Can I use CalWORKs Cash Aid to rent an apartment and move out of mom's house?

Yes, you absolutely can use CalWORKs Cash Aid as income when applying for apartments! I'm a housing case manager and work with CalWORKs recipients regularly. Here are a few important points to help you:1. Your CalWORKs benefits DO count as income for rental applications. Make sure to get an income verification letter from your county worker.2. You may qualify for the CalWORKs Housing Support Program (HSP) which can help with security deposits, application fees, and sometimes even a portion of rent for a limited time.3. Look for landlords who participate in Section 8 or other subsidy programs - they're more likely to accept your combination of part-time work and Cash Aid.4. Since your total income is around $2,200/month, you'd ideally need to find something around $750/month to meet the 3x requirement, which is tough in most areas. This is where housing assistance programs become essential.Call your CalWORKs worker ASAP and specifically ask about the Housing Support Program or Homeless Assistance. Even though you're not homeless, the program may still help since your current living situation is unstable.

Thank you soooo much for this info!!! I had no idea about the Housing Support Program. I've been stressing so much about the deposit since I have like zero savings. Will definitely call my worker tomorrow. Do you know if theres usually a waiting list for this kind of help? My moms been threatening to kick us out if my son doesnt stop running around the house at night 😥

I moved out of my mom's place last year using my CalWORKs money. It's definitely doable but you need to be strategic. First, don't just look at regular apartments - check Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for private landlords who are more flexible. I found a little guest house from an older lady who didn't care about the 3x income thing after I explained my situation.Also, ask your worker about the Housing and Homeless Assistance benefit right away. It's a once-in-a-lifetime emergency benefit that can give you money for temporary shelter and/or permanent housing. They gave me $1775 for my deposit and first month's rent! You don't have to be literally homeless to qualify - just explain that your current living situation is becoming unstable/unsafe for your kids.One more tip: if you have your reporting period coming up soon (SAR 7 or recertification), wait until after that's processed to move. Your benefit amount might increase once you report your new housing costs.

wait u can only get that homeless assistance once in ur whole LIFE??? omg i never knew that! i used it 2 years ago when i got evicted.... does that mean i can never get it again???? 😱

Girl call 211 they can hook u up with rental assistance programs in ur area! Sometimes churches n nonprofits help with deposit too. My friend got her whole deposit paid by catholic charities last year! Also try to find roomate maybe another single mom situation? Thats what i did for a while n we split the rent n watched each others kids it worked good

While everyone is giving good advice about housing programs (definitely check those out!), I want to warn you about something important. When I moved out on my own with Cash Aid, my benefit amount DIDN'T change even though my expenses went way up. CalWORKs doesn't automatically adjust your grant amount when your housing costs increase - it's a set amount based on your family size and income. So you need to make sure you can afford rent with your CURRENT benefit, not expecting it to increase.Also, make sure to report your address change IMMEDIATELY when you move or they might cut off your benefits. I learned this the hard way and had my case discontinued for a month because I forgot to update my address and missed an important letter. It was a NIGHTMARE trying to get reinstated.Definitely look into the Housing Support Program others mentioned. County offices are impossible to reach by phone lately though. I finally got through to my worker using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they call for you and connect you when a real person answers. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE. Saved me hours of hanging on hold!

Thanks for the warning about the benefit not increasing. I was kind of hoping it would go up once I reported paying rent. That's going to make budgeting really tight. :( And yeah, I've been having so much trouble reaching anyone on the phone lately! I'll check out that Claimyr thing, sounds useful.

u dont even need cash aid to get a apartment u jus need proof of income from job and good credit!!! landlords dont care where ur money from as long as u pay rent on time!!! my cousin got denied cause of bad credit even with cash aid so fix ur credit first thats wat really matters

This is completely wrong. Most landlords absolutely DO care about the source of income, and many won't accept government benefits as qualifying income. They specifically look for earned income from employment. Also, OP clearly stated they have both part-time work AND Cash Aid, but the combined amount likely isn't enough to meet the 3x income requirement. Credit matters but income requirements are the first hurdle, and many landlords now want 650+ credit scores anyway.

watever i know plenty ppl who got apartments with cash aid so ur wrong lol 🙄

The system is SO BROKEN!!! I tried to use my CalWORKs Cash Aid for renting last year and kept getting rejected because landlords said it

Quick update on the Homeless Assistance benefit someone asked about: technically it's once every 12 months now (they changed it from once-in-a-lifetime), but only if you have a genuine emergency like domestic violence, natural disaster, or uninhabitable conditions. Just wanting to move out usually isn't enough for a second approval within a year.Also, something nobody mentioned: if you're participating in Welfare to Work activities, you might qualify for a higher childcare subsidy once you move out on your own. Make sure to ask about this because the childcare approval process can take weeks, and you don't want to be without childcare while working.

