Homeless with 2-year-old - Can I qualify for CalWORKs as a couch-surfer with no child support?

You defintely qualify! im a single mom with a 3 yr old and was in the same situation last year. Being homeless with a kid makes u automtatically eligible. When u apply make sure u check the 'homeless' box and tel them ur couch surfing. They have something called homeless assistance that can help u get into a place too. Apply on BenefitsCal website or go in person to the county office.

Yes, you absolutely qualify based on what you've shared. Here's what you need to know: 1. Having a child under 18 and being low-income puts you in the eligible category for CalWORKs 2. Being homeless (including couch-surfing) actually qualifies you for expedited processing AND potential homeless assistance 3. You'll need to provide: - ID for yourself - Birth certificate for your child - Social security numbers for both of you - Proof of income from your part-time job Regarding child support: You will need to cooperate with child support enforcement as part of receiving CalWORKs, BUT you can request a "good cause exemption" if pursuing child support would put you or your child at risk of harm. This is important to know. For your housing situation, ask specifically about both the temporary and permanent homeless assistance programs. You could qualify for up to 16 days in a motel plus help with security deposit and first month's rent when you find a place. Don't hesitate about applying - this is exactly what the program is designed for.

When you apply, make sure to request an expedited interview due to your homeless status. Regular processing can take up to 30 days, but homeless cases should be prioritized. Bring whatever documents you have, but don't worry if you're missing some - they can give you time to gather them. The most important are ID and your child's birth certificate. One thing - with your work hours, you'll likely need to participate in Welfare to Work activities to keep getting benefits. With a child under 6, you'll need to do 20 hours weekly. But there are lots of options like job search, education, training, etc. Also, make sure to apply for CalFresh (food stamps) and Medi-Cal at the same time. It's all on the same application.

Your current job absolutely counts toward your WTW hours! Since you're already working 25 hours weekly, you're actually exceeding the 20-hour requirement for parents with a child under 6. Just make sure you provide pay stubs or other proof of your work hours. About the approval timeline - for homeless families they should process your application within 3 business days for the homeless assistance portion. The ongoing Cash Aid might take a bit longer but should still be expedited.

anyone telling u its fast is LYING!!! i waited 6 weeks with 2 kids and we were living in my car. kept calling everyday and couldnt get thru to ANYONE. they dont care if ur homeless with kids. the system is broken and they make u jump thru 1000 hoops.

When i applied last yr they told me i HAD to apply for child support first before gettin approved for calworks which makes no sense cause what if u dont even know where the dad is????? the whole system is set up to make it hard for single moms i swear

dont forget to also ask about the diaper stipend!!!!! its like an extra $30 per month for diapers if ur kid is under 3. they never tell u about it unless u specifically ask

Don't be discouraged by some of the negative experiences shared here. While it's true the system can be frustrating, there are many success stories too. Make sure to: 1. Apply online through BenefitsCal.com (faster than paper applications) 2. Check the homeless box on your application 3. Call the office after applying to request an expedited interview 4. Ask specifically about homeless assistance at your interview 5. Request the diaper stipend as mentioned 6. Apply for CalFresh and Medi-Cal at the same time If you're working 25 hours weekly, you're already meeting your WTW requirements. Make sure to submit recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer. Be persistent but polite with workers. Document everything - who you talked to, when, what they said. If you have trouble reaching someone by phone, going in person to the office can sometimes get faster results.

Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I'm going to apply online tonight and then try to call tomorrow to request the expedited interview. I'll make sure to mention we're homeless and ask about the homeless assistance and diaper stipend. I'm feeling more hopeful now knowing that we should qualify. I'll update here about how it goes.

Sending you so much support during this difficult time! As someone who works with families navigating public benefits, I want to emphasize that you should absolutely apply - you clearly meet the eligibility criteria. A few additional tips that might help: - When you call for the expedited interview, mention that you have a child under 6 and are experiencing homelessness. This puts you in priority status. - If possible, try calling the county office first thing in the morning (8-9am) when phone lines are less busy. - Keep a journal of your applications, calls, and interactions - dates, times, worker names if you get them. This helps if you need to escalate later. - Ask about emergency aid while your application is processing - some counties have small emergency funds for immediate needs like diapers/formula. You're being a strong advocate for your daughter by seeking help when you need it. That takes courage, and you should be proud of taking this step. Wishing you both stability and security soon! 💙

I just wanted to add that if you run into any roadblocks with your application, don't give up! Sometimes it helps to visit the office in person if phone calls aren't working. Bring your daughter with you if you can - workers often respond more urgently when they see the actual child who needs help. Also, once you get approved, look into local food banks and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children program) if you haven't already. WIC specifically helps with formula, baby food, and other essentials for kids under 5. Many food banks also have diaper programs. One more thing - if your county has a Family Resource Center or similar community organization, they often have advocates who can help you navigate the system and make sure you're getting all the benefits you're entitled to. Some even have emergency assistance programs while you're waiting for CalWORKs approval. You're doing everything right by reaching out and getting informed before applying. Your little girl is lucky to have such a determined mom fighting for her! 🙏