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Dylan Campbell

How do CalWORKs WTW requirements work with childcare issues? Will my cash aid stop if I can't find childcare?

So confused about the Welfare to Work program with CalWORKs. I just had my intake interview and they're saying I need to participate in work activities but I have a 2 year old and no reliable childcare. My mom was watching him but she got a full-time job now. What happens if I tell them I can't work because I don't have childcare? Will they cut off my cash aid completely? And if I DO find childcare later, how does that change my benefits? Do I get more money if I'm working or less? The worker talked so fast I couldn't understand everything and now I'm freaking out about losing the little money I do get. Anyone been through this before?

Sofia Torres

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The Welfare to Work (WTW) program is a requirement for most CalWORKs recipients, but they can't expect you to work without childcare! Here's what you need to know: 1. Tell your worker IMMEDIATELY that you need childcare assistance. CalWORKs has a childcare program specifically for this reason. 2. You won't be required to participate in WTW activities until childcare is in place. This is called a "good cause" exemption. 3. Once you have childcare arranged through the program, you'll need to meet your weekly required hours (usually 20-30 hours depending on your child's age). 4. Your cash aid amount doesn't change based on whether you're working or not - that depends on your income. But if you start working, they'll disregard some of your earned income as an incentive. Don't panic! Call your worker and specifically ask for the childcare assistance application. They should have told you about this option during your interview.

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Thank you! I was so stressed out. So they can't just cut off my benefits because I don't have childcare? Do I need to fill out a special form for this good cause exemption or just tell my worker?

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they should of explained the childcare benefits to u thats there fault not urs. i got 3 kids and they pay for my daycare its actually pretty easy. but u gotta ask for it they dont just offer it smh the county never tells u what ur eligible for

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Right?? They rushed through everything so fast. Did you have to find your own daycare or did they help you find one? Do they pay the daycare directly or do they give you money for it?

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Ava Martinez

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I went through this exact situation last year. Here's how the CalWORKs childcare assistance works: 1. You need to request the Stage 1 Child Care program from your worker 2. They'll have you fill out childcare request forms (CCP1 and CCP2) 3. You can choose your own provider (licensed daycare, family childcare home, or even a friend/relative who meets requirements) 4. Once approved, the county pays the provider directly 5. While waiting for childcare to be approved, you should request a WTW exemption for "lack of childcare" Your cash aid won't be reduced for having the exemption. When you do start working, you'll actually get to keep more of your earnings because of the earned income disregard (they don't count the first $500 + 50% of remaining earnings against your grant). The most important thing is to communicate with your worker and get everything in writing. Request the childcare forms specifically!

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Thank you! This is so helpful. I didn't realize they would pay a friend or relative - maybe my sister could watch my son and get paid for it. So once I have childcare, what kind of work activities will I have to do? Do I get to choose?

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Miguel Ramos

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My worker tried to tell me the same thing when I had no childcare for my 3yo twins. They threatened to sanction me but I filed for a state hearing and they backed down FAST. Know your rights! They CANNOT require you to participate in WTW if you don't have appropriate childcare. Period. When you do get childcare set up, they'll make you do a WTW plan where you choose activities to meet your hours. Make sure you choose something that works for YOU - not just what they try to push you into. I got them to count my GED classes as my activity hours.

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Wow they threatened to sanction you with no childcare? That's scary. What happens during a sanction? I've never heard of a state hearing before but good to know that's an option if I need it.

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QuantumQuasar

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Have you tried calling your worker to specifically ask about childcare? I know it can be almost impossible to reach someone - I spent DAYS trying to get through about my childcare assistance. Finally used Claimyr.com to get through to a live person at the county office within 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE - totally worth it because I was about to lose my mind with the constant busy signals and disconnects. Once I finally talked to my worker, she helped me complete all the childcare paperwork over the phone and emailed me the forms to sign. Made the whole process much easier.

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Zainab Omar

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thanks for this! been trying to reach my worker all week about my WTW plan and its impossible!!! gonna try this right now

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when i started CalWORKs they made me do job search but i had no childcare and they were gonna cut me off!!! then i found out they HAVE TO give u child care if ur required to do welfare to work. My cousin does childcare for my son now and the county pays her. they didn't even tell me this was an option until i was almost sanctioned!!! the system is designed to trip us up i swear

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That's awful they almost sanctioned you! I'm glad you figured it out though. How much do they pay for childcare? Is it enough or do you have to pay some too?

