Do CalWORKs Cash Aid payments reduce my CalFresh benefits? Just approved for both

Yes, your CalFresh will definitely go down because Cash Aid is counted as income for CalFresh calculations. That's why they ask on the application if you get other benefits. When I got approved for CalWORKs last year, my CalFresh dropped from $379 to $276. The exact reduction depends on your household size, rent, and utilities. The county should send you a Notice of Action soon showing your new CalFresh amount. But overall you'll still have more total money with both benefits combined than just CalFresh alone.

yea it goes down but u get more overall dont worry. they use a formula like for every $3 in cash aid ur calfresh goes down by like $1 or something. my worker told me this is bc ur supposed to use part of ur cash aid for food too not just rent and bills and stuff

In my experience, they changed my CalFresh as soon as my CalWORKs got approved. I got two letters in the mail like 3 days apart - first the CalWORKs approval and then the CalFresh reduction notice. They didn't wait for my SAR7 to make the change. But like others said, you still end up with more total benefit amount. Just budget accordingly since your food money will be split between the two programs now.

Your CalFresh will be reduced, but here's how it actually works: CalWORKs cash aid is counted as unearned income for CalFresh calculations. After applying all your deductions (standard deduction, 20% earned income deduction, excess shelter costs), they multiply your countable income by 0.3 and subtract that from the maximum CalFresh allotment for your household size. So a $922 CalWORKs grant won't reduce your CalFresh by $922 - it will be significantly less. The reduction should happen mid-month after CalWORKs approval, and you'll receive a Notice of Action explaining the new calculation.

Have you been trying to call the county about this? I had a similar question last month and was on hold for HOURS trying to get someone. Finally I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real person at the benefits office in like 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE. Totally worth it because the worker was able to tell me exactly how much my CalFresh would change after I got CalWORKs and explained when the change would happen. Better to know beforehand so you can plan your budget.

When I got CalWORKs last year my CalFresh went down like $200!! I was so mad because nobody warned me. But after I calmed down I realized I still had more money overall with both benefits. Just budget different now - use some CalWORKs for groceries too. And remember you can still get WIC if your kids are under 5!

One thing nobody mentioned - make sure you're getting the utility allowance on your CalFresh calculation. When my CalWORKs started, they reduced my CalFresh but then I told them I pay heating/cooling bills separately from rent and they gave me the standard utility allowance which increased my CalFresh back up by like $80. Worth checking if they calculated everything correctly!

Update: The changes should happen automatically since both programs are administered by the same county agency. Their computer systems talk to each other. You should get a Notice of Action within 10 days explaining the new CalFresh amount. If you don't receive this, then you should contact your worker. Also remember that getting CalWORKs makes you eligible for additional benefits like childcare assistance and job training programs through Welfare to Work. Make sure to ask about these services too!

That's great news that you got your Notice of Action and the reduction wasn't as bad as expected! $276 for CalFresh plus $922 for CalWORKs is definitely better than just the $435 you had before. Good luck with your WTW appointment - the childcare assistance can be a huge help when you're job searching. Also, once you do find work, remember that CalWORKs has earned income disregards that let you keep more of your benefits while working, so don't be afraid to take a job thinking you'll lose everything right away. The system is designed to help you transition to work gradually. Keep us posted on how things go!

I went through the exact same thing about 6 months ago! My CalFresh dropped from $412 to $298 when I got approved for CalWORKs, but honestly it was still worth it overall. One thing that helped me was creating a new budget right away - I treat part of my CalWORKs cash as "grocery money" to make up for the CalFresh reduction. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're signed up for any local food banks or pantries in your area. They can really help stretch your food budget, especially during that adjustment period when you're getting used to the new benefit amounts. The first month or two felt tight but now I've got a system that works!