Can't find my CalWORKs WTW workshop link - how to start mandatory activities?

You definitely need to get this sorted quickly - WTW sanctions can reduce your Cash Aid if you don't participate. Here's what you should do: 1. Log into BenefitsCal and check your Messages section - sometimes they send the links there instead of email 2. Call your county office again but press 0 repeatedly when the automated system starts - sometimes this gets you to a real person 3. Ask for your caseworker's direct extension and email 4. If you can't reach anyone, go in person to your local office with your case number Most counties use either the OCAT (Online California Assessment Tool) or CalJOBS for workshop registration. The link should take you to one of these systems where you'll complete orientation and assessment before being assigned to activities.

this happened to me they sent my link to an old email i had on file frm like 2 yrs ago. call ur worker and ask them what email they have for you. also somtimes the link goes to spam check there too

The initial WTW process can be confusing! You should have received a WTW 1 form (orientation invitation) or WTW 2 form (activity assignment). Without those, you're technically not required to start anything yet, but they could be in the mail. You have 30 days from when they OFFICIALLY assign you activities to start participating before any sanction process begins. This 30-day period is called the "compliance period." Do you have a MyBenefits CalWIN account? Some counties post documents there too. Also, when your case changes (like when your child turns 2), you're entitled to a new WTW orientation and assessment before activities begin. They can't sanction you without properly notifying you first.

When I had trouble reaching my CalWORKs worker about WTW activities, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it saved me so much time. They connected me directly to a live person at my county office instead of waiting for hours on hold. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE Once I got through, I found out my worker had sent my WTW orientation link to the wrong email address. They resent it while I was on the phone and I was able to start my activities that same day. Better than risking a sanction!

I think maybe ur worker didnt make ur WTW Plan yet thats why u dont got a link. After ur child turns 2 they gotta do a WTW appraisal meeting 1st. Did u do that meeting yet? they do it before they assign u to workshops

Your worker definitely jumped the gun here. The proper process is: 1. WTW Orientation (usually a group session) 2. Appraisal interview (one-on-one with your worker) 3. Assessment (if needed) 4. Development of your WTW plan 5. Sign WTW plan 6. Begin assigned activities They can't require you to participate in activities until you've completed these steps and signed your WTW plan (WTW 2 form). Some workers try to expedite the process, but skipping steps can cause confusion like what you're experiencing. I'd request a formal WTW orientation as your first step. This will reset the process properly.

When my youngest turned 2, I had to go through all the WTW stuff too. It was confusing because different counties do it differently. In my county they do the orientation online now but u have to get a special code to access it. My worker never sent my code either!! I ended up having to go to the office in person and wait for 3 hours but they finally got me set up. BTW if ur doing school or training that can count toward ur WTW hours! I'm doing community college and they count my study time too.

To follow up on your training program question - yes, education and training can absolutely count toward your WTW hours! The program is called "Self-Initiated Program" (SIP) if you're already enrolled before your WTW plan starts, or they can approve education/training as part of your regular WTW plan. Some options they typically approve: - Community college courses - Adult education classes - Vocational training programs - Certificate programs - ESL classes (if English isn't your first language) Bring this up during your orientation and appraisal - it's much better than generic workshops! They'll also provide supportive services like childcare, transportation assistance, and sometimes book/supply costs while you're in an approved program.

I was in the same boat a few months ago. It took me FOREVER to get through to someone. When I finally did, they told me I was supposed to have received an orientation packet in the mail weeks earlier, which I never got. They were about to start the sanction process even though they never properly notified me! Make sure you document EVERYTHING - dates you called, who you spoke with, etc. They might try to blame you for their mistake.