How to withdraw CalWORKs application but keep CalFresh benefits running?

Congrats on the new job! Yes, you can withdraw just your CalWORKs application while keeping your CalFresh application active. Call your eligibility worker before your interview and tell them you only want to proceed with CalFresh. They should make a note in your case file. When you go to your interview, remind them again that you're only pursuing CalFresh now. They'll have you sign a withdrawal form just for the CalWORKs portion.

I had SUCH a hard time reaching anyone when I needed to update my CalWORKs application. After trying for days and getting disconnected repeatedly, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a worker in like 20 minutes. They basically wait on hold for you and call you when they reach someone. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE. Might be worth trying if you need to speak to someone before your interview tomorrow.

You don't share any case details with them - they just connect the call and then you talk directly with the county worker. It's just a call connection service. I was skeptical too but it really worked for me!

just tell them at ur interveiw you dont want calworks anymore. they wont care they have 2 many cases anyways lol.

Make sure you get something in writing when you withdraw just the CalWORKs portion. When I did this last year, they accidentally cancelled BOTH my CalWORKs and CalFresh and it took 3 WEEKS to get my CalFresh turned back on!! The system sometimes links them together in the computer and some workers don't know how to properly just cancel one. BRING PAYSTUBS from your new job to your interview too - they'll need to recalculate your CalFresh amount based on new income.

congrats on the new job!! this happened to me too got a job but still needed calfresh. my worker was actually super nice about it and helped me. dont worry about it! u just tell them u got a job and only need help with food now

There's actually a specific form called a CW 89 (Request to Withdraw Application/Discontinue Benefits) where you can indicate WHICH programs you want to withdraw from. You can download it from the BenefitsCal website or get it at the office. This way you have documentation that you ONLY wanted to withdraw from CalWORKs. The form lets you check boxes for which programs you're withdrawing from, so just check CalWORKs and leave CalFresh blank. Also, CONGRATS on the new job!!! That's awesome. 🎉

I tried to do this once and ended up having to reapply for CalFresh because the worker didn't process it right. The whole system is broken if u ask me. They make everything so complicated like they WANT us to make mistakes. My sister had the same problem when she got a job and they made her completely reapply even tho she shouldn't have had to!!! So annoying.

Another thing to remember: Even though your new job makes you ineligible for CalWORKs, make sure to tell your worker about it for your CalFresh recalculation. Your CalFresh amount will probably go down with higher income, but you should still get something. And they'll need verification of the new income - offer letter, paystubs when you get them, etc. If you don't report the new job within 10 days, you could potentially get an overissuance that you'd have to pay back later.

Update: I was finally able to reach someone at the office! The worker explained exactly what others here mentioned - there's a specific form (CW 89) where I can withdraw just CalWORKs. She also said I was smart to call before the interview because it saves everyone time. They're going to convert my interview tomorrow to just focus on CalFresh eligibility with my new income. Thanks everyone for the help!

That's such great news! I'm so glad you were able to get through to someone and get it sorted out. It's really helpful to hear about your successful experience - gives me hope that the system can work when you get the right person. Best of luck with your new job and hope your CalFresh interview goes smoothly tomorrow! 🎉

This whole thread is so helpful! I love seeing how everyone jumped in to help with specific advice and form numbers. @CosmicCadet, congrats on both the new job AND successfully navigating the system! For anyone else reading this later who might be in a similar situation, it sounds like the key takeaways are: 1) Call ahead if possible, 2) Use form CW 89 to be specific about which program you're withdrawing from, 3) Get documentation in writing, and 4) Report income changes within 10 days to avoid overpayments. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is awesome! 💪

This is such a wonderful success story! @CosmicCadet, congratulations on your new job and for successfully navigating the system! It's so encouraging to see how this community came together with practical advice - from the specific CW 89 form number to the Claimyr service suggestion to warnings about getting things in writing. Your experience really highlights how important it is to be proactive and call ahead when possible. For anyone else reading this who might face a similar situation, this thread is a goldmine of actionable advice. Thanks for taking the time to update us on how it worked out - these kinds of follow-ups are incredibly valuable for future community members who might be dealing with the same challenges! 🌟