BenefitsCal website down? County telling me to use old paper forms for CalFresh renewal

Yes!!! My worker told me the SAME THING last week. I'm in Alameda County and they said BenefitsCal is being phased out for some 'new improved system' but it won't be ready until late 2025. So we're stuck with paper forms for now. It's ridiculous - going backwards! I literally had to go to the county office to pick up the forms because I don't have a printer at home. When I asked why they couldn't just email me a PDF, they said 'security reasons' 🙄

I work for a community organization that assists with benefits applications, and there is indeed a transition happening, but it's not system-wide yet. Some counties are piloting a new integrated eligibility system that will eventually replace BenefitsCal, but most counties should still be using BenefitsCal alongside paper options. Here's what you should know: 1. BenefitsCal is NOT being completely discontinued yet 2. Some counties are testing new systems and temporarily limiting online access during the transition 3. Paper SAWS2 forms are always an acceptable alternative 4. If your recertification is due in 3 weeks, I would follow your worker's instructions and use the paper form to be safe Request that they note your recertification submission date when they receive it to prevent any lapse in benefits. Also ask if faxing is an option, as it's faster than mail.

Not true for all counties. I just completed my recertification through BenefitsCal last week in Los Angeles County with no issues. The system was working fine. Maybe it's just specific counties having technical problems? Did your worker say if this was temporary or permanent?

i had this exact problem!!! the paper forms are SO confusing compared to the online version. i literally messed up 3 times and had to redo it which delayed my benefits by almost a month. make sure you fill out EVERY single box even if it doesn't apply to you (write N/A) because they'll return it if anything is blank. and don't forget to sign AND date it. they're super picky about the paper forms

I think your worker might be confused or maybe there's county-specific issues? I just checked the CalFresh website and there's no official announcement about discontinuing BenefitsCal. Have you tried logging into your account anyway to see if it works? Sometimes the workers don't have the most updated info tbh.

If you're worried about meeting your recertification deadline, I'd recommend using Claimyr to reach a CalFresh supervisor directly. I was having a similar issue with conflicting information about my renewal process, and waiting on hold for hours was impossible with my work schedule. Claimyr got me connected to a real person at the Sacramento County office in under 10 minutes who was able to confirm exactly what I needed to do and even notated my account about the situation. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 that shows how it works. Their website is claimyr.com - definitely worth it when you're dealing with time-sensitive benefit issues.

In my county they're using BOTH systems right now which is super confusing. My worker told me to apply online but submit verification documents via paper mail?! Makes no sense. The whole point of going digital was to avoid this paper nightmare. I think different counties are handling the transition differently. Best to just do whatever your specific worker tells you so your benefits don't get messed up.

Just to add a bit more information - the new system that's gradually replacing BenefitsCal is called CalSAWS (California Statewide Automated Welfare System). It's been in development for years and is meant to unify all 58 counties under one system. The transition is happening in phases, and Sacramento County might be in one of the current transition phases. During these transitions, some online features might be temporarily limited while they migrate data. Your best bet is to: 1. Follow your worker's specific instructions 2. Submit your paper recertification with plenty of time before deadline (at least 2 weeks) 3. Keep a copy of everything you submit 4. Get a receipt or confirmation of submission if possible 5. Call a week after submitting to confirm they received it The system should stabilize again after the transition period.

after reading all these comments im confused now too lol. seems like everyone's county is doing something different?? typical government mess tbh