Oh that's good to know about the childcare! I'm in the job search part of Welfare to Work right now, so I think I qualify. They're already paying for part-time childcare during my work hours, but I might need more hours once I'm handling everything alone.

To answer your question about waiting lists for the Housing Support Program - it varies by county. Some counties have immediate assistance available, while others have waiting lists. Los Angeles County, for example, often has a wait, while smaller counties might be able to help right away.I highly recommend gathering all your documentation now:1. CalWORKs benefit verification letter (showing monthly amount)2. Pay stubs from your part-time job (last 3 months)3. Birth certificates for your kids4. Your ID/driver's license5. Any documentation of issues at your current residence (if applicable)Having everything ready when you speak with your worker can speed things up considerably. Also, when you do find a place, remember that landlords in California cannot legally discriminate based on source of income, including CalWORKs. If a landlord rejects you specifically because you receive Cash Aid, that's grounds for a housing discrimination complaint.

I work for a property management company, and I can give you some insider perspective. Yes, landlords must legally accept CalWORKs as income, but they still enforce minimum income requirements. If your combined income (job + benefits) doesn't meet their requirements, they can legally reject your application.My advice: Look for smaller, independently owned properties rather than large apartment complexes. Individual landlords have more flexibility with their requirements. Also, offer to pay a slightly larger security deposit or get a co-signer if possible. Having good rental references from your previous apartments (if any) will help too.Some affordable housing complexes have units specifically set aside for CalWORKs recipients, but waiting lists can be 1-2 years. Apply for those now, even if you find other housing in the meantime. Always good to have options.

I just remembered - if your Cash Aid isn't enough with your part-time job, you might also qualify for Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers. The waiting lists are ridiculously long in most places (we're talking years), but some counties have prioritized lists for families with young children.Also, when you call CalWORKs, ask about MFIP (Moving Family Initiative Program) if you're in a county that has it. Not all counties offer it, but it's specifically designed to help CalWORKs families secure stable housing.I know how stressful living with family can be, especially when there's conflict over parenting. Hang in there, and be persistent with your worker. Sometimes you have to call multiple times before you get all the information you need about available programs.

I'm in a similar situation and just wanted to add a few things that helped me. First, don't overlook mobile home parks - they often have more flexible income requirements and lower rent than traditional apartments. I found a 2-bedroom for $850/month in a decent park that accepted my CalWORKs + part-time income combo. Also, when you do apply places, bring a "rental resume" with you - a one-page document showing your income sources, employment history, and a brief explanation of your situation. It shows you're organized and serious about being a good tenant. Include references from your current job and maybe a character reference too. One thing I wish someone had told me: start looking for places NOW even if you're not ready to move immediately. The good affordable rentals go fast, and having a few backup options reduces stress. Also consider asking your mom if she'd be willing to write a letter stating that you're a reliable tenant who pays bills on time (if that's true) - sometimes personal references from homeowners carry weight with landlords. The process is frustrating but definitely doable. Your kids will benefit so much from having their own stable space. Good luck!

Hey there! I'm going through something really similar - me and my 4-year-old have been staying with my sister and it's getting tense. Just wanted to share what I learned when I started looking into this. First, definitely call your worker about the Housing Support Program that others mentioned, but also ask about the CalWORKs Homeless Assistance Program specifically. Even though you're not technically homeless, being at risk of losing your housing can sometimes qualify you. They can help with deposits, first month's rent, and sometimes even utility deposits. One thing that really helped me was contacting my local Community Action Agency. They have programs that work alongside CalWORKs and can sometimes bridge the gap when your income is borderline. They also helped me find landlords who specifically work with low-income families. Also, when you're apartment hunting, be upfront about your situation. I was nervous to mention CalWORKs at first, but honestly, some landlords prefer tenants with steady government benefits because it's more reliable than some jobs. Make sure you have all your documentation ready - benefit letters, pay stubs, and maybe even a letter from your current housing situation explaining why you need to move. The stress of multigenerational living is real, especially when there are disagreements about parenting. Your mental health and your kids' well-being matter too. Keep pushing forward - you've got this! Let us know how it goes with your worker.

