Can I get CalWORKs while caring for my son with disability? SSI application pending

Yes, you absolutely should apply for CalWORKs right away! You don't need to wait for the SSI decision. The two programs are separate and you can potentially receive both (though his SSI amount might be reduced once approved). As for the Welfare to Work exemption - yes, you should qualify for a caretaker exemption if your child has a medical condition requiring your full-time care. You'll need to get a CW 61 form filled out by his doctor documenting his condition and why you need to be his caretaker. Make sure the doctor is very clear about why you need to be home caring for him full-time. I'd also recommend applying for CalFresh (food stamps) and Medi-Cal if you haven't already. You can do all these applications online through BenefitsCal.com or in person at your county office.

I was in a similar situation last yr with my daughter who has cerebral palsy. The wait for SSI is HORRIBLE - took us almost 9 months to get approved!!! BUT calworks was a lifesaver while waiting. One thing - when you go for ur calworks interview make sure to ask about the special needs supplement too. Its extra $ if ur child has special requiremnts. And def ask for the WTW exemption right away, dont wait for them to bring it up. Also apply for IHSS!!! In-Home Supportive Services can pay YOU as a caregiver for ur son. Its separate from calworks but you can get both. That helped me the most honestly.

The caretaker exemption for CalWORKs is definitely what you need. I'm a former eligibility worker, and this is exactly what this exemption is designed for. A few important points: 1. The exemption can be ongoing as long as the medical condition persists and requires your care 2. You'll still need to complete your Semi-Annual Reports (SAR 7) every six months 3. When your child's SSI is approved, you must report it within 10 days as it will affect your CalWORKs grant 4. The 48-month time limit on CalWORKs doesn't apply while you have this exemption Bring as much medical documentation as possible to your CalWORKs interview. The more evidence you have of your son's condition and care needs, the smoother the process will be. Good luck with everything!

applyin for calworks is a nightmare right now!! i been trying to reach someone for THREE WEEKS about my application and keep getting disconnected or waiting 2+ hours on hold just to get hung up on!!! the system is so broken

Hey there, dont get discouraged about the SSI process. My daughter got denied the first time even though she has severe autism and needs 24/7 supervision. We appealed and eventually got approved with backpay. The system is designed to reject people the first time IMO. For CalWORKs, make sure you tell them you have $0 income if the business isn't making any profit after expenses. They count net income not gross for self-employment. If you're spending more on supplies than you're making, that's $0 income as far as they're concerned. And definitely apply for IHSS like others mentioned!!!

idk why noone mentioned diaper assistance!!! If your 3yo isn't potty trained due to his condition (many kids with disabilities take longer), CalWORKs has a special $30/month diaper benefit for kids with disabilities who are over 2 and need diapers. Ask about it in your interview!

I think youre confused, CalWORKs is for people who work or are looking for work. If your caring for a disabled kid you want SSI not CalWORKs. My cousin tried to get cash aid and they made her do job search even with a sick kid.

One more important thing - when your son does get approved for SSI, his CalWORKs will be reduced but you can still receive some for yourself as his caretaker. The SSI is just for him, while CalWORKs can cover both of you. Also, ask about the housing assistance programs through CalWORKs since you mentioned being behind on rent. There's both a homeless assistance program if you're at risk of eviction and a housing support program that can help with ongoing rent. Hang in there - navigating these systems is exhausting but there is help available!

Good luck with your appointment! One thing I'd add - if possible, bring someone with you to the appointment to help advocate for you and take notes. The county workers are often rushed and it's easy to miss important information when you're stressed about your situation. Also, if they deny your caretaker exemption initially (which sometimes happens even with proper documentation), don't give up! You have the right to request a State Hearing to appeal their decision. I had to do this for my brother who cares for his autistic son, and we won the appeal. Make sure to ask for copies of everything they give you, and get the worker's name and contact info. Having a specific person to follow up with makes a huge difference. You're doing an amazing job caring for your son under such difficult circumstances!

I'm so sorry you're going through this difficult situation. As someone who works with families navigating these systems, I want to emphasize a few key points that others have mentioned: 1. **Apply immediately** - Don't wait for SSI! You can receive both programs simultaneously, and CalWORKs can provide crucial support while you're waiting for SSI approval. 2. **Document everything** - Keep detailed records of all your son's medical appointments, treatments, and care needs. This will be essential for both the CW 61 form and future SSI appeals if needed. 3. **Ask about ALL available benefits** - In addition to CalWORKs, make sure to ask about: - CalFresh (food assistance) - Medi-Cal (healthcare coverage) - IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) - Special needs supplement - Diaper assistance (if applicable) - Housing assistance programs 4. **Know your rights** - The caretaker exemption is your legal right if your child requires full-time care. Don't let anyone discourage you from requesting it. Your $230-280 monthly income from your business actually shows your determination to support your family despite the challenges. Make sure to report this accurately but also explain your situation fully. You're doing an incredible job under extremely difficult circumstances. These programs exist exactly for situations like yours - don't hesitate to use them!

Charlotte, I wanted to add something that hasn't been mentioned yet - since your son has a spinal cord injury requiring round-the-clock care, you should also look into getting him evaluated for Regional Center services if you haven't already. Regional Center can provide additional support services, equipment, and resources that complement what you get through CalWORKs and SSI. Also, regarding your small business - while you're navigating all these benefit applications, make sure to keep detailed records of your business expenses vs. income. Sometimes having even a small income source can actually help your case by showing you're trying to be self-sufficient despite the challenges. One more thing - when you go to your appointment next week, ask specifically about "child-only" CalWORKs if for some reason they try to deny you the caretaker exemption. Even if they initially say no to your exemption request, your son can still qualify for benefits on his own while you continue to advocate for the full family grant with exemption. You're being such a strong advocate for your son. The fact that you're researching all these options while managing his complex care needs shows incredible dedication. These programs exist for families exactly like yours!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with such a challenging situation, but you're doing everything right by seeking help and asking these questions! As a parent who went through something similar when my daughter was diagnosed with a developmental disability, I want to echo what others have said about applying for CalWORKs immediately. One thing I don't think anyone has mentioned yet - when you're at your appointment next week, also ask about the Transportation Allowance if your son has frequent medical appointments. CalWORKs can provide additional money for gas/mileage to get to his therapy sessions and doctor visits, which can really add up with a child who has complex medical needs. Also, regarding the SSI wait - I know 6 weeks feels like forever when you're struggling financially, but that's actually still early in the process. Most initial applications take 3-6 months, so don't lose hope! And definitely keep detailed records of all his medical care during this waiting period, as it can help strengthen your case. You mentioned you're behind on rent - make sure to ask about emergency assistance programs too. Some counties have one-time rental assistance that can help prevent eviction while you're getting these longer-term benefits set up. Hang in there - it gets easier once you get plugged into these support systems!