Since your boyfriend will need to attend WTW activities and potentially job interviews, CalWORKs often provides bus passes or gas vouchers to help with transportation costs. This was a huge help for us when my partner was doing his required activities. Also, I noticed people mentioned the construction training programs - definitely push for these if available! My brother was in a similar situation and got into a free forklift certification program through CalWORKs that led directly to a job. The key is emphasizing his prior construction experience during the interview so they know to look for trade-specific opportunities rather than just generic job search. One more tip: if your boyfriend struggles with the initial WTW appointments due to his depression, don't be afraid to advocate for accommodations. They can sometimes adjust the schedule or format to make it more manageable while he's getting mental health support. The workers are generally pretty understanding if you're upfront about challenges and show you're committed to making the program work. The extra monthly assistance really does make a difference - we used ours primarily for childcare and groceries, which freed up more of my work income for rent and utilities. You're making a smart choice by including him and planning ahead like this!