Denied CalWORKs Cash Aid while homeless with daughter - need help understanding why

This sounds like a quick denial - which usually means something specific was missing. Did you bring proof of your homelessness status? For CalWORKs when you're homeless, you need to complete a 'homeless assistance' declaration form. Also, did they mention anything about child support cooperation? If your daughter's father isn't in the picture, you need to agree to cooperate with child support services unless you have good cause not to (like domestic violence concerns).

same thing happened 2 me last year!!! they denied me first time bcuz i didnt bring my birth certificate and my sons social security card. do u have all ur documents? also they need proof ur homeless like a statement from someone ur staying with sometimes or even a statement from a shelter that knows u

They absolutely shouldn't deny you without telling you why, especially in your situation. Here's what you need to do: 1. Request an immediate reconsideration and ask for expedited homeless assistance - this is a SEPARATE program within CalWORKs that can provide temporary housing while your regular CalWORKs application is processed 2. You're entitled to an immediate need payment if you qualify for CalWORKs and have an emergency need (which homelessness definitely is) 3. Ask specifically for the "CW 42" form - this is the homeless assistance application The most important thing now is speaking directly with a worker who can override this denial. County offices have been TERRIBLE about answering phones lately, but I found a service called Claimyr that gets you through to a live person quickly. It's the only way I could reach my worker last month when I had a similar emergency. Check out their video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE and their website is claimyr.com. It saved me when I needed to get through about my housing issue.

they make it SO HARD for people who actually need help!!! my friend got denied THREE TIMES before finally getting approved and she had 2 kids living in a shelter. the system is designed to wear you down so you give up. DON'T GIVE UP!!!

Quick question - did you tell them you already receive CalFresh? Sometimes they get confused and think you're trying to apply for something you already have. Make sure they understand you're applying for Cash Aid (CalWORKs), not food benefits.

Yes I definitely told them I was applying for Cash Aid specifically. The worker even said "so you're here to apply for CalWORKs" and I said yes. So that's not the issue. I'm going to try calling tomorrow but I know from past experience it's nearly impossible to get through.

One more thing to consider - did they ask about your income or resources? If you have a car that's valued over a certain amount, they might count that as a resource. But there are exemptions for one vehicle, especially if you're living in it. Also, do you have any income at all? Even if it's small, you need to report it. What you need to do next: 1. Request a hearing immediately - you have 90 days from the date of the denial notice to do this 2. While waiting for the hearing, reapply and specifically ask for both CalWORKs AND Homeless Assistance 3. Ask for immediate need payments while your application is processed 4. Be prepared to sign a child support cooperation agreement unless you have good cause not to Don't wait for the written notice since you have no fixed address. Call or go in person tomorrow.

I had a similar issue when I first applied, and it turned out they denied me because I didn't provide verification of my daughter's school enrollment. With school-aged children, they sometimes want proof they're attending school. Did they ask you for anything like that?

Any update on your situation? Were you able to get through to someone at the county office? Remember that you have rights in this process - they can't just deny you without explanation, especially in your circumstances.