Denied CalWORKs because we can't apply for unemployment - don't meet 18-month work requirement

This is absolutely NOT a valid reason to deny your CalWORKs application! They can require you to apply for benefits you might be eligible for, but if you're not eligible for unemployment, they can't require the impossible. What they should accept is verification that you're NOT eligible for unemployment. Here's what you should do: 1. Go to the EDD website and try to start an application. When it tells you you're not eligible (which it should based on your work history), take screenshots of everything. 2. Call your county office tomorrow and ask to speak with a supervisor about your case. Explain you physically cannot apply for something you don't qualify for. 3. If that doesn't work, immediately file for a fair hearing - you have 90 days from the denial notice. Don't take no for an answer. The worker is misapplying the policy.

omg I had EXACTLY this problem in January!!! The caseworker kept demanding unemployment proof even tho i told her like 5 times i didnt qualify cuz i only worked like 3 months in the last year. I got so mad i was crying on the phone it was awful. finally i got thru to a supervisor who fixed it. thbe stupid part is my caseworker was off for a week right when i needed her most! idk why they do this

You're running into a common misunderstanding that some CalWORKs eligibility workers have. The actual policy is that you must apply for "potentially available income" - but if you know for certain you don't qualify for UI benefits because of work history requirements, then UI isn't "potentially available" to you. What you need is a Statement of Facts form (like the CW 2200) where you can explain your work history and why you don't qualify for unemployment. Your eligibility worker should accept this as verification that you've pursued all potential income sources. If you can't reach your worker, definitely ask for a supervisor. This is a common enough issue that most supervisors will know how to handle it correctly. Don't let them deny you benefits over something that's impossible to provide!

This happened to me to but for child support. They wanted proof I was working with child support services but my ex is actually dead so there's no support to collect. Took me 3 weeks to get it straightened out and reapply. The whole time my kids were hungry. The system is broke. They don't listen to nothing we say.

Try using Claimyr to get through to a real person at the county office. It's saved me so much time and frustration when dealing with CalWORKs issues. I used to waste entire days on hold or getting disconnected, but with this service I got through to someone in about 10 minutes. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE Once you get through, ask specifically for a supervisor and explain that you're being asked to provide verification of something you're not eligible for. They should be able to sort it out and reprocess your application right away instead of making you wait.

One more thing - make sure to check your MyBenefitsCal account for any notices they might have sent electronically. Sometimes they send requests for verification through the portal that never arrive in the mail. Also, if you end up having to request a fair hearing, you can do so by calling the State Hearings Division at 1-800-743-8525 or by filling out the form on the back of your denial notice. While waiting for the hearing, you can also request a conditional withdrawal - which means if the county fixes the issue, you can withdraw your hearing request.

your caseworker is wrong. my bf had same issue and we just had to sign a paper saying we weren't eligible for unemplyment. but some workers think everyone qualifies for ui which isnt true at all!! also you can apply for expedited calworks since you have less than $100 and rent coming due. should get emergency aid within 3 days

Don't feel bad, the CalWORKs rules are SO confusing. When I applied last year they kept telling me different things every time I called. One worker told me I had to apply for child support even though I have full custody and there's no other parent on the birth certificate! Took me talking to 3 different people to get that straightened out. Definitely ask for a supervisor tomorrow. The regular workers sometimes just follow a script and don't know how to handle exceptions.

Since your caseworker might be out tomorrow, here's what I'd recommend: 1. Call the main CalWORKs office number first thing in the morning 2. Explain that your worker is unavailable and you need urgent assistance with an incorrect denial 3. Ask specifically for a "case review by a supervisor" regarding the unemployment verification requirement 4. Use the exact phrase "I am requesting an immediate review of the denial based on verification that is impossible to provide" 5. If you get nowhere with that, say you want to file for a fair hearing immediately Most counties have emergency protocols for situations like yours where you're down to your last dollars. Be very clear about your financial emergency situation. They should be able to process emergency aid even while the main application issue is being resolved.

This same thing happened to my daughter last month! The caseworker kept insisting she needed an unemployment denial letter even though she only worked for 4 months total in the past 2 years. What ended up working was going to the office in person and refusing to leave until they let her speak to a supervisor. The supervisor immediately approved her application once she understood the situation. Sometimes you have to be really persistent to get through the bureaucracy!