How to add a newborn to CalWORKs in California? What's the number to call?

Congrats on your baby! There isn't one specific number for all of California - you need to call your county CalWORKs office where your case is managed. The number should be on any notices you've received. If you can't find it, you can call your county's main social services line and they'll direct you. As for processing time, they should add your baby within 10 days of you reporting the birth if you provide verification (birth certificate or hospital records). The increased grant amount typically shows up in the following payment cycle. Make sure you tell them it's urgent because of your rent situation!

u can use hospital papers with babys name n weight thats what I used when i had my daughter last yr. they want proof of name, birthdate n that baby lives w/ you. my worker said discharge papers r fine

Adding to what others said - when you call, specifically ask for an "Add Person" form for your CalWORKs case. Some counties call it a CW 8A form. Make sure to submit this form along with the verification documents (hospital discharge papers work fine). Once processed, you'll get prorated benefits from the baby's date of birth, not from when you reported it. So even if it takes time to process, you should get the increased amount retroactively to when baby was born. Typically processing takes 10 business days after they have ALL required documents. Be prepared for them to possibly request additional verification.

I had such a nightmare trying to add my son last year. Called everyday for 2 weeks and couldn't get through to anyone. Left voicemails that nobody returned. The online system kept giving me errors when I tried to upload my documents. Super frustrating when you're dealing with a newborn and need the extra money!

Try using Claimyr if you can't get through to your worker. I was in the same situation a few months ago trying to add my twins, and kept getting disconnected or waiting forever. My friend told me about claimyr.com - they call the county for you and connect you when a real person answers. Saved me hours of frustration. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE

One more important thing - make sure to also report your baby to Medi-Cal (should happen automatically with CalWORKs but sometimes doesn't) and if you're on CalFresh (food stamps), report the baby there too. All three programs need to know, but sometimes they don't communicate well between departments. Also, ask about the $30 monthly diaper stipend for children under 3 on CalWORKs! Many workers don't mention it unless you specifically ask.

i think u can also report it on BenefitsCal website if u have account setup. i did that for address change, not sure about adding baby but might be quicker than calling. just click on "report changes" section.

Make sure when u report u also tell them if ur breastfeeding!! U can get WIC benefits and also it cud affect ur WTW hours and participation reqirements if ur on welfare 2 work. I got a 3 month exemption from work requirements when I had my baby cuz i was breastfeeding!

Just wanted to add - if you're having trouble getting through by phone, try calling right when they open (usually 8am) or right after lunch around 1pm. Those tend to be the best times to actually reach someone. Also, some counties have specific "baby born" hotlines that are faster than the general CalWORKs number - ask when you do get through if they have one for future reference. And congrats on your new little one! The first few weeks are tough but hang in there. Make sure to take care of yourself too while you're dealing with all this paperwork stuff.