Missed my SAR7 deadline for CalWORKs - had to reapply - will I get emergency Cash Aid while waiting?

You should qualify for immediate need/emergency assistance while your regular CalWORKs application is processing. Call your county office ASAP and specifically ask for "immediate need" assistance. You need to complete a separate immediate need request form. If approved, they should issue you aid within 3 working days to help with your emergency situation. Make sure to explain that you have a 4-year-old and are facing eviction - those are qualifying circumstances.

happened to me to!! they didnt even send me a reminder for my sar7 last time and then cut me off. so frustrating when we got kids to feed. u have to tell them SPECIFICALLY ur facing eviction and have no money for food when u call. dont just say u need emergency aid say ur facing EVICTION thats the magic word

Hey there, I'll address your questions based on my experience working with CalWORKs recipients: 1. For emergency aid: Yes, you can request Immediate Need (IN) payments while your application is processing. The amount is typically up to $200, not your full grant amount. You must demonstrate an emergency (eviction threat qualifies). 2. For your regular application: The normal processing timeframe is up to 30 days. Benefits start from your application date, not approval date. 3. Prevention tip: Set calendar reminders for your SAR7 due dates (5th of the 6th month of your certification period). Missing reports is the #1 reason for benefit discontinuance. Also, ask about the Homeless Assistance Program if your eviction threat is serious - they can provide temporary rental assistance in some cases.

Everyone keeps telling you to call the county office but GOOD LUCK actually getting through!! I spent THREE DAYS trying to reach someone about my emergency cash aid situation last month. Kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real person in about 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE. Totally worth it for emergency situations like yours where you can't afford to wait days just to talk to someone.

The county workers ABSOLUTELY COUNT ON people not knowing their rights!!! LISTEN to me carefully: They are REQUIRED BY LAW to tell you about immediate need but they won't unless you specifically ask!! When I missed my SAR7 last year they didn't say a WORD about immediate need until I demanded it. Then suddenly they could process emergency funds that day!!! The system is DESIGNED to make us give up!!!! DEMAND your rights!!! Also file for CalFresh emergency benefits at the same time!!!

I think everyone is mixing up a bunch of different things here. Let me try to explain the difference: 1. Immediate Need payments: Up to $500 emergency payment while your CalWORKs application is pending. Must request specifically. 2. Expedited CalFresh: Can get food benefits within 3 days if you qualify (very low income/resources). Separate from CalWORKs. 3. Homeless Assistance: One-time payment for rent if facing eviction (up to 2 months of rent arrears in some cases). 4. Diversion: One-time larger payment instead of going on regular CalWORKs (but doesn't sound like what you need). You should apply for #1 and possibly #3 given your eviction risk. The county should offer these but often don't unless you specifically ask.

btw if u get approved for the emergency aid does that mean ur automatically approved for regular calworks to? or can they give u emergency money then deny ur regular application?

Just wanted to update everyone - I finally got through to someone at the county office (took forever) and requested immediate need like you all suggested. They're processing it and said I should get emergency funds by Friday! They also helped me complete the homeless assistance application since I'm behind on rent. Thank you all SO MUCH for the advice. I'm still nervous about getting my regular benefits restored but at least this buys me some time with my landlord.