If you're applying for or currently receiving food assistance through Florida's Department of Children and Families, you've likely encountered the work calendar requirement. This document is essential for anyone reporting income, especially those who are self-employed or have irregular work schedules. Understanding how to properly complete and submit your DCF work calendar can make the difference between maintaining your benefits or facing delays and complications.
What Is the DCF Work Calendar?
The DCF work calendar, officially known as form CF-ES 3007, is a monthly tracking document used by the Florida Department of Children and Families to verify income for individuals receiving food assistance benefits. This calendar allows caseworkers to accurately calculate your household income based on actual work performed rather than estimates, which helps determine your eligibility and benefit amount for programs administered through Access Florida.
The calendar is particularly important for self-employed individuals, independent contractors, gig workers, and anyone whose income fluctuates from week to week. Rather than providing pay stubs like traditional employees, you'll document your daily earnings or hours worked throughout the month.
Who Needs to Complete a Work Calendar?
Not everyone receiving food stamps needs to submit a work calendar. Typically, you'll be required to complete this form if you fall into one of these categories:
Self-employed workers who don't receive traditional pay stubs are the most common group required to use work calendars. This includes freelancers, small business owners, contractors, and anyone who earns income through platforms like rideshare driving, food delivery, or online sales.
Individuals with irregular income or work schedules may also need to submit calendars even if they're traditionally employed. If your hours vary significantly from week to week or you work multiple part-time jobs, your caseworker might request calendar documentation.
When I first started working as a freelance graphic designer while receiving food assistance, I was confused about why my caseworker kept asking for a work calendar instead of just accepting my bank statements. After she explained that the calendar helps them see patterns in my income and accurately project my future earnings, it made much more sense. The calendar actually worked in my favor during slow months because it showed the reality of my fluctuating income rather than an artificially high average.
How to Access Your DCF Work Calendar
There are several ways to obtain the work calendar form in Florida. The easiest method is downloading it directly from the My Access Florida website. Simply log into your account at www.myflorida.com/accessflorida, navigate to your case information, and look for forms or documents related to your benefit reporting requirements.
You can also request a blank work calendar from your local DCF office. Staff members can provide you with printed copies, or you can ask them to email you a PDF version. Many offices also have fillable PDF versions available that you can complete electronically before printing.
The form is available in both English and Spanish. If you need the work calendar in another language, contact your caseworker to discuss accommodation options. The standard form number is CF-ES 3007, which can help you locate it more easily when searching online or requesting it from DCF staff.
Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Your Work Calendar
Filling out your work calendar correctly is crucial for maintaining your benefits without interruption. Here's exactly how to complete each section of the form.
Start by filling in your basic information at the top of the calendar. Include your full name exactly as it appears on your case, your case number, and the month and year the calendar covers. Always complete one calendar per month, even if you work across multiple months.
For each day you work, record the relevant information in the corresponding date box. If you're paid hourly, write down the number of hours you worked and multiply by your hourly rate to show your daily earnings. If you're self-employed with variable income, record your gross earnings for that day before any expenses or deductions.
Be specific about the type of work performed if you have multiple income sources. For example, if you do both lawn care and handyman work, you might note which type of work you did each day to help explain variations in your income.
Leave blank any days you didn't work. Don't write zero or draw lines through unused dates—simply leave them empty. This makes it easier for caseworkers to quickly scan your calendar and understand your work pattern.
At the end of the month, total your hours and income in the spaces provided. Double-check your math to ensure accuracy, as errors can delay processing or result in benefit adjustments.
Special Considerations for Self-Employment Work Calendars
Self-employed individuals face unique challenges when completing work calendars because income can be unpredictable and business expenses must be factored into the calculation. Florida DCF allows you to deduct allowable business expenses from your gross income, but you need to document these carefully.
Keep detailed records of all business-related expenses throughout the month. Common deductible expenses include vehicle mileage, supplies, equipment, advertising, and certain utilities if you work from home. Attach receipts or a separate expense log to your work calendar to support your deductions.