Just wanted to add something that really helped me when I was in a similar situation with my two kids last year. If you're having trouble finding landlords who will accept your CalWORKs income, try reaching out to local churches and nonprofit organizations - many of them maintain lists of "CalWORKs-friendly" landlords who specifically work with families receiving benefits. Also, don't forget to factor in utilities when you're budgeting for apartments. Some places include water/trash but you'll still need to budget for electricity, gas, and internet. The good news is that once you're in your own place, you may qualify for the LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) to help with utility costs. One more tip - if you find a place you really want but your income is just slightly under their requirements, ask if they'd consider accepting a larger security deposit (like 1.5x or 2x the normal amount) in lieu of meeting the strict income requirement. Some landlords will work with you if you can show you're serious and responsible. The situation with your mom sounds really stressful, especially with the kids picking up on the tension. Having your own space will make such a difference for everyone's mental health. Keep pushing forward and don't get discouraged if the first few applications don't work out - it just takes finding the right landlord who understands your situation!

I went through this exact same situation 3 years ago with my two kids! Living with family when you have different parenting styles is SO hard. Here's what worked for me: First, definitely call your CalWORKs worker about housing programs, but also try contacting your county's housing authority directly. Sometimes they have emergency vouchers or rapid rehousing programs that your regular worker might not know about. One thing that saved me was looking into "housing navigation" services - many counties have case workers who specialize just in helping CalWORKs families find housing. They know which landlords accept benefits and can even call ahead to advocate for you. Also, consider looking at income-restricted apartments (not just Section 8). Many accept CalWORKs as qualifying income and they're designed for families making exactly what you're making. The application process can be longer but they're often more family-friendly. Don't give up if you get rejected from a few places - it really is just about finding the right landlord. I got turned down by probably 8 places before I found my current apartment. The landlord here actually told me she prefers CalWORKs tenants because the payments are consistent! Your kids will be so much happier once you have your own space. The stress you're feeling is totally valid and you're not wrong for wanting independence. Keep us posted on how it goes! 💪

Hey! I'm actually a case manager who works with CalWORKs families and I wanted to add a few things that might help you. First, you're absolutely right to want your own space - that family tension is real and it does affect kids even when we think they're not paying attention. One program that hasn't been mentioned yet is the CalWORKs Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Aid. This is different from the Housing Support Program and can sometimes provide immediate assistance for families in crisis situations like yours. The key is explaining to your worker that the current living situation is becoming detrimental to your children's wellbeing. Also, I always tell my clients to document everything when they're apartment hunting - keep records of applications, rejections, and especially any instances where you feel you were discriminated against because of your CalWORKs status. This information can be helpful if you need to file a complaint or if it comes up in future benefit reviews. One practical tip: when you do move, make sure to update your address with CalWORKs, WIC (if you receive it), Medi-Cal, and your kids' schools all in the same week. I've seen too many families have their benefits interrupted because of address change delays. You're doing the right thing by planning ahead and asking questions. Your determination to provide a stable home for your kids shows you're a good mom. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise! 💙

I'm going through something similar with my 2 kids (ages 4 and 7) living at my dad's place. The constant criticism about my parenting decisions has been really wearing on me and the kids are definitely feeling the stress. Just wanted to add that when I called about housing assistance, my worker told me about something called the Family Stabilization Program that might be available in some counties. It's specifically for families like ours who have housing but it's not stable or healthy for the kids. They can help with moving expenses, deposits, and even temporary rental assistance while you get established. Also, I learned that some food banks and community resource centers keep lists of landlords who work with CalWORKs families. The one near me actually has a "housing coordinator" who helps connect people with affordable rentals. Might be worth calling around to see what's available in your area. One thing that's helped me stay motivated is reminding myself that my kids deserve a peaceful home where they can just be kids without walking on eggshells. You're not being selfish at all - you're being a good mom by recognizing that the current situation isn't working and taking steps to change it. Your kids will benefit so much from having their own stable space where you can parent without constant judgment. Keep pushing forward and don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries to find the right place. You've got this! 💪

