Will CalWORKs changes affect SSI recipients? Confused about benefit overlap

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and CalWORKs are completely separate programs with different funding sources and eligibility requirements. Changes to one program don't directly affect the other program's rules. Here's what you should know: - SSI is a federal program administered by Social Security - CalWORKs is a state program administered by county welfare departments - SSI recipients are NOT eligible for CalWORKs for themselves - BUT SSI recipients don't count in the CalWORKs household size or income calculations So any changes to CalWORKs rules in 2025 would not affect your aunt's SSI. And your aunt receiving SSI shouldn't affect your CalWORKs eligibility as long as you've been reporting your household composition correctly on your SAR7 and recertification forms.

my neighbor told me the same thing but it turned out she was confusing CalWORKs with CalFresh. there ARE some changes coming to food benefits but SSI people have been able to get CalFresh since 2019 i think. before that they couldnt. maybe thats what the person was talking about?

I've been on both SSI and CalWORKs (not at the same time) and they're completely separate systems. Your aunt's SSI is 100% safe from any CalWORKs changes. SSI is federal and much more stable than state benefits. BUT!!!! Make sure you've been reporting your household composition correctly all along. If you've been telling CalWORKs it's just you and your kids while your aunt lives with you, that could be a problem. Even though her income doesn't count, they still need to know everyone in the home.

Theres always rumors going around about benefit changes! I hear something new every month at the laundromat lol. Most of it is just people mixing up different programs. Don't stress until you get an OFFICIAL notice in the mail from the county.

The only connection between SSI and CalWORKs is in household composition reporting. As others have said, a person cannot receive both SSI and CalWORKs simultaneously. SSI recipients are excluded from the CalWORKs assistance unit, and their income is not counted for CalWORKs eligibility. What might be causing confusion is that there ARE sometimes policy updates that affect multiple programs simultaneously, but they're implemented separately by each program. For example, when income reporting thresholds change, they might change for several programs around the same time. If you're ever concerned about how a change might affect your benefits, I'd recommend trying to reach your worker directly rather than relying on word-of-mouth information. I know the phone lines can be frustrating though - I've had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to my county worker without the long hold times. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE

BE CAREFUL!!! If your aunt pays any portion of rent or bills, you NEED to report that as contribution to the household on your SAR7!!! My cousin got in huge trouble for not reporting that her mom (on SSI) was paying $200/month toward bills. They counted it as unreported income and she had to pay back like $4,000!!!!

I have worked as an eligibility worker in the past. Let me clarify a few things: 1) SSI and CalWORKs are entirely separate programs 2) An individual cannot receive both SSI and CalWORKs simultaneously 3) SSI recipients are excluded from the CalWORKs household/Assistance Unit 4) The income of an SSI recipient is exempt/not counted for CalWORKs purposes 5) Just make sure you're correctly reporting your household composition If your aunt receives SSI and is properly reported as living in your home but not part of your CalWORKs AU (Assistance Unit), then any changes to CalWORKs will not affect her SSI benefits whatsoever. Don't worry about rumors you hear from others. Always verify information directly with your eligibility worker.

I'm glad you got such helpful answers here! I'm new to navigating benefits myself and this conversation really helped me understand the difference between SSI and CalWORKs too. It's scary when you hear rumors about changes to programs you depend on. I've found that people sometimes mix up information between different benefit programs or repeat things they heard third-hand without really understanding them. It sounds like you're doing everything right by reporting your aunt's presence in your household correctly. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge - this community is such a valuable resource for getting accurate information!

This thread has been so helpful! I'm also pretty new to understanding how different benefit programs work together (or don't work together in this case). It's reassuring to see so many knowledgeable people willing to share accurate information. I was in a similar situation recently where I heard conflicting information about CalFresh changes and got really anxious about it affecting other benefits my family receives. What I've learned is that it's always worth taking the time to verify information through official sources or communities like this one rather than worrying based on rumors. Thanks to everyone who took the time to explain the differences between these programs - it really helps those of us who are still learning navigate this complex system!

As someone who's been navigating the benefits system for a while now, I wanted to echo what everyone else has said - you're absolutely doing the right thing by asking questions here! The misinformation that spreads through casual conversations can be really damaging, especially when people are already stressed about making ends meet. I've been through similar scares where I heard rumors about program changes and spent sleepless nights worrying about losing benefits my family depends on. What I've learned is that major benefit changes are always communicated through official channels first - you'll get notices in the mail from your county office or see announcements on official websites before any changes actually take effect. It sounds like you have your household composition reported correctly, which is the most important thing. The fact that your caseworker explained the SSI exemption when you first applied shows they're doing their job properly. Keep up with your regular reporting requirements and don't let grocery store gossip stress you out! Your aunt's SSI is completely safe from any CalWORKs policy changes.