How to apply for CalWORKs Cash Aid online - my worker says it's possible?

Yes, you can definitely apply online! The website is called BenefitsCal (benefitscal.com). It replaced the old C4Yourself system last year. You can apply for CalWORKs (Cash Aid), CalFresh and Medi-Cal all in one application which is super helpful.The online process isn't necessarily faster than in-person, but it's more convenient. After you submit the application, they'll still need to schedule a phone or in-person interview within about 7-10 days. Make sure you upload all your verification documents too - ID, birth certificates for kids, proof of income (or job loss), rent agreement, bills, etc. The more docs you have ready, the smoother it'll go.BTW, if you're worried about rent, ask specifically about the \

Thank you so much! I'll check out BenefitsCal right away. Do I need to create an account first or can I just start the application? Also, what happens after I submit everything online? Will they call me for the interview or do I need to call them?

I just went through this process last month! Go to BenefitsCal like the other person said. You'll need to create an account first (email and password). Then you'll start a new application and select CalWORKs/Cash Aid plus whatever else you need.After you submit, they're SUPPOSED to contact you within 7 days for an interview but honestly they didn't call me. I had to call them multiple times. When you finish the application, you'll get a confirmation number - SAVE IT! You'll need it when you call.Also make sure to check your mail AND your BenefitsCal account messages daily because sometimes they send requests for more documents with tight deadlines.

this is so true they never call when they say they will lol. i was waiting 2 weeks and nothing then i got a letter saying my case was gonna be denied cuz i \

I tried applying online and it was a NIGHTMARE!!! The website kept crashing and then it lost half my information. Took me 3 attempts to finally submit it. Then they never called me for an interview and when I finally got through to someone after calling for DAYS, they said they never received my application!!! Had to start all over again. The in-person process is actually faster sometimes because at least you know they got your paperwork.And be prepared for them to ask for a million documents. They wanted my bank statements, car registration, utility bills, kids' school enrollment, and like 5 other things I can't even remember. They make it SO HARD to get help when you're already struggling!!

Sorry you had such a rough experience! I think it really depends on your county and how overloaded their system is. The website can definitely be glitchy sometimes. One tip is to try using it during off-hours like early morning or late evening when there's less traffic.And yes, they do require a lot of verification documents, but that's actually to protect against fraud and make sure benefits go to eligible families. If you're having trouble getting all the documents together, your worker can sometimes give you extensions or help figure out alternatives.

Hey! I just wanna add that after you apply, trying to reach your caseworker for the interview or with questions is the HARDEST part. I was calling 30-40 times a day for a week straight and either got disconnected or stuck on hold forever. I finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to a real person at the county office. They have a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwEIt literally saved me from having my application denied because of missed deadlines. Just sharing because the phone system is seriously the most frustrating part of the whole process.

That's really helpful, thank you! I'm already worried about the phone part because when I called yesterday it took me over an hour to talk to someone. I'll check out that service if I start having trouble reaching them after I apply.

u can do it on benefitscal but jus go to the office tbh. i did online and waited 3 weeks for food and cash aid. my friend went in person and got ebt same day and cash aid was approved in like 4 days.

This isn't entirely accurate. EBT same-day issuance is for the Emergency CalFresh program which has specific eligibility requirements (like having less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in resources). Same-day service isn't guaranteed just by showing up in person. For CalWORKs/Cash Aid, the standard processing time is up to 45 days regardless of how you apply, though they do have the Immediate Need program for emergencies that can provide aid within 3 working days if you qualify. The application method (online vs. in-person) doesn't change the processing times according to regulations.

did ur worker mention anything about welfare to work (WTW)? thats the part nobody warned me about when i applied. once u get approved for cash aid u have to do these work activities for like 30hrs a week unless ur kids are really little. they make u sign this WTW plan and if u dont do the hours they can cut ur benefits. just heads up cause i was surprised by that

No, she didn't mention that at all! That sounds intense. My youngest is 3 so I'm guessing I'd have to do this? What kind of work activities count? I've been looking for a job but haven't found anything yet.

Since your youngest is 3, you'll need to participate in WTW activities for 20 hours per week (not 30). If your youngest was under 2, it would be fewer hours. Activities can include job searching, working, education/training programs, vocational education, or work experience. They'll assign you a WTW counselor after approval who will explain all this. The good news is they HAVE TO provide childcare assistance while you're doing your required hours. Make sure to ask about that!

To directly answer your questions:1. Apply online at BenefitsCal.com (https://benefitscal.com/)2. Yes, you need to create an account first3. After submission, the county has 45 days to process your CalWORKs application, but interviews are typically scheduled within 7-10 days4. You'll receive a notice in the mail AND in your BenefitsCal account about your interview date/time5. For your immediate rent concern, specifically request an Immediate Need payment when applying - you'll need to complete a separate Immediate Need request formMake sure you gather these documents before starting your application:- ID for yourself- Birth certificates for your children- Social Security cards for everyone (if available)- Proof of residence (rental agreement, utility bill)- Proof of your job loss (termination letter, unemployment application)- Bank statements- Any vehicle registrationBenefitsCal allows you to upload these directly during the application or later through your account.

This is incredibly helpful - thank you for the detailed information and document list! I'll start gathering everything today. For the Immediate Need payment, is that something I select within the application itself or do I need to call and ask about it specifically?

There should be a question in the application asking if you have an immediate need or emergency situation. Make sure to answer

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago - lost my job and needed help with my two kids. Here's what I learned: definitely apply online at BenefitsCal.com, but also call the county office the same day you submit to let them know you applied and ask about expedited processing since you're facing eviction. They have something called "Immediate Need" that can get you emergency cash within 3 days if you qualify. One thing that really helped me was having all my documents ready BEFORE starting the application - it took me about 45 minutes to complete once I had everything organized. The system does save your progress if you need to take breaks. Also, don't just wait for them to call you for the interview. After 3-4 days, start calling them daily to check on your application status. Be persistent but polite - the squeaky wheel gets the grease with these offices. Keep calling until you get that interview scheduled. Good luck! I know how stressful this is but hang in there - the help is available, you just have to push through the bureaucracy to get it.

I'm so grateful for all this detailed advice everyone! I'm feeling much more confident about starting the application process now. Just to make sure I understand correctly - after I submit on BenefitsCal, I should call the county office that same day to mention I applied AND specifically ask about Immediate Need processing due to my rent situation, right? And I should mention the potential eviction both in the online application AND when I call? Also, for those of you who went through this recently - about how long did your interview take? I'm trying to plan around my kids' schedules since childcare has been tight since losing my job. Really appreciate this community - you all are lifesavers!