This is such a relief to read your update! I'm actually going through something similar right now - my SAR 7 got processed last week but I'm still worried about my payment coming through on time. Your post gave me hope that even when the BenefitsCal system doesn't update properly, the benefits can still arrive as scheduled. Definitely going to use that EBT phone tip to check Friday night. So happy your son got his birthday celebration! The stress of waiting for benefits when you have urgent needs is absolutely awful, but it sounds like you handled it perfectly.

I've been through this exact same panic multiple times and it's honestly traumatic every month wondering if your benefits will actually show up. The fact that you got through to a worker who confirmed everything was processed is actually a really good sign - they don't usually say that unless it's actually done in the system. I've noticed that BenefitsCal is basically useless for real-time updates, especially during SAR 7 processing periods. The backend systems they use to actually load the money onto cards seem to work independently from what we see on the website. That EBT phone check tip is golden - I use it every month now because it's literally the only reliable way to know for sure. Really hope everything works out for your son's birthday!

wait i didnt even know this was a thing!!! my daughter is 2 and ive been on calworks for a year… does anyone know if theres a form on benefitscal for this or do u have to call?

I just went through this exact same situation last month! I have a 15-month-old and was shocked to find out I'd been missing out on $30/month for over a year. When I called my worker, she said the diaper benefit should have been added automatically when my case started, but there was some kind of system glitch. The good news is they gave me all the backpay from when my daughter was born - it was like getting a $360 check! Definitely call ASAP because the longer you wait, the more money you're missing out on. And don't let them tell you it's "per family" - I had one worker try to tell me that but it's absolutely per child under 3. Pro tip: when you call, ask them to email or mail you a summary of what they added to your case so you have it in writing. That way if there are any issues later, you have proof of what was discussed.

You can usually find your county's direct CalWORKs number on your notice of action letters or any other CalWORKs paperwork they've sent you - it's often printed at the bottom or in a "contact information" section. If you can't find it there, try searching online for "[your county name] CalWORKs office phone number" or check your county's official website. Most counties list their social services contact info pretty prominently. Another trick is to call 211 (the helpline) and ask them to connect you to your local CalWORKs office - they usually have all the direct numbers and can transfer you or give you the number to call back. I really hope you can get through tomorrow morning and get that PIN reset! The whole system is unnecessarily complicated but once you have that county PIN, checking your benefits status becomes so much easier.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - the county PIN confusion is something that trips up almost everyone when they first start with CalWORKs! It's honestly ridiculous how poorly this is explained during the application process. I went through the exact same thing about 8 months ago and felt so frustrated. What ended up working for me was going to the office first thing in the morning (around 8:30 AM) without an appointment - they were able to reset my county PIN on the spot and it only took about 15 minutes. The front desk staff can usually handle PIN resets without you needing to see your actual worker. Just bring your ID and case number. Also, once you get it sorted out, definitely set up text alerts through your BenefitsCal account if you haven't already - it'll send you notifications when your benefits are issued so you don't have to worry about calling to check. Hang in there, and I hope you can get this resolved before your rent is due!

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!

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.