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!

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.

update us on what happens! i need to go in next month for my recertification interview and wanna know if u get anywhere with riverside office

I'm so sorry you're going through this Rebecca! I had a similar issue a few months ago where my benefits got delayed and I was about to lose my housing. One thing that really helped me was going to the office FIRST THING in the morning when they open - like be there at 7:45 AM before the 8:00 opening. The security guard told me that emergency cases (like missing payments) get priority if you're one of the first people there. Also, bring every single document you have - your ID, Social Security cards for you and the kids, any recent pay stubs, your lease agreement showing rent is due, and definitely that eviction notice if your landlord gave you one in writing. They can sometimes issue an emergency payment same day if you have all your paperwork ready. Don't give up - you've got this! Your kids need those benefits and you deserve to have someone actually help you instead of giving you the runaround.

Just wanted to add that if your income fluctuates month to month, report your AVERAGE monthly income on the SAR7. Like if one month you make more because of extra shifts but normally make less, report what's typical. Also if one of you misses work due to illness and makes less some months, explain that in the comments section of the SAR7. The clearer you are about your actual stable income, the more accurate your benefit calculation will be.

Hey Elliott! I went through something similar last year when my income increased. One thing that really helped me was calling ahead before submitting my SAR7 to ask them to walk through the calculation with me over the phone. That way I knew exactly what to expect and could prepare mentally. Also, if you do end up losing CalFresh benefits, don't forget to look into local food banks and pantries - many don't have income requirements and can help bridge the gap. The food bank near me actually has really good fresh produce twice a week. Congrats on the better paying jobs though - that's a huge step forward even if benefits change!

i had something similar happen last yr. make sure they didn't change anything else when they reopened ur case. sometimes they mess up and change ur household size or income or something. might be worth checking ur notice of action to see the exact calculation they used

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! My case got closed last month for missing paperwork and when they reopened it, I only got about half my usual amount. It's so stressful when you're already struggling and then they cut your benefits even more. What I learned is that you should definitely ask about any emergency assistance programs - not just the homeless assistance but also things like one-time cash grants for emergencies. Some counties have different programs available. Also, if you haven't already, make sure to ask your worker to put you on the list for any cancellation appointments so you don't miss future recertifications. They can sometimes fit you in sooner if someone else cancels. Hang in there - this community has been so helpful for navigating all these confusing rules!