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This thread is so helpful! I'm dealing with something similar right now - my CalFresh benefits are showing as "pending" on the phone system but nothing in the app. After reading everyone's experiences, I feel way less anxious about it. It sounds like the phone system is definitely the one to trust. @Aisha Rahman glad your payment came through! And thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community is amazing for getting real answers when the official systems are confusing.
I'm really glad this thread helped ease your anxiety! When I first started getting benefits, the different systems showing different information used to stress me out so much. It's such a relief to know that others have experienced the same thing and that there's usually a logical explanation. The phone system being more reliable is definitely good to know - I'll keep that in mind for future reference too. This community really is great for getting practical advice from people who've actually been through these situations!
This is such valuable information for anyone dealing with CalWORKs system issues! I've been on benefits for about 6 months now and I've noticed the same thing - the BenefitsCal app seems to lag behind the phone system pretty consistently. Last month my payment showed up a full day before the app even updated to show it was issued. It's really frustrating how unreliable the app can be when you're already stressed about money. I've started just using the automated phone line as my primary way to check status since it seems to be the most accurate. Thanks for sharing your experience and the update that everything worked out - stories like this help all of us know what to expect!
UPDATE: Thanks everyone for your help! Turns out I was looking in the wrong place (BenefitsCal instead of the EBT website). Once I checked the actual EBT website everything was there. And my Cash Aid was on my card all along - I was able to withdraw it and pay my rent. So relieved! The system is so confusing with all these different websites and logins.
Glad you got it figured out! This is exactly why I always bookmark both sites - www.ebt.ca.gov for checking balances/transactions and BenefitsCal for applications/case management. So many people get confused between the two. For future reference, you can also download the ConnectEBT app on your phone which makes it super easy to check your balance on the go. It's saved me from panicking so many times when I thought my benefits weren't there!
UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know that my benefits did load on time this morning! So if anyone searches this in the future - yes, benefits CAN load on your regular day even if recertification was just completed the day before. Thank you all for your help!
So happy to see this worked out for you! I'm going through my recertification right now and was worried about the same thing. My interview is next week and my issuance date is the 15th, so this gives me hope that if everything gets processed in time, I won't have to stress about delays. It's really frustrating how they don't explain the timing of when benefits actually load after approval - seems like basic info they should tell everyone during the interview process.
UPDATE: Just got off the phone with my worker! She confirmed that I will get my October benefits through the restoration process since I completed recertification within the same month I was discontinued. The money should be on my EBT card within 3 business days. She said this is standard procedure when someone completes recertification in the same month they were cut off. For anyone dealing with this in the future - make sure to specifically ask about "restoration of benefits" like @person_2 suggested. My worker knew exactly what I was talking about when I used that term! Thanks everyone for the advice. Such a relief!
So happy to hear you got it sorted out! This thread is super helpful - I had no idea about the "restoration" process. I'm going to screenshot this whole conversation in case I ever run into this situation. The fact that they don't automatically tell people about restoration is really frustrating. Thanks for sharing the update and helping other people who might be in the same boat!
This is such valuable information! I'm new to CalWORKs and had no idea there were these kinds of processes in place. It's really concerning that caseworkers don't automatically inform people about restoration options - seems like something that should be standard practice when someone calls about a missed recertification. Thank you @Zoe for sharing your experience and outcome, and thanks to everyone who provided the technical details about restoration vs backpay. Definitely bookmarking this thread!
Yuki Kobayashi
just so u know when they finally fix it they OWE U all the money from the months they didnt pay!!! dont let them tell u different!!! my friend had 6 months of back benefits when they finally fixed her case and she got like $4800 all at once! make sure they pay u for EVERY month u were eligible!!!
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AstroAce
•This is mostly correct, but with an important clarification: you'll receive retroactive benefits only for months where you met all eligibility requirements. If your recertification was actually incomplete (missing documents they requested), they may not backdate for that period. However, if you submitted everything and they just didn't process it, then yes, you should receive all benefits you were eligible for during the delay.
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Amara Okafor
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - it's absolutely infuriating and you shouldn't have to go through months without support for you and your kids. A few additional suggestions that have helped others in similar situations: Try calling the CalWORKs State Hearing Division directly at 1-800-743-8525 and requesting an "expedited fair hearing" due to hardship. They can sometimes put pressure on the county to resolve cases faster. Also, if you have any local food banks or churches, many have emergency assistance programs that can help with rent or utilities while you're fighting this. The 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1) can connect you to local emergency resources. One more thing - when you do finally get through to someone, ask them to put a "flag" on your case for urgency due to having minor children and no income. This sometimes helps prioritize your file. You're not alone in this struggle, and don't give up. The system is broken but your persistence will pay off eventually. Hang in there! 💙
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CyberNinja
•Thank you so much for all these suggestions! I'm definitely going to try the State Hearing Division tomorrow and the 211 helpline sounds really helpful. I didn't know they could flag cases for urgency - that could make a huge difference. It's reassuring to know I'm not the only one dealing with this mess. Really appreciate you taking the time to help! 🙏
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