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.

Marcus, I'm so sorry you're going through this with your daughter. The system is frustrating enough without being homeless on top of it. When you go in tomorrow, here's what helped me when I was in a similar situation: 1. Ask to speak with a supervisor if the front desk worker can't help - sometimes the regular staff don't know all the programs available 2. Specifically mention you need "expedited processing" due to homelessness - this should move your case faster 3. If they have a homeless liaison or navigator at your county office, ask to speak with them directly - they're specially trained for situations like yours 4. Bring any documentation you can about your living situation - even something like a receipt showing you bought gas to sleep in your car can help establish homelessness Also, make sure to ask about emergency food vouchers while you're there - they can sometimes provide immediate help even while your Cash Aid application is being processed. Don't let them brush you off again. You and your daughter deserve help, and they have programs specifically designed for families in your exact situation. Stay strong and keep advocating for yourself!

Marcus, I've been following your thread and wanted to add something important that I don't think anyone has mentioned yet. When you go back to the office tomorrow, make sure you specifically ask about the "CalWORKs Housing Support Program" - this is different from regular CalWORKs cash aid and is designed specifically for homeless families. They can provide temporary rental assistance and security deposit help while your regular application is being processed. Also, since you mentioned you do InstaCart deliveries, make sure to bring any 1099s or payment records you have. Sometimes they want to see proof of self-employment income even if it's irregular. The fact that you're actively trying to work while homeless with a young child should actually HELP your case, not hurt it. One more thing - if the worker who denied you initially is there tomorrow, ask to speak with someone else. Sometimes getting a fresh pair of eyes on your case makes all the difference. Don't be afraid to advocate firmly for yourself and your daughter. You're doing everything right by not giving up!

Marcus, I'm really glad you found this community and got so much helpful information! I wanted to add one more thing that might be crucial - when you go back tomorrow, ask them to check if your application was actually denied or if it's still "pending additional information." Sometimes what feels like a denial is actually the system waiting for documents they didn't clearly explain you needed. Also, bring a notebook with you and write down EVERYTHING they tell you - the worker's name, what forms they give you, what they say you need to provide, and any timelines they mention. This will help you stay organized and also creates a record if you need to escalate later. Since you're doing this alone while caring for your daughter, don't hesitate to ask them to repeat information or explain things in simpler terms. They work with these programs every day but for families like yours, it's all new and overwhelming. You have every right to understand the process clearly. Wishing you the best tomorrow - you've got this! Your persistence and dedication to your daughter is inspiring, and I hope you get the help you both deserve.

Marcus, I'm sending you and your daughter so much support right now. Being homeless with a child is incredibly difficult, and dealing with confusing government systems on top of that is exhausting. I wanted to mention something that might help - many counties have walk-in advocacy services or legal aid organizations that can go with you to your CalWORKs appointment or help you navigate the appeals process. Look up "[your county name] legal aid society" or "homeless services coalition" - they often have advocates who know exactly which questions to ask and can make sure the workers follow proper procedures. Also, while you're gathering all this great advice for tomorrow's visit, don't forget to take care of yourself and your daughter's immediate needs. Some local churches, community centers, or food banks might be able to provide emergency assistance while you're getting the CalWORKs situation sorted out. You're being such a strong advocate for your family, and it's clear how much you love your daughter. The system is broken in so many ways, but you're doing everything right by not giving up and seeking help. Tomorrow is going to go better - you're going in prepared this time with all the right questions to ask.

Maria, I'm so glad you found the legal aid resources! Having an advocate with you can really change the whole dynamic of these appointments. They know exactly what questions to ask and won't let the workers brush you off or deny services you're entitled to. One more thing I wanted to add - if the legal aid office can't send someone with you immediately, ask them for a "know your rights" sheet or checklist specific to CalWORKs homeless assistance. Sometimes just having that paperwork in your hand shows the county workers that you're informed about your rights and they tend to be more thorough in their explanations. Also, when you're at the food pantry tomorrow morning, ask if they have any social workers or case managers on site. Many food pantries now have staff who can help connect people to housing resources and benefits. They might know about local programs that the county office doesn't always mention. You're doing an amazing job advocating for your daughter under incredibly difficult circumstances. The fact that you've taken all this advice, done your research, and are going in tomorrow with a plan shows what a strong parent you are. I have a really good feeling that tomorrow is going to be different - you're prepared now and you know what to ask for. Keep us posted on how it goes!