Will my CalWORKs Cash Aid decrease after reporting new part-time job on SAR 7?

Yes, your benefits will likely decrease based on the income you report. CalWORKs uses what's called the "Income Reporting Threshold" (IRT) to determine if your income affects your benefits. For a family of 2, they'll count your earned income but also apply some disregards (they don't count every dollar you earn). The good news is that you're working part-time with low hours, so you're still eligible for some assistance. With roughly $723 monthly income before any disregards, you'll probably see a partial reduction but not a complete discontinuance. Make sure you report your rent costs on the SAR 7 too - this helps with your eligibility calculation.

ur benefits will probly go down but not by the full amount u make. they only count like 50% of ur income after the first $225 i think. so ur not gonna lose dollar for dollar what ur earning which is good. and yea DEFINITELY tell them about ur rent!!

I was in an almost identical situation last year. Working part-time at $17/hr while receiving Cash Aid for me and my son. When I reported on my SAR 7, my benefits decreased by about $175. But I was still getting something, which helped. Make sure you're also getting CalFresh and childcare assistance if eligible! With your income level, you should qualify for significant childcare help through the CalWORKs childcare program, which would make a HUGE difference financially. Many people don't realize they can get help with childcare costs even with part-time work.

When I reported my part-time job on my SAR 7, they reduced my benefits but I still got some. Remember they have that $225 income disregard + 50% of the remainder calculation. So on $723 monthly income, they'd disregard $225 first leaving $498, then only count half of that (about $249) against your grant amount. So instead of $545, you might get around $296ish in Cash Aid. That plus your work income actually puts you ahead overall. Definitely provide some kind of statement about your rent payment even if it's informal. A written statement from your grandparents might work.

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!! The minute you try to better yourself they cut your benefits. This is why people get stuck in poverty. I tried working and they cut my CalWORKs so much that I was WORSE OFF than before I had the job!!! So discouraging.

I had to deal with this exact situation a few months ago. I couldn't get through to anyone at the county for DAYS trying to figure out how my new job would affect my benefits. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to a CalWORKs worker in about 15 minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. They walked me through exactly how my benefits would change with my new income. Check out their demo if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE - totally worth it when you need answers quickly about your benefits changing.

your rent is too high!!! why u paying $600 to family thats crazyyyy. they should be helping u not charging u so much. but anyway your benefits will go down some but u should still get something. make sure u report your EXACT hours on SAR 7 dont estimate or round up!!!

Since you mentioned your daughter is 4, you should know that through CalWORKs you can get approved for childcare assistance through their Stage 1 Child Care program. This would allow you to place her in proper childcare or preschool at no cost to you. This benefit continues even if your Cash Aid decreases or stops entirely (as long as you're working). You need to ask your worker specifically about this - many don't tell clients about all available supports unless you ask.

wait also are u meeting ur WTW hours?? cuz if ur only working 15 hrs a week u might need to do more activities to meet the 30 hrs Welfare to Work requirement or whatever it is

One more important thing - don't wait until your SAR 7 is due if your income has changed significantly. You're supposed to report mid-period if you go over your Income Reporting Threshold (IRT). Your IRT amount should be listed on your last Notice of Action. If your monthly income goes above that amount, you need to report it within 10 days. If you don't and they find out, they could claim an overpayment and make you pay back benefits.

I went through something very similar when I started working part-time while on CalWORKs. Here's what I learned that might help you: First, yes your benefits will decrease but you'll likely still be financially better off overall. The income disregards mean they won't count every dollar you earn against your grant. Second, DEFINITELY apply for the childcare assistance program that others mentioned - it was a game changer for me. Having reliable childcare let me take on more consistent hours without worrying about my kid. Third, keep detailed records of everything - your paystubs, hours worked, rent payments, etc. This makes reporting much easier and protects you if there are any questions later. Last tip: if your hours are inconsistent week to week, ask your worker how to handle reporting fluctuating income. Some months you might be under your IRT and others over, so knowing the rules helps avoid any overpayment issues. You're doing great by working and staying on top of your reporting requirements. The transition period is stressful but it does get easier once you understand how everything works together.

I'm in a really similar situation right now! I just started a part-time job at $16/hour getting about 18-20 hours per week while receiving CalWORKs for me and my two kids. I was so worried about losing all my benefits when I had to report it. What I found out from my worker is that they actually WANT you to work and the system is designed to make sure you're better off working than not working. Like others said, they don't count every dollar - there's that $225 they don't count at all, then they only count half of what's left. One thing that really helped me was asking my worker to do a "what if" calculation before I officially reported. They could estimate how my grant would change based on my expected income. Maybe ask about that when you submit your SAR 7? Also, definitely look into the childcare program! I qualified and it's been amazing - my kids are in a great daycare program and I don't pay anything. It actually motivated me to ask for more hours at work since I had reliable childcare. You're doing the right thing by working and reporting properly. The first few months are the hardest while you figure out how everything works together, but it does get easier!