Denied CalWORKs but worker mentioned I should qualify - what am I missing on my application?

Hey there, sorry you're dealing with this frustration. CalWORKs requires very specific verification and they don't always make it clear what's missing! Based on what you shared, here are common documents they might need that you didn't mention: 1. Proof of residence (utility bill, lease agreement) 2. Social security cards for all household members 3. School verification for your 8-year-old 4. Any child support documentation (even if you don't receive any, they need this documented) 5. Bank statements from the last 3 months One thing I learned the hard way: if you didn't include the fathers' information for child support cooperation, they'll deny you until you complete those forms. Did the worker mention anything about child support cooperation?

thay always do this!!! i got denyed 2 times b4 i got aproved. the child suport thing is probly it, they MAKE u fill out info on the dad even if hes not around. its stupid but u gotta do it to get benefits. also check ur mail every day cuz they send those notices that give u like 10 days to respond or ur case closes!!!

When I applied last year, I had the EXACT same problem. The worker kept saying I should qualify but my application was pending for almost 6 weeks! Turns out they needed me to complete the CW 2.1 form for child support - even though I have full custody and haven't seen my son's father in years. What worked for me was going into the office in person with ALL my documents (even ones I already submitted online). Bring everything - ID, birth certificates, social security cards, pay stubs, bank statements, utility bills, custody papers if you have them. They can't deny you for missing documents if you're sitting there with everything. Good luck!

You don't need to know where he is! You just need to complete the form stating you don't have contact information. They'll have you fill out what you DO know (full name, last known address, employer, etc.) and you can indicate you have no current contact. They might ask if you're willing to cooperate with child support services to locate him - say yes unless you have safety concerns (like domestic violence, which qualifies for a Good Cause exemption).

The CalWORKs verification process is designed to be as difficult as possible, I swear. I was denied THREE TIMES before finally getting approved. Each time it was for some document they never clearly asked for in the first place. I spent DAYS trying to reach someone at the county office and kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. Finally I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real CalWORKs worker in less than 5 minutes! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE Once I actually talked to a human, I found out exactly what was missing (in my case it was also the child support cooperation form AND proof my kids were in school). Got everything submitted and was approved within a week. Definitely worth checking out if you're struggling to reach someone.

Yes, it actually does! The automated system is THE WORST. With Claimyr I got through to a real person who could see my case and tell me exactly what I needed. Saved me so much stress. They can connect you to pretty much any county department.

I want to point out something important that others haven't mentioned yet. Since you said you were laid off, make sure you're submitting your unemployment approval/denial letter with your CalWORKs application. If you're eligible for unemployment, CalWORKs requires you to apply for it first as it's considered "available income." Also, don't wait for their notice - proactively submit the additional documents based on the good advice others gave. The verification requirement that trips up most people is: 1. Child Support Cooperation (CW 2.1 forms) 2. Complete bank statements (all pages, even blank ones) 3. Identity verification for ALL household members (not just you) About the child support - if you genuinely don't know where the father is and have safety concerns, ask about a "Good Cause" exemption from child support cooperation. This is especially important if there was any history of domestic violence or threats.

Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I'm going to call the office tomorrow and specifically ask about the CW 2.1 form for child support cooperation. If I can't get through, I'll try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. I really appreciate all the advice. It's so frustrating that they don't just clearly tell you what's missing from your application. I'll update once I figure out what's going on with my case.

Has anyone had a problem with CalWORKs and school attendance verification? My worker keeps saying my Cash Aid is delayed because they need verification my kids are in school, but the school already sent the forms twice! So annoying.

Quick update: I FINALLY got through to someone at the county office (took 3 hours on hold) and you were all right - they needed the child support cooperation form AND school verification for my 8-year-old! I'm heading to the office in person tomorrow with ALL my documents. The worker said I should be approved within a few days once everything is verified. Thanks again for all your help!