Report your gross income first, then subtract allowable expenses to arrive at your net self-employment income. This net amount is what DCF uses to determine your benefit eligibility. If you're unsure which expenses are allowable, ask your caseworker for guidance before submitting your calendar.
For gig economy workers, track each transaction separately. If you drive for a rideshare company, record your daily earnings after the platform's commission but before gas and vehicle expenses. If you sell items online, document your gross sales for each day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make simple errors when completing their work calendars that can cause processing delays or benefit issues. One of the most frequent mistakes is failing to submit the calendar on time. Most DCF offices require calendars by the 5th of the following month, so mark this deadline on your personal calendar.
Another common error is inconsistent reporting. If you report 40 hours of work but only show income for 20 hours at your stated wage, caseworkers will need to follow up for clarification. Make sure your hours and earnings match your pay rate.
Don't round numbers excessively. While it's acceptable to round to the nearest dollar or half-hour, significantly rounding your figures can make your calendar appear inaccurate or incomplete. Be as precise as possible with your entries.
Never submit a blank or partially completed calendar hoping to fill it in later. If you genuinely had no income during a month, write No Income across the calendar and sign it rather than leaving it completely blank.
How to Submit Your Completed Work Calendar
Once you've filled out your work calendar completely and verified all information is accurate, you need to submit it to DCF through approved channels. The fastest method is typically uploading your calendar through the My Access Florida portal. Scan or take a clear photo of your completed calendar, log into your account, and upload it under the documents section of your case.
You can also fax your work calendar to your local DCF office. Make sure to include a cover sheet with your name, case number, and phone number. Keep the fax confirmation receipt as proof of submission.
Mailing your calendar is another option, though it's the slowest method. Send it to your local DCF office address with enough time to arrive before the monthly deadline. Consider using certified mail if you're concerned about delivery confirmation.
Some local offices also accept work calendars in person. This can be helpful if you have questions or want immediate confirmation that your document was received. Bring two copies—one to submit and one for the staff member to stamp as your receipt.
What Happens After You Submit Your Calendar
After submission, your caseworker will review your work calendar to verify the information and calculate your countable income. This process typically takes a few business days, though it can take longer during busy periods or if your calendar raises questions.
If your income has changed significantly from previous months, your caseworker may need to adjust your benefit amount. You should receive a notice explaining any changes to your food assistance benefits within 10 days of the calendar being processed.
Sometimes caseworkers request additional documentation to verify the information on your work calendar. This might include bank statements, business records, or receipts for claimed expenses. Respond to these requests promptly to avoid delays or potential benefit interruptions.
Keeping Your Own Records
Always make a copy of your completed work calendar before submitting it. These copies serve as your personal income records and can be invaluable if questions arise about past submissions or if you need to reference previous income patterns.
Consider maintaining a digital folder with scanned copies of all your submitted work calendars, supporting receipts, and any correspondence with DCF. This organized system makes it easy to respond quickly if your caseworker requests additional information about past months.
Some people find it helpful to maintain a running work log throughout the month rather than trying to recreate it from memory at month's end. A simple notebook or smartphone app where you jot down daily hours and earnings ensures accuracy when you transfer information to the official DCF form.
Resources and Additional Help
If you're struggling with your work calendar or have questions about how to complete it correctly, several resources are available. Your assigned caseworker should be your first point of contact. They can provide specific guidance based on your individual situation and income sources.
The Florida DCF Customer Call Center is available at 1-866-762-2237 for general questions about work calendars and food assistance programs. Representatives can answer questions about deadlines, submission methods, and basic completion instructions.
Many community organizations and legal aid offices provide free assistance with DCF paperwork, including work calendars. These organizations can be especially helpful if you're facing a benefit denial or reduction that you believe is incorrect.
The DCF work calendar is more than just bureaucratic paperwork—it's a tool that helps ensure you receive the correct amount of food assistance based on your actual income. By understanding how to complete and submit your calendar accurately and on time, you can maintain your benefits without unnecessary stress or interruption. Take the time to fill it out carefully each month, keep copies of your submissions, and don't hesitate to ask questions when you're unsure about any part of the process.