What happens after I submit documents to add my baby to CalFresh and CalWORKs? Next steps unclear

You did the right thing by submitting the documents, but I'd definitely follow up with a call to make sure they received everything and are processing the change. When I added my daughter to my case, I thought uploading the docs was enough, but they sat there for weeks until I called. Once you speak with a worker, ask them to confirm they'll add your baby to BOTH programs (CalWORKs and CalFresh). They should increase both benefit amounts once he's added.Also, since you have a newborn, make sure to ask about the diaper stipend! CalWORKs now provides an additional $30 per month for children under 3 years old. And don't wait for your SAR7 - this type of household change should be processed right away since it will increase your benefits.

Thanks for the advice. I've been calling for two days and keep getting the automated system. It's so frustrating! I didn't know about the diaper benefit - that would really help. Does adding him automatically trigger that or do I need to request it specifically?

they should process it in 10 business days but idk they nvr do anything on time lol. do u have a caseworkker asigned to u? if u do email them directly instead of calling. when i had my baby last yr i just put her on my SAR7 form and they added her but I lost food stamps for a while bcuz they said i didnt send proofs but i DID. the system is so broke 🙄

I don't even know who my caseworker is! I've had different people every time I call. That's so frustrating about your food stamps. Did you ever get them back?

Congrats on your baby!! I just went through this in January. Make sure they add him as a

This is really important advice. Children are mandatory inclusions for CalWORKs unless they receive SSI or foster care payments. The worker was incorrect to say a baby is

I've been trying to reach someone at county for 2 WEEKS about adding my nephew to my case!!! The phone system is IMPOSSIBLE and I keep getting disconnected after waiting 45+ minutes. I finally found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to a live person at my county office in less than 5 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwESaved me so much frustration and my nephew got added to my case the same day I spoke with someone. Definitely worth trying if you can't get through on your own.

Does this actually work? I'm so tired of being on hold for hours just to get hung up on.

It worked for me! And for my sister too when she needed to fix her Welfare to Work hours. The county worker even told me they get calls from them all the time so they're legit.

Everyone here is telling you to call but honestly? If you already uploaded everything through BenefitsCal you should be able to see in your account if they received it. There should be a message that says

It does say

They should backdate to when you reported the change (when you uploaded the docs). If they don't, make sure to ask them to! And if it's been a week, definitely call because they're probably just sitting on it.

Here's what you need to know about adding a child to your case:1. For CalWORKs: Your baby is automatically considered part of your Assistance Unit (AU), and should increase your grant by approximately $175-200 per month depending on your current household size. You're also eligible for the $30/month diaper benefit.2. For CalFresh: Adding your baby should increase your SNAP benefits as well.3. Timeline: The county has 10 days to process this mid-period report since it will increase your benefits. The change should be effective the month after you reported it.4. Processing: You don't need to wait for your SAR7. This is considered a

Thank you for breaking it down so clearly! I didn't know I could request a state hearing if they take too long. Hopefully it won't come to that. I'll keep trying to reach someone at the county.

wait they should of told u if u need anything else? when i added my baby they needed his birth cert and ssn card but also my updated income n rent info. did they ask for any of that stuff? maybe thats why its taking longer. also make sure u check ur mail bcuz sometime they send another packet to fill out even when u do it online. i got a discontinuance notice bcuz i didnt send back some form they mailed me even tho i did the whole thing on benefitscal 😤

No, they didn't ask for updated income or rent info. That's a good point - maybe that's why it's taking longer. I'll keep checking my mail. The whole system is so confusing!

Just as a follow up - once they do add your baby to CalWORKs, make sure you also apply for childcare benefits if you need them! You're automatically eligible for CalWORKs childcare assistance for your baby if you're working or in school/training. The childcare program is separate from your cash aid application, so you'll need to specifically request it. They can cover the full cost of licensed childcare while you work or attend WTW activities.

I do need childcare! I'm starting a part-time job next month and was worried about how I'd pay for it. Do I request childcare through my regular CalWORKs worker or is it a different department?

You'll need to talk to your WTW worker specifically (not your eligibility worker) about childcare. They'll have you complete a childcare request form and help you find providers. Make sure to request it BEFORE you start your job so they can set it up in time!

I went through this exact same situation 6 months ago with my newborn! Here's what I learned: After uploading documents through BenefitsCal, you should get an email confirmation that they received them. If you haven't gotten that, definitely call to confirm. In my experience, it took about 2 weeks for them to actually process adding my baby to both programs, but the benefits were backdated to when I first reported the change. Don't wait for your SAR7 - this needs to be processed now since you're entitled to more money. Keep calling until you get through, and when you do, ask them to put notes in your case file about when you reported the change so there's no confusion later. Also ask specifically about the $30 diaper benefit - they don't always mention it automatically. Good luck!