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Sofia Torres

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To answer your follow-up question - once you have childcare, you'll create a Welfare to Work plan with activities to meet your required hours. For a single parent with a child under 6, that's 20 hours per week. Options include: - Employment (part-time or full-time) - Job search/job readiness - Vocational education/training (up to 12 months) - Adult education (GED, ESL classes) - Work experience/community service The good news is that when you DO start working, CalWORKs has income disregards that let you keep more of your grant. They don't count the first $500 of earned income plus 50% of remaining earnings when calculating your grant amount. So working actually helps you financially even while on aid. Make sure to also apply for CalFresh if you haven't already - that's additional food assistance that can help while you're figuring out your work situation.

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Thank you, this makes so much more sense now. I might actually be interested in some vocational training. Do they pay for that too or just the childcare while I'm in training?

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Zainab Omar

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dont let them bully u!! they have to provide childcare before making u work its the LAW. my worker acted like i had to do job search right away but I stood my ground about needing childcare first. once they set up the childcare I did their job search program and actually got a decent part time job that works with my kids schedule so it worked out ok but they do NOT make this easy for parents

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fr they make it so complicated on purpose trying to get people to give up i think!!

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Ava Martinez

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One more important thing - once you're working or in a training program for 3+ months with CalWORKs childcare, you'll transition from Stage 1 childcare (managed by the welfare department) to Stage 2 (managed by Resource & Referral agencies). This is automatic and shouldn't affect your childcare services, but it's good to know about. About your question on vocational training - yes, CalWORKs can pay for approved vocational training programs through their education/training funds. Not all programs qualify, but many do - especially those that lead directly to employment. When you meet with your WTW counselor, ask specifically about education and training opportunities and what funding is available. Your childcare will be covered during your training hours plus travel time and study time. It's a really good opportunity if you want to gain skills that can lead to better-paying jobs.

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This is amazing information, thank you so much! I feel so much better now understanding my options. I'm going to call tomorrow to ask about childcare assistance and vocational training. Hopefully they answer the phone!

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I'm new to CalWORKs and reading through this thread has been SO helpful! I'm in a similar situation - single mom with a 3 year old and just got approved for benefits. My orientation is next week and I was already panicking about the work requirements because I have no childcare lined up. It sounds like the key is to be proactive and specifically ASK for the childcare assistance right away rather than waiting for them to offer it. Is there anything else I should make sure to ask about during my orientation? I want to be prepared so I don't get overwhelmed like what happened to Dylan. Also, does anyone know if there's a waiting list for the childcare assistance or do they usually approve it pretty quickly? Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's making me feel less alone in this process!

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Rosie Harper

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Welcome to CalWORKs! You're smart to be preparing ahead of time. Here are some key things to ask about at your orientation: 1. Request the Stage 1 childcare application forms (CCP1 and CCP2) immediately 2. Ask about the timeline for childcare approval - it varies by county but usually takes 2-4 weeks 3. Get contact info for your assigned worker and backup contacts 4. Ask about education/training programs if you're interested - they have good funding for vocational programs 5. Request a copy of your WTW plan timeline so you know exactly what's expected and when For childcare, there usually isn't a waiting list for Stage 1 (CalWORKs childcare) but processing can take time. The sooner you submit your paperwork, the better! And don't let them pressure you into work activities until your childcare is actually in place - that's your right. You've got this! Being proactive like you are already puts you ahead of the game. Feel free to ask if you have other questions after your orientation!

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Mohammed Khan

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@Giovanni Mancini Great advice from @Rosie Harper! I'd also add - bring a notebook to your orientation and don't be afraid to ask them to slow down or repeat information. I wish I had done that instead of trying to remember everything. One more tip: if your county has online portals for CalWORKs (like MyBenefits CalWIN), ask them to help you set that up during orientation. It makes it so much easier to check the status of your childcare application and other requests instead of having to call constantly. Also ask specifically about transportation assistance if you'll need help getting to work/training once your childcare is set up. They have programs for that too but again, they don't always mention it unless you ask. The fact that you're preparing ahead of time shows you're going to do great with this program. Don't let them rush you through anything - you have the right to understand what you're signing up for!

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