Job loss + CalWORKs application question - who should be the main applicant? Do we include kids?

For CalWORKs, you apply as a family unit. There isn't really a "main applicant" like for some other programs. You'll need to include EVERYONE in your household - both you and your husband, plus all three children. The system looks at your total household income compared to your family size. Since you're married, either of you can fill out the application as the "contact person" but you'll need to provide information about everyone's income. Your part-time job will need to be reported, and your husband will need to show proof of job loss (like a termination letter). Make sure you gather docs before applying: IDs for everyone, birth certificates for the kids, proof of address, bank statements, any income verification for you, and that job termination letter. This will speed things up a lot.

When my boyfriend lost his job last year, we applied right away and put both of us on there. For sure include the kids! That's literally why CalWORKs exists - to help families with children. Your benefit amount goes up based on how many kids you have. The application is super long. Set aside like 2 hours when the kids are asleep to do it. You'll need to list ALL income and resources. They'll ask about bank accounts, cars, property, etc. They also want to know about child support if that applies. BTW even with your part-time job you'll probably qualify since you have 3 kids - that puts your family size at 5 which has a higher income limit.

you dont need to worry about the 'main applicant' stuff with calworks. you just need to put your whole household on there - both adults and all three kids. This is super important because they calculate your benefits based on how many people are in the family. When my husband lost his job in 2023 I went on benefitscal.com and started the application even tho I had a part time job too. You'll have to list any income you make from your grocery job but your husbands job loss will be the main factor. Also don't forget to apply for calfresh (food stamps) at the same time!!! The application lets you apply for both programs together and you'll probably qualify for both.

when u apply they gonna make ur husband do the welfare to work program since he lost his job!!! they will REQUIRE him to go to orientation and do job search activities and maybe even job training. if he doesn't do this stuff they can cut ur benefits or deny u!!! so he needs to be ready for that part. they expect 32 hrs a week of activities for two-parent families where one person isnt working. my sister went thru this whole mess and forgot to tell them about a doctors appointment and they tried to sanction her!!! they should explain this at the interview but sometimes they "forget" to tell u all the requirements until its too late

I had the WORST time trying to get through on the phone to ask questions about my CalWORKs application last year. Spent hours on hold and kept getting disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr that connects you directly to a CalWORKs worker without the wait. You can check it out at claimyr.com or see how it works at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE It was so helpful because I had specific questions about our situation that the website couldn't answer. The worker explained exactly what documents we needed and who needed to be on the application. Saved me from making mistakes that would have delayed our benefits.

I HATE how confusing they make this whole process!!! They act like everyone is supposed to just KNOW how to navigate this complicated system. When I applied last year after my layoff, I got denied because I didn't include my 17 year old on the application - I thought she was too old to count! Then had to reapply and waited another 3 weeks while bills piled up. And don't even get me started on the income reporting requirements after you're approved. The whole system is designed to be confusing so people give up. Make sure you ask TONS of questions during your interview about what you need to report and when. They have this thing called the SAR7 form that you have to fill out every 6 months and if you miss it, they cut you off!

I wanted to add something important - since you mentioned rent being due in 2 weeks, you should know that CalWORKs isn't usually approved that quickly. The standard processing time is up to 30 days from application, though they sometimes process it faster. If you're at risk of homelessness, make sure to ask about the Homeless Assistance program during your interview. If you qualify, they can provide emergency money for rent or temporary shelter while your regular CalWORKs application is being processed. Also, when you apply, request an "immediate need" payment if your situation is urgent. If approved, you could get up to $200 within 3 working days.

There's a specific form for Immediate Need called the CW 4 form. You can request it when you apply, and you'll need to explain your emergency situation (like being at risk of eviction, utilities being shut off, not having food, etc.). The worker should ask about your immediate needs during the interview, but it doesn't hurt to specifically mention that you want to apply for Immediate Need assistance. For your question above about your car - vehicles are now exempt from resource limits for CalWORKs in California, so your paid-off car won't affect your eligibility regardless of its value. They'll still ask for the information, but it won't count against you.

Good luck with your application tonight! Just wanted to add a couple quick tips that helped me when I applied: 1. Save your progress frequently - the BenefitsCal website times out after 30 minutes of inactivity and you'll lose everything if you don't save. 2. Have all your documents scanned or photographed on your phone before you start. You can upload them during the application process which speeds things up. 3. If you get stuck on any question, you can leave it blank and come back to it rather than guessing. Better to ask the worker during your interview than put wrong info. You're doing the right thing applying quickly after the job loss. The sooner you get the application in, the sooner you can get help. Wishing your family the best during this tough time!