Denied emergency CalWORKs despite job loss and no food/diapers - what are my options?

Unfortunately the emergency aid rules are super strict. If you had income in the last 30 days over a certain threshold, they'll deny immediate need even if that money is already gone. But there ARE other options you should try right away: 1. Call your worker back and specifically request Expedited CalFresh (different program with different rules). Make sure to emphasize you have less than $100 in resources and minimal food in the house. 2. Ask about the diaper stipend program - CalWORKs families with kids under 3 can get an extra $30/month per eligible child for diapers. 3. Request information about their crisis assistance fund - some counties have special programs separate from immediate need. 4. Food banks don't ask for income verification for emergency assistance - Google your city + food bank. Don't give up! Sometimes workers don't offer all available programs unless you specifically ask.

THSI EXACT THING happened to my sister last month!!! They denied her immediate assistance even tho she had NOTHING left and three kids to feed. The system is totally broken!!!! CalWORKs workers don't care if your kids are hungry they just follow their stupid rules. They told her the same thing about waiting for the regular application process. My sister ended up having to borrow money from everyone she knew just to make it through the month. It's absolutely CRIMINAL how they treat families in crisis!!!!

Don't wait around for CalWORKs to process your application - here are some immediate options: ✓ Dial 211 - they can connect you with emergency food assistance, diaper banks, and utility help in your area ✓ Local churches often have emergency pantries that don't require any paperwork ✓ Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program if you have kids under 5 - can provide formula, food, etc. ✓ Salvation Army and Catholic Charities sometimes provide emergency grocery vouchers For your ongoing CalWORKs application, keep detailed notes of everyone you talk to. And yes, your CalFresh should increase once they process your job loss - make sure they update your case with zero income status.

I had exactly the same issue last year! I got denied immediate assistance because I had a final paycheck from my job. I was SO frustrated trying to reach my worker to appeal this decision, kept getting voicemail for days. Finally I used Claimyr.com to get through to a real person at the county office - they connected me directly to a worker instead of waiting on hold forever. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE Once I actually talked to someone, they explained that I needed to submit a specific form requesting expedited CalFresh separately from my CalWORKs application. The worker processed my expedited CalFresh that same day and I had benefits loaded within 3 days. Made a huge difference for my family.

have u tried going to a food bank? most don't ask for any paperwork. also check facebook for local "buy nothing" groups, ppl often give away diapers and baby stuff there. good luck!

Everyone keeps saying "food bank" but nobody mentions how hard it is to actually GET to a food bank when you have no gas money and little kids!!! Not everyone has reliable transportation or lives near public transit. And carrying bags of groceries + diapers + kids on a bus is a nightmare if you've ever tried it. The system assumes everyone has resources they don't have. Sorry about your situation OP, it's truly maddening.

Just to clarify on the CalFresh increase after job loss - yes, you SHOULD get more food stamps when your income decreases. However, it's not automatic. You need to report your job loss as a change in circumstances. If you already provided your final pay stub, that's a good start, but make sure they've actually processed it as a change. And regarding the CalWORKs timeline - regular applications should be processed within 30 days, but they often take the full time. That's why pushing for expedited CalFresh (3 days) is so important in your situation.