I'm so glad you're getting such helpful responses here! As someone who successfully moved out of a similar family situation last year with my 6-year-old, I wanted to add a few more practical tips that really helped me: 1. When you call your CalWORKs worker, ask specifically about "Diversion Services" - this is a lesser-known program that can provide one-time assistance to prevent homelessness or family separation. Since your situation involves potential displacement, you might qualify. 2. Consider looking into transitional housing programs in your area. These aren't just for homeless families - some accept families in unstable housing situations and can provide temporary housing while you search for permanent placement. They often have connections with landlords who accept CalWORKs. 3. Don't overlook private room rentals or mother-in-law units. I found a small 2-bedroom unit behind someone's main house for $900/month, and the homeowner was much more flexible about income requirements than apartment complexes. 4. If you have any friends or family who could co-sign or provide a character reference, that can make a huge difference with landlords who are on the fence about accepting CalWORKs income. The stress you're describing is so real - my son started having nightmares from all the tension in our previous living situation. Once we got our own place, the change in both of us was immediate. You're absolutely doing the right thing for your family. Keep advocating for yourself and don't give up! 💕

I'm in a very similar situation and just wanted to offer some encouragement! I moved out of my mom's house last month with my 2 kids (ages 4 and 6) after living there for almost 2 years. The constant disagreements about parenting and discipline were affecting all of us, and I knew I had to make a change for everyone's wellbeing. I was able to use my CalWORKs benefits ($847/month) plus my part-time income to qualify for a small 2-bedroom apartment. Here's what worked for me: First, I called my worker and was persistent about asking for housing assistance. It took three calls before I got connected to someone who knew about all the available programs. I ended up qualifying for both the Housing Support Program (which covered my deposit and first month's rent) and some additional emergency assistance for moving expenses. Second, I focused on smaller, privately-owned properties rather than big apartment complexes. I found my place through a property management company that specifically works with low-income families. The landlord was understanding about my situation and didn't require the strict 3x income rule. The difference in my kids' behavior and my own stress level has been incredible. They're sleeping better, playing more freely, and I can parent without constant criticism. Yes, money is tight, but the peace of mind is worth it. Don't give up - there are resources out there and landlords who will work with you. Your kids will benefit so much from having a stable, peaceful home environment. You're being a great mom by recognizing this situation needs to change! 💕

I just wanted to jump in and say how much this thread has helped me understand my options! I'm in a really similar situation - living with family and the tension is getting unbearable. My 4-year-old keeps asking why everyone seems upset all the time and it's breaking my heart. Reading about all these different programs (Housing Support Program, Diversion Services, Family Stabilization Program) has given me so much hope. I had no idea there were this many resources available. I've been putting off making the call to my worker because I was scared they'd just tell me there's nothing they can do, but after seeing how many people here have gotten help, I'm going to be persistent and keep calling until I get answers. The advice about looking at smaller properties and private landlords instead of just apartment complexes is really smart too. I've been getting discouraged by all the strict requirements at the big places, but it sounds like individual homeowners might be more willing to work with families like ours. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and resources - you've all given me the courage to keep pushing for a better situation for my kids. Sometimes you don't realize how much you need to hear "you're doing the right thing" until someone says it. Your kids are lucky to have parents who care enough to fight for a peaceful home! 💙

This thread has been incredibly informative! As someone who works with housing programs, I wanted to add one more resource that hasn't been mentioned yet - the CalWORKs Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP). Even though it's primarily for people with disabilities, they sometimes assist families with children who are experiencing housing instability due to family conflict situations. Also, when you're preparing your rental applications, consider creating a "housing portfolio" that includes not just your income verification but also letters of recommendation from your child's daycare/school, your employer, and even neighbors who can vouch for you being responsible and quiet tenants. This extra documentation can really help differentiate your application from others. One thing I always tell families in your situation: don't feel guilty about prioritizing your children's emotional wellbeing. Living in a tense environment affects kids in ways we don't always immediately see - sleep issues, behavioral changes, anxiety. You're being an excellent parent by recognizing that the current living situation isn't sustainable and taking action to change it. The fact that you're already working part-time while managing CalWORKs shows you're responsible and motivated. Many landlords will appreciate that combination of stability. Keep pushing forward - your kids will thank you for giving them a peaceful home where they can thrive! 💪