Will removing partner from CalWORKs affect my Cash Aid amount? Questions about child support requirements

Yes, removing your partner will definitely affect your Cash Aid amount, but it might not be as bad as you think. CalWORKs calculates benefits based on how many people are in the household, so removing an adult will reduce your grant. However, if your partner has income that's being counted right now, removing them might actually increase your benefits in some cases. As for child support - yes, applying for CalWORKs as a single parent requires cooperation with child support services (DCSS) in most cases. When you report the change and remove your partner, your eligibility worker will refer you to DCSS to open a case. They'll want information about your children's father to pursue support.

Omg i just did this last month wth my bf!!! They lowered my cash aid by like $200 but my food stamps went up a little. The worst part was all the paperwork they made me fill out when i reported the change. took FOREVER to process. but yeah they did make me sign child support forms even tho i told them he still helps with kids.

They ALWAYS make u do child support unless u can get a good cause exemption. I tried telling them my ex helps out but they didnt care. Said its mandatory. But I've heard if u can prove DV or that child support would cause harm to u or kids u can get exemption.

When I took my kids' dad off our case in 2024, my cash aid dropped by $321 but my CalFresh went up by $150. The stupid part was they still counted his income for 6 months after he moved out because I didn't have "verification" of him being gone even though I TOLD THEM he moved out. It was a nightmare trying to get it fixed with the county office - couldn't get through on the phone for WEEKS.

Let me clarify a few things about removing a household member from your CalWORKs case: 1. Your cash grant will be recalculated based on one less adult in the home. This typically results in a reduction of approximately $100-200 per month depending on your county and current grant amount. 2. Child support cooperation is generally required, but there are some nuances: - You must cooperate with DCSS unless you have an approved exemption - Informal support arrangements don't satisfy the requirement - Any child support collected will offset your cash aid (the first $100 for one child or $200 for two or more children goes to you as a "pass-through" payment) 3. If your partner is still providing financial support, you'll need to report this as income when you complete your SAR 7 or recertification. Most importantly, make the change official by submitting a written statement to your eligibility worker explaining the household change. Don't delay reporting - failing to report could result in an overpayment that you'd have to pay back.

One thing nobody mentioned yet - timing matters! If you're going to remove him, do it right after you submit your SAR7. That way the change processes quicker and you avoid confusing them with multiple changes at once. I'd recommend calling your worker first to discuss how this will impact your specific situation before making any changes.

I don't know why nobody talked about this but when I removed my partner, they made me VERIFY he moved out!! Had to get a statement from his new landlord and everything. Be prepared for them to ask for proof that he's no longer in the home - they can be super strict about this depending on which county worker you get.