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One important update: when you request the appeal, make sure you specifically say you want "aid paid pending" in writing. This means they have to continue your old benefit amount until the hearing if you request it within 10 days of the notice date. It's your right, but they don't always tell you about it! Also, double-check if they're incorrectly counting any exempt income. Child support that's assigned to the county shouldn't count against your grant.
That's definitely a deduction they should have applied! The childcare expenses alone could make a significant difference in your benefit calculation. When you get through to them, make sure to tell them about those expenses. And definitely ask about enrolling in the Stage 1 Childcare program - they should pay your childcare costs directly while you're working, which would save you that $350/week!
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at the county office! You all were right - I qualify for CalWORKs childcare assistance even with the tiny cash grant. The worker is sending me the forms today. This will save us around $1,500 a month in childcare costs! They're also reassessing my Cash Aid amount since they didn't factor in my childcare expenses. Thank you all so much for your help and advice!!
Lol welcome to the wonderful world of Medi-Cal 🎪🤡 Where everything's made up and the timelines don't matter!
Has anyone tried contacting their state representative about this? I've heard sometimes they can help push things along.
Danielle Mays
Quick update on timelines - the state actually implemented new rules in 2024 that require counties to process EBT theft claims faster. They're supposed to provide provisional credit within 10 calendar days now while they investigate. Make sure you mention the "expedited timeframe requirement" when you call. Also, for San Bernardino County specifically, try contacting: - Inland Empire United Way (909-980-2857) - they sometimes have emergency rental funds - Community Action Partnership of SB County (909-723-1500) - emergency assistance program Document EVERYTHING - date and time of when you discovered the theft, transaction details from your EBT account, who you spoke with and when. This will help speed up the investigation.
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Derek Olson
•Thank you so much for these resources! I hadn't heard about the new 10-day rule. That's still a long time, but better than what I was thinking. I'll definitely mention that specifically. I've started keeping notes of everything in my phone so I have all the details ready when I call Monday.
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Roger Romero
BTW did u check if they got ur food stamps too or just the cash aid? sometimes they take everything!
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Derek Olson
•OMG I didn't even think to check that! Just looked and thankfully my CalFresh benefits are still there. At least we'll have food, that's something. Now I just need to figure out the rent situation.
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