Will we still qualify for Transitional CalFresh after voluntarily ending CalWORKs cash aid?

Yes! Transitional CalFresh (TCF) is definitely still a thing and it's actually really helpful when you exit CalWORKs. When you stop receiving cash aid for any reason (including voluntarily), you're eligible for up to 5 months of TCF. The benefit is usually the same amount you were receiving with regular CalFresh (or sometimes more), without having to count your new earned income during that transition period. The county should automatically put you on TCF when they process your CalWORKs discontinuance. You don't need to submit a separate application. It gives you time to adjust to your new financial situation without immediately losing food benefits.

make sure u tell them ur STOPPING cash aid, dont jus stop reporting or they'll cut ALL ur benefits for not turning in paperwork!! happened 2 me last year, nightmare!

When you stop CalWORKs, you definitely should get Transitional CalFresh. Here's exactly how it works: 1. Submit a written request to end your CalWORKs (don't just stop reporting!) 2. Your eligibility worker will process your CalWORKs discontinuance 3. They should AUTOMATICALLY convert your case to TCF for 5 months 4. You'll get the same CalFresh amount you received in the month before your Cash Aid ended 5. After 5 months, you'll need to recertify for regular CalFresh The key advantage is they don't count your new income during those 5 transition months, so even if you're making more money now, your food benefits stay the same. It's designed exactly for situations like yours where you're getting back on your feet but still need food assistance during the transition.

they still doing this but u gotta TELL THEM u want it!! my cousin didnt know to ask and they just cut everything when she got her job. system is so broken.

When I tried getting through to my worker to discuss this last month, I was on hold for TWO HOURS and got disconnected. So frustrating!! Then I found out about a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a live person at the county in like 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE. Made it so much easier to discuss my transition off CalWORKs. Just sharing because dealing with the county phone system is the worst part of this whole process.

also remember TCF only lasts 5 months!! mark it on ur calendar when u need 2 apply for regular calfresh again!! my TCF ran out and i had 2 weeks with NO food benefits bcuz i didnt realize i needed 2 reapply

I went through this last year, and they're supposed to send you a notice about a month before your TCF ends so you can recertify for regular CalFresh. But the system is so backed up sometimes these notices go out late. I'd recommend setting a reminder for yourself 4 months after your CalWORKs ends to check on your recertification status. You can also check BenefitsCal.com to see your benefit end dates.

One thing to know is that when the Transitional CalFresh ends and you apply for regular CalFresh, they WILL count your income at that point. So your benefit will likely go down if you're working more now. Just prepare for that change after the 5 months. My TCF was $973 for my family of 4, but when I converted to regular CalFresh it dropped to $423 because of my job. Still helpful but definitely a big difference.

Quick tip - when you submit your request to end CalWORKs, make sure it's in writing and specifically mention you want to be evaluated for Transitional CalFresh. Also, keep proof of when and how you submitted it. The CalWORKs discontinuance date is important because your 5-month TCF period starts from that date. And yes, typically they'll send a notice about a month before TCF ends, but as others have said, don't rely solely on that notice - mark your calendar!