Is the CalWORKs 48-month time limit really final or can you get extensions?

Hi there - I work with CalWORKs recipients and can tell you there ARE exceptions to the 48-month time limit in specific circumstances. It's not automatically the end of benefits for everyone. Here are some situations where you might qualify for an extension: - If you're a victim of domestic abuse - If you have a disability that limits your ability to work - If you're caring for a disabled family member - If you're over 60 years old - If you live in an area with an unemployment rate over 10% Also, the 48-month clock ONLY counts months when you received aid as an adult. Any months you received aid as a child, or months where you were exempt from Welfare to Work requirements don't count toward your time limit. You should request a detailed Time on Aid calculation from your worker to see exactly how many countable months you've used. Sometimes their counts are incorrect.

u dont get no more time after 48 months thats it ur done. they cut u off and thats final. i know cuz my sister hit the limit last year and they told her sorry bye bye no more $. only the kids still get there portion but the adult part is gone forever

When I was approaching my time limit my worker made me fill out a CW 2190A form for a time limit exemption review. You have to SPECIFICALLY ASK for this form - they won't volunteer it! I got an extension because I was caring for my mom who has severe disabilities. But they make you verify everything with medical records and reassess every 6 months. The system is designed to push you off without telling you your options. You have to advocate for yourself. Also, if you're working part-time, make sure they're counting your WTW participation hours correctly - sometimes working can actually STOP the 48-month clock if you're meeting your participation requirements!

i hit my time limit last year and it was AWFUL. went from struggling to completely drowning. def apply for the extension if u think u qualify but also start planning NOW for what happens if they say no. apply for every other benefit u can - calfresh max benefits, liheap for utilities, free phone, school lunch program, etc. and try to increase ur hours at target if possible. the system wants us to fail i swear

I've been trying to reach my worker to discuss my time limit for THREE WEEKS and can't get anyone on the phone! Keeps going to voicemail and nobody calls back. This is so frustrating when it's about something as important as losing benefits! Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a real person at the county office? I'm desperate and my time limit is coming up next month.

Also - make sure you request a CASE REVIEW for your time on aid calculation. I had a worker who counted 6 months against my time limit when I was actually EXEMPT during those months because I was in an approved training program. They had to go back and fix it which gave me 6 more months of eligibility! They make mistakes ALL THE TIME with time limit calculations.

one thing nobody is mentioning is that even if u hit ur time limit and can't get an extension the KIDS still get their portion of the cash aid!!! only the adult portion stops. so u don't lose everything at least

To answer your question about the children's portion: When the adult hits the 48-month time limit, the case becomes what's called a "Safety Net" case. The children continue to receive their portion of the grant, which is roughly 60-70% of the total benefit amount depending on your county and family size. For example, if you were getting about $925 for a family of 3 (1 adult, 2 children), the Safety Net amount might be around $600-650 for just the children. Regarding applying for an extension, here's the process: 1. Ask your worker specifically for the Time Limit Extension request form (CW 2190A) 2. Clearly document why you believe you qualify for an exception 3. Provide any supporting documentation (medical records, police reports for DV cases, etc.) 4. If denied, immediately request a fair hearing - you only have 90 days to appeal! Lastly, make sure you're getting credit for your work hours at Target. If you're meeting your WTW participation requirements through work, those months might not count toward your 48-month limit!

Hey QuantumLeap! I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago and want to share what worked for me. First, definitely get that CW 2190A form like others mentioned - but here's something important: submit it AT LEAST 30 days before your 48-month limit hits. Don't wait until the last minute! Also, since you're working at Target, make sure your hours are being properly reported. If you're working 20+ hours per week, those months might not count toward your time limit under the "federal participation" rules. My worker had miscounted 4 months where I was working enough hours - getting that corrected bought me crucial extra time. One more tip: if your county has a CalWORKs advocacy organization or legal aid clinic, reach out to them NOW. They can help you navigate the extension process and make sure your worker is following all the rules. Some counties are better than others at explaining your options, and having an advocate can make a huge difference. You've got this! Don't let them rush you through without getting all the information you're entitled to.

I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm in almost the exact same situation - single parent, working part-time retail, and just found out I'm at 41 months on my time limit. My caseworker mentioned it like it was no big deal and I've been losing sleep over it ever since. Reading everyone's responses has been incredibly helpful. I had NO IDEA there were extensions available or that work hours could stop the clock. My worker definitely never mentioned the CW 2190A form or any of these options. It really does feel like they're hoping we don't know our rights. I'm going to request my time calculation immediately and ask about the extension form. Also going to double-check that my work hours are being counted properly - I usually work 25-30 hours a week at my retail job so hopefully some of those months don't count toward the limit. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and knowledge. This community is literally a lifeline when the system seems designed to keep us in the dark about our options!