Will removing my ex from my CalFresh case trigger automatic child support enforcement with CalWORKs?
Hey everyone, I'm in a really tough spot right now. I just separated from my son's father last month and our situation is complicated. When we were together, we got denied for CalFresh because our combined income was over the limit. Now that we're separated, I want to reapply for just me and my 3-year-old since my income alone is much lower. But I'm really worried - if I remove him from my case and apply for benefits, will the county automatically put him on child support? I don't want to cause more drama between us right now since the split is still fresh. He helps out with our son when he can, but it's all informal. Does anyone know if applying for CalFresh by myself will trigger child support enforcement? Or does that only happen with Cash Aid/CalWORKs? I'm confused about the different requirements.
16 comments
Laila Prince
CalFresh DOES NOT require child support cooperation but CalWORKs (Cash Aid) DOES!!! This is super important to understand. If you're ONLY applying for food stamps, they won't make you pursue child support. But if you apply for Cash Aid too, then yes - they will require you to cooperate with child support unless you can get a good cause exemption for domestic violence or something. So just be clear which benefit you're applying for.
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Drew Hathaway
•Omg thank you! That's such a relief. I'm only looking to get CalFresh right now since I'm still working part-time. Do you know if they'll still ask for his information on the application even though we're separated? I'm worried they might contact him anyway.
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Isabel Vega
This is actually a really common confusion. Let me break it down clearly: 1. CalFresh (food stamps) - No child support requirement 2. CalWORKs (cash assistance) - Yes, child support cooperation is required (with some exceptions) 3. Medi-Cal - No child support requirement When you apply through BenefitsCal, you'll need to provide information about your household composition. Since you're separated, you should not include your ex as part of your household. However, you will need to report your child's information, including who the father is. The key is that for CalFresh ONLY, this information is just for calculating your household benefits, not for child support purposes. They won't automatically refer him to the Department of Child Support Services unless you're also applying for CalWORKs.
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Drew Hathaway
•Thank you so much for explaining this clearly! So when I submit the application and they ask about my son's father, I should still provide his information but just clarify we're separate households now? I just don't want him getting unexpected paperwork from the county since we're trying to figure things out amicably right now.
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Dominique Adams
Something important to add - if you ever do need to apply for CalWORKs in the future and are concerned about child support enforcement, there is a 'good cause' exemption you can request if involving child support would put you or your child at risk. You'd need to fill out the CW 51 form and explain your situation. Valid reasons include fear of violence, ongoing harassment, or if the child was conceived through rape/incest. Just mentioning this in case your situation changes and you need cash assistance later.
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Marilyn Dixon
•This!! 👆 My friend had to use the good cause exemption last year when she left her abusive ex and they approved it with just a written statement - she didnt even need police reports or anything. Its definitely worth knowing about even if u dont need calworks right now.
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Louisa Ramirez
When i started getting calfresh after my divorce they never contacted my ex at all. its been 2 years and hes never mentioned getting any letters about it or anything. we have our own custody agreement we worked out without courts so it was fine.
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Drew Hathaway
•That's really reassuring to hear! Our situation isn't finalized legally yet, but he is helping with our son. I'm glad to know CalFresh didn't complicate things for you.
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TommyKapitz
jus be careful how u describe ur situation on the application. i checked the wrong box once & they thought i was applying for calworks instead of just calfresh and sent me all these child suport papers. had to call n straighten it out. make sure u only check the calfresh box!!
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Isabel Vega
•This is really important advice! On the BenefitsCal application, you need to be very specific about which benefits you're applying for. The first page has checkboxes for different programs. Only select CalFresh if that's all you want. If you accidentally select multiple programs, you might get enrolled in the child support process unnecessarily.
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Angel Campbell
I went through something similar last year. Got denied food stamps when I was with my kids' dad, but after we split I was approved for just me and my 2 kids. Just make sure when you apply on BenefitsCal that you list yourself and your child as the only household members. They'll ask if anyone not in your household helps with expenses - you can put your ex there but clearly mark that he doesn't live with you. For CalFresh they didn't involve child support at all. But fair warning - the county phone lines are IMPOSSIBLE to get through if you have questions during your application. I was on hold for 3+ hours multiple times. I ended up using Claimyr.com to get through to a person. You can watch how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE - it basically calls the county for you and then calls your phone when they answer. Saved me so much time when I needed to clarify my household situation.
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Drew Hathaway
•Thank you for the detailed info! And thanks for the tip about Claimyr - I was actually stressing about how to reach someone at the county office. My friend said she gave up after being on hold for hours too. I'll definitely check out that service if I need to talk to someone.
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Marilyn Dixon
u should know that if u ever get calworks in the future, they WILL make u cooperate with child support unless u get that exemption someone mentioned. They automatically refer u to DCSS (dept of child support services) and then ur ex will def get papers. they garnish his wages and everything unless u got that exemption. my friend makes like $600 a month in child support thru DCSS now but her ex hates her for it so just know theres tradeoffs
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Payton Black
•yeahh this happened to my cousin and she regretted it bc now her ex won't even see the kids anymore. hes mad about the wage garnishment. sometimes the informal arrangement is better if the dad is actually helping willingly
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Isabel Vega
One more thing that might help you: after you submit your CalFresh application, you'll have an interview with an eligibility worker. During this interview, make sure to clearly explain your current situation - that you recently separated, your child's father doesn't live with you, and you're applying for CalFresh only. This will help ensure your case is processed correctly. For verification, they'll likely ask for something showing your current address (lease, utility bill) and possibly something documenting the separation if it's available. If you don't have formal separation documents, don't worry - a statement explaining your situation is usually sufficient for CalFresh purposes. The important thing is to be clear and consistent about your household composition.
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Drew Hathaway
•This is so helpful - thank you! I do have bills in just my name now, so I can provide those. I was worried they'd need official court documents showing we're separated, which we don't have yet. I'll make sure to explain everything clearly in the interview.
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