I just went through this same thing last week! That notification is so misleading - I immediately thought they were cutting my benefits too. But like everyone else said, it's just their way of saying they processed your SAR7. What I've noticed is that the timing of when you see this notification can vary. Sometimes it shows up the day after you submit, sometimes it takes 2-3 days. But as long as you didn't report any income or household changes, your benefits should stay the same. Pro tip: if you're ever really worried about it, you can also log into your BenefitsCal account online to double-check your case status there. Sometimes it shows more detailed info than the EBT app does. The important thing is you got your receipt when you turned in the SAR7 - that's your proof it was submitted on time if any issues come up later!

I'm new to CalWORKs and just submitted my first SAR7 yesterday. Seeing this thread is such a relief! I was planning to spend all day tomorrow calling the county office because I got that same "Account Changed - Status Changed" message and had no idea what it meant. The wording really is terrible - it makes it sound like something bad happened when it's actually good news that they processed your paperwork. Thank you everyone for explaining this! I'm definitely going to start following the tips about screenshotting my benefit amounts and submitting early to avoid the stress.

So glad you got through to your worker and got it sorted out! This is exactly why I always tell people to ask questions here first - the community knows so much more than the confusing notices they send us. Good luck with your phone interview next week! Pro tip: have all your documents organized and ready before the call starts. They sometimes ask for specific numbers or dates on the spot, and it's way less stressful when you're prepared. You've got this!

I'm so glad to see this community helping each other out! @Brianna Muhammad, it sounds like you got everything figured out, but I wanted to add one more tip for anyone else who might be going through their first annual redetermination - if you're having trouble gathering all the required documents, most county offices will accept a signed statement explaining why a document is missing (like if your bank is slow getting statements or your employer hasn't given you recent pay stubs yet). Just don't use this as an excuse to not try - they really do want to see the actual documents when possible. And remember, the annual redetermination might seem scary, but it's just their way of making sure your case information is current and accurate. The workers aren't trying to kick you off (usually!), they just need updated info to calculate your benefits correctly.

I'm so glad this thread exists - I was in almost the exact same situation about 8 months ago. I had left my abusive ex with my 2-year-old and was terrified about the child support requirement when I needed CalWORKs. Just want to echo what others have said - the good cause exemption is REAL and it works. I got approved without any police reports, just my written statement on the CW 51 form about his threats and controlling behavior. My caseworker was actually really understanding about it. One thing I'll add - when you're filling out that form, be as detailed as possible about specific incidents. Don't just say "he threatened me" - write exactly what he said or did that made you fear for your safety. The more specific you can be, the stronger your case will be. You deserve to get help without putting yourself and your kids in danger. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Apply with confidence knowing that this protection exists for exactly your situation.

I'm a survivor who went through this process last year and I can't stress enough how important it is to know your rights here. The good cause exemption saved my life - literally. I was in a situation where my ex had explicitly threatened to kill me if I ever tried to get child support, and I was living in a shelter with my kids. What I learned is that you need to be your own advocate. Some workers are amazing and know the process inside and out, but others might not be as familiar with domestic violence protections. If you get pushback, don't give up. Ask for a supervisor, ask for the CW 51 form by name, and use the exact phrase "good cause exemption for domestic violence." Also, keep copies of everything - your application, the CW 51 form, any documentation of approval. I had to switch counties when I moved and having all my paperwork made the transition so much smoother. You're being smart by asking these questions before applying. Your safety and your children's safety are the top priority, and CalWORKs does have systems in place to protect families like ours. Don't let fear of this requirement keep you from getting the assistance you need and deserve.

BTW dont let anyone tell u that u need a court custody order!!! my worker tried to tell me that but its NOT TRUE. as long as both parents agree where kids are living its fine. they just need statements from both of u

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago! Just want to add that you should also check if you're receiving any other benefits like WIC or Medi-Cal for the kids - those will need to be transferred separately too. The county offices don't always automatically coordinate between different programs, so you might need to contact each one individually. Also, make sure your ex knows that he'll need to complete the eligibility interview within 30 days of submitting his application, and he should bring proof of income, rent/utilities, and any childcare expenses. The county will want to verify everything fresh since it's technically a new case. Good luck with the transition!

One more thing to try - check if you can upload a written statement through BenefitsCal explaining the situation. Under California regulations, a signed statement from you can sometimes serve as verification when other documentation isn't available. Make sure to explain that you're actively trying to get the records from San Diego but need more time. Be specific about what steps you've already taken.

I went through this exact same situation when I moved from Riverside to LA County about 8 months ago! The key thing is to act fast since your redetermination is coming up. Here's what worked for me: 1. Go to your LA County office in person if at all possible - bring a printed copy of your BenefitsCal account showing your address change and any correspondence you have 2. Ask specifically for form CW 215 and have them fill it out right there with you 3. Get a copy for your records and ask them to fax it to San Diego that same day 4. While you're there, request a "good cause" extension for your verification deadline - explain you're actively working to get the documents I also had success calling San Diego directly and explaining I was a former client who needed verification sent to my new county. They were actually more helpful than LA! Ask for their CalWORKs records department specifically. Don't give up - the system is frustrating but there are ways to make it work. You've got this!