Can I get CalWORKs for my baby if father is incarcerated and didn't sign birth certificate?

Yes, you can absolutely still get CalWORKs for your baby even if the father hasn't signed the birth certificate! When the father isn't listed on the birth certificate, CalWORKs will typically require you to cooperate with child support services as a condition of receiving benefits. This is called the 'child support cooperation requirement.' However, since he's incarcerated, you may qualify for a 'good cause' exemption from this requirement. When you fill out that form, indicate that paternity hasn't been established and explain that the father is currently incarcerated. They'll likely have you work with DCSS (Department of Child Support Services), but benefits can still be approved while this process is happening.

my situation wasnt exactly the same but similar, my babys dad wasnt on the birth cert either (he was out of state) and i still got calworks no problem. they did make me fill out some extra forms for child support stuff but my benefits started before all that was done anyway. the worker just said i had to "cooperate" with child support which basically meant answering their questions

They gonna make u cooperate with child support unless u can prove it would cause harm to u or your baby!!! I went thru this last year and it was a NIGHTMARE. They kept saying I wasnt cooperating even tho I gave all the info I had. Be prepared for DCSS to keep sending u letters and possibly delay ur benefits if they think ur not cooperating enough. The whole system is designed to make it hard!!!

In my experience trying to reach someone at the county office about paternity issues was impossible - would call and be on hold for 2+ hours only to get disconnected! I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that held my place in line and had a CalWORKs worker call ME back. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE showing how it works. Saved me so much stress when dealing with my child support cooperation issues. The worker actually explained all my options regarding the father not being available to sign documents.

ur supposed to list him as the father on calworks app even if birth certificate isnt signed. they can still establish paternity later. dont hide that u know who the father is or they can claim fraud later. just be honest that hes locked up right now. my friend got in trouble cuz she said she didnt know who the dad was but they found out later she did

To give you a specific answer about your situation: You need to complete the following on your CalWORKs application: 1. List the father's information, including his full name and that he's currently incarcerated 2. When asked about paternity declaration, mark that it has not been established 3. Request a CW 51 form (Good Cause Claim for Noncooperation) if not provided 4. Provide information about which facility he's in if possible Your child is eligible for CalWORKs regardless of the paternity status. The paternity question is about child support enforcement, not eligibility. You may be required to work with DCSS later to establish paternity once he's released, but this should not delay your benefits if you provide all the information you have now.

i think they just have to ask all those questions for their records but it wont stop u from getting benefits for ur baby, my cousin got calworks for all 3 of her kids and none of the dads signed birth certificates

btw make sure u ask about the$50 diaper/wipes stipend that they started giving last year for babies under 3 on calworks! my worker never mentioned it and i found out by accident 6 months later that i couldve been getting that extra money the whole time!!

One last thing - make sure to apply for CalFresh as well if you haven't already. With a newborn, you'll likely qualify for both programs, and the income limits are different. Also look into applying for WIC (Women, Infants & Children) which can provide formula or breastfeeding support, food benefits, and other resources for you and your baby. These programs can all work together to provide more support during this difficult time.

Just wanted to add that you might also want to ask about emergency aid if you're in immediate need while waiting for your regular benefits to start. Some counties offer expedited processing for families with newborns, especially if you can show you have little to no income right now. Also, if you're having trouble with childcare while dealing with all these appointments and paperwork, ask your worker about CalWORKs childcare assistance - they can help cover costs for daycare or babysitting while you're attending required meetings or looking for work later on. Good luck with your interview, sounds like you're getting great advice here!