Unable to access CalWIN for CalFresh recertification - BenefitsCal can't locate my case

same thing happened to me last month! the system is so broken i swear. i kept trying to log in to calwin but nothing worked. turned out my case had been moved to a different county because my address was wrong in the system (even tho i never moved??). try calling your worker directly instead of the main line

sometimes the system does maintenance at night try logging in morning time

A few things to check that might help: 1. If you've recently moved to a different county, your case may have been transferred, which would explain why BenefitsCal can't find it. 2. Double-check that you're using the exact same information that's on your CalFresh approval letter - sometimes people use nicknames or different spellings that don't match their official record. 3. It's possible your case was converted to the new system. Some counties are phasing out CalWIN and moving everything to BenefitsCal. During this transition, there can be temporary access issues. 4. If you're getting close to your deadline, you can submit a paper recertification form as a backup. Download the CF37 form from the CDSS website and submit it in person at your county office. Don't panic - as long as you can prove you attempted to submit your recertification before the deadline, they can't discontinue your benefits without proper notice.

I HATE the stupid online systems!!! They NEVER work when you need them. I had to go IN PERSON last time because the website kept crashing on me. Wasted half a day sitting at the county office just to submit a simple form. They should make this stuff easier for us!!

I had a similar issue when trying to access my case for my semi-annual report (SAR7). What worked for me was trying a different browser - sounds simple but it actually fixed the problem! Chrome wasn't working but Firefox did. Also, check if you're using any ad blockers or privacy extensions that might be interfering with the site. If that doesn't work, you have a few options: 1. In-person submission at your county office 2. Fax the recertification form if you can access one 3. Some counties have drop boxes where you can leave documents Make sure to get some kind of receipt or proof that you submitted it before the deadline. Take pictures of everything you submit and note the date/time. That way if they claim they never received it, you have evidence.

Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to a CalFresh worker? I was having the same problem with my recertification last month - couldn't log in, website errors, and the phone system kept disconnecting me after 30+ minutes on hold. A friend recommended Claimyr and it worked great - they got me through to an actual person at my county office in less than 10 minutes. The worker was able to help me submit my recertification over the phone and explained what happened with my account (turned out there was a system flag on it causing the login issues). Check out their demo video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 or go to claimyr.com. Definitely less stressful than waiting for hours or having to go to the office in person!

I work with CalFresh outreach and can offer some additional information: 1. There's currently a system update happening in several counties that's causing some access issues with both CalWIN and BenefitsCal. This should be resolved within the next week. 2. Your case won't be automatically closed if you can prove you attempted to submit your recertification. Document all your attempts (screenshots of errors, call logs). 3. If your recertification is due within 7 days, I strongly recommend submitting a paper form. You can download the SAWS 2 Plus form from the CDSS website or pick one up from your local office. 4. Most counties allow you to email your completed recertification forms to a dedicated email address if you can't submit online or in person. 5. If your benefits do get discontinued due to these system issues, you can request an administrative restoration without having to file a formal appeal. Hope this helps!

did u try just making a new account? sometimes that works

UPDATE: I wanted to thank everyone for their helpful advice! I ended up trying a few different things. First, I tried Firefox instead of Chrome like someone suggested, but still had the same issue. Then I used Claimyr to get through to my county office (it really did work!) and spoke with a worker who confirmed there's a system update happening that's affected some accounts. She helped me submit my recertification over the phone and also sent me an email confirmation that my benefits won't be discontinued while they resolve the technical issue. I also printed and filled out the SAWS 2 Plus form as a backup and dropped it off at the county office dropbox (with photos for proof like someone suggested). Such a relief to have this figured out! Thanks again to everyone who helped.

So glad to hear you got it resolved! This is exactly why I love this community - everyone jumps in to help when someone's struggling with the system. Your update will definitely help other people who run into the same issue. It's crazy that these system updates cause so much stress for people who are just trying to keep their benefits, but at least now we know what to expect and have multiple backup plans. Thanks for taking the time to update us on what worked!