CalFresh says they never received my online renewal - now at risk of losing benefits

this happens ALL THE TIME with the online system!! happened to me twice last year. they say they never got stuff even tho u have confirmation numbers. system is broken

Don't panic yet. This is a common issue with the BenefitsCal system - sometimes it shows as submitted on your end but doesn't transfer properly to the county's system. Here's what you should do: 1. Email your worker directly with your screenshots showing the confirmation number and date submitted 2. Ask them to check the BenefitsCal system logs on their end (they can do this) 3. If they still can't find it, request a 'good cause' extension due to technical error 4. As a backup, complete a paper SAWS2 form and submit it asap By law, they have to accept your good cause claim if you can prove you tried to submit on time. Don't let them discontinue your benefits without appealing.

Same thing happened to me in February! I submitted my SAR7 online, had the confirmation number, but they claimed they never got it. They cut my benefits off for March. I had to go into the office in person with my screenshots to prove I actually submitted it. They reinstated my benefits, but I missed a month and had to use my savings for food. The whole system is a mess.

If you call your worker you'll probably just end up waiting on hold forever anyway. I waited 3 hours last time I called about my recert and then got disconnected. Maybe just go in person if possible?

I work at a community organization that helps people with CalFresh applications. This is unfortunately a known issue with the BenefitsCal portal - there's sometimes a disconnect between what shows as "submitted" on your end and what actually transfers to the county's system. Do you remember if you clicked all the way through to the final confirmation page? Sometimes people think they've submitted but miss the last step. Either way, take your screenshots to the county office ASAP and request a supervisor if your worker isn't helping. They can verify in their logs whether the system shows any attempt at submission from your account.

my aunt had this happen and they cut her benefits even tho she had proof she submitted!!! she had to appeal and it took like 2 months to get fixed!! the whole system is designed to kick people off i swear

UPDATE: I went to the county office in person this morning (had to wait 2 hours but worth it). Turns out there was a glitch in their system where online submissions made last Thursday weren't properly transferred to their database. The supervisor I spoke with said several people had the same issue! They found my submission in their technical logs and marked my recertification as received on time. She said I should receive confirmation of approval within 3 business days. So relieved but still annoyed that I had to take time off work for their system error. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

This is exactly why I always recommend doing a hybrid approach - submit online for convenience but also drop off a paper copy at the office the same day. Yes it's extra work, but it gives you double protection. I learned this the hard way after my benefits got cut off due to a "system glitch" two years ago. Now I do both every time and haven't had an issue since. The workers at my county office actually told me this is what they recommend to anyone who asks because they know their online system has problems.

As someone who's dealt with CalFresh for years, I can't stress enough how important it is to keep records of EVERYTHING. I started keeping a simple spreadsheet with dates, confirmation numbers, and what I submitted after having a similar issue. Also, if you ever have to go in person again, ask them to print out a receipt showing your visit and what was discussed - some offices will do this if you request it. The system has definitely gotten better over the years but these glitches still happen way too often. Glad you got it sorted out and thanks for sharing the update - it helps all of us know what to watch out for!

I just wanted to thank everyone who shared their experiences and advice here. I'm a new CalFresh recipient and this thread has been incredibly eye-opening about the potential issues with the online system. I had no idea these glitches were so common! I'm definitely going to use the hybrid approach that Anastasia mentioned - submitting online AND dropping off a paper copy. It seems like such a simple way to protect yourself from these technical problems. Also planning to start keeping detailed records like Malik suggested. It's unfortunate that we have to go through all these extra steps, but knowing what to expect and how to handle these situations makes me feel much more prepared. Really appreciate this community for sharing real experiences and practical solutions!

I'm so sorry this happened to you but thank you for sharing your experience and the update! I'm a single parent who just started receiving CalFresh and honestly had no idea these system glitches were so widespread. Reading through everyone's responses has been both eye-opening and reassuring - knowing I'm not alone if something like this happens to me. I'm definitely going to start using that hybrid approach of submitting both online and in paper, and keeping detailed records of everything. It's frustrating that we have to do extra work to protect ourselves from their technical failures, but better to be prepared. Really appreciate you taking the time to update us on how it got resolved - that gives me hope that even when these issues happen, there are ways to fix them if you're persistent enough!

This whole thread is exactly why I tell everyone to NEVER trust the online system completely. I've been on CalFresh for 3 years and learned the hard way that you need to protect yourself. Here's what I do now: 1) Submit online and screenshot EVERYTHING including the final confirmation page, 2) Print out the confirmation email/PDF, 3) Drive to the office the same day and hand deliver a paper copy with all the same documents, 4) Get a receipt from them showing they received the paper version. Yes it's a pain, but I've never had my benefits threatened since I started this routine. The peace of mind is worth the extra gas money and time. So glad you got yours resolved but this shouldn't be happening to people trying to meet basic needs!

Wow, reading through all these experiences really highlights how broken the system can be! I just moved to California and am in the process of applying for CalFresh for the first time. This thread is honestly both terrifying and incredibly valuable - I had no idea these technical glitches were so common with the online system. I'm definitely going to follow Emma's four-step approach from day one: submit online, screenshot everything, hand deliver paper copies same day, and get receipts. It seems like overkill but clearly it's necessary protection. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and practical solutions - this is exactly the kind of real-world advice you can't get from official websites. Kai, I'm so glad you were able to get it resolved by going in person. This community is amazing for looking out for each other!