After you get this fixed (and you will!), make sure you take screenshots of EVERYTHING you submit through BenefitsCal and keep all confirmation emails. I've learned to document absolutely everything because of situations exactly like yours. Also, did you already get your discontinuance notice in the mail or just saw it online? Sometimes the system shows discontinued before they even send the notice explaining why.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the stress of losing benefits when you did everything right is awful. Based on what everyone's shared here, it sounds like you have a really good chance of getting this reversed since you have all your confirmation emails as proof. One thing I'd add - when you do get through to someone (whether by phone, office visit, or through that Claimyr service), ask them to put a note in your case file about the system error and request a copy of that note for your records. Sometimes these "glitches" happen repeatedly if there's something wrong with how your case is coded in their system. Also, if you're in a county that has CalWORKs advocates or legal aid, they might be able to help expedite this. Many of them have direct lines to supervisors that can bypass the broken phone system. You shouldn't have to stress about rent when you followed all the rules!

So relieved to see your update! This whole thread should be pinned somewhere because the specific language you all shared is GOLD. I'm dealing with a similar situation right now with my SAR7 being "under review" for 12 days and my benefits reduced to zero. I'm definitely going to use those exact phrases when I call tomorrow - "administrative restoration due to timely recertification with delayed processing" and ask about Immediate Need assistance. It's crazy that we have to learn the magic words just to get what we're entitled to, but thank you everyone for sharing the system tricks that actually work! @Ethan Moore please keep us posted on whether the 48-hour timeline actually happens. Fingers crossed for you!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress, @Ethan Moore. Your situation is unfortunately becoming way too common lately. I went through something similar about 6 months ago where my recertification was "lost" in the system for 18 days even though I had confirmation receipts for everything I submitted. A few things that helped me get it resolved faster: 1. When you call, immediately ask to speak to a "recertification specialist" rather than general intake staff - they have more authority to actually fix these processing delays. 2. Reference your BenefitsCal submission timestamps and confirmation numbers. The workers can see exactly when you submitted everything in their system. 3. If they try to brush you off again, ask them to put a note in your case file that you requested expedited processing due to "discontinued benefits despite timely recertification" - this creates accountability. The fact that you completed everything on October 16th and it's still not processed is completely unacceptable. You should definitely not have to keep taking time off work for their administrative failures. Keep pushing for that supervisor and don't let them make you feel like this is normal - it's not your fault their system is broken. Hoping you get this resolved quickly! 🤞

Congratulations on your approval! One thing I always recommend after recertification is to check your benefit amount calculation carefully. The Notice of Action you receive should show exactly how they calculated your grant amount. If your income changed at all, make sure the new amount makes sense. I've seen too many cases where data entry errors led to incorrect benefit amounts, and it's much easier to fix these right away than months later. Also remember that if your income increases before your next report is due, you only need to report it if it exceeds your Income Reporting Threshold (IRT), which should be listed on your approval notice.

So happy for you! I'm going through my recertification right now and this gives me hope. Quick question - when you uploaded all those extra pay stubs to BenefitsCal, did you have any trouble with the file sizes? I keep getting error messages when I try to upload my documents and I'm worried they won't have everything they need for my interview next week. Also, did they give you any timeline on when your benefits would actually restart? Mine got suspended during the review period and my kids and I are really struggling without the assistance.

Good luck actually REACHING anyone to get clear answers about income limits! I've literally been trying for THREE WEEKS to talk to someone about my SAR7 and keep getting disconnected or they tell me "we'll call back" and never do. Then they'll probably discontinue my benefits for not submitting something on time that I never even received!! The whole system is designed to be confusing and impossible to navigate. They WANT people to lose benefits so they can save money.

Hey Alexis! Congrats on the new job - that's such a huge step! I went through this exact same worry when I started working while on CalWORKs. One thing that really helped me was using the CalWORKs income calculator on the CDSS website before I reported anything. It gives you a rough idea of how your benefits might change. Also, if you're having trouble reaching your worker, try sending them a secure message through BenefitsCal - sometimes they respond to those faster than phone calls. Don't stress too much about "getting in trouble" - as long as you report within 10 days of starting work, you're following the rules. They actually WANT people to work and there are so many supports in place to help the transition. You might be surprised at how much help is available through the Welfare to Work program that others mentioned. Keep us updated on how it goes! Rooting for you and your family! 💪