Thanks everyone for your helpful replies. I called the office using that service someone mentioned and FINALLY got through to my worker. Turns out they had processed my SAR 7 two weeks ago but never updated the status in the system! She said everything is fine and my redetermination appointment is still scheduled for next month. Such a relief but so frustrating that I spent all this time worrying for nothing.

So glad you got it sorted out! This is exactly why I always tell people to keep that receipt when you turn in paperwork - it's literally your lifeline if something goes wrong. The fact that their system shows "pending" when it was actually processed weeks ago just shows how unreliable their tracking is. At least now you know for future reference that the online status might not reflect reality. Good luck with your redetermination appointment!

Wow, this is exactly what I'm dealing with right now too! My CalWORKs got cut off two weeks ago in Riverside County and I'm still trying to figure out what happened. Reading through all these responses is so helpful - I had no idea about the expedited processing option or that I could get my worker's direct number. The address issue you mentioned is concerning because I moved about 6 months ago and thought I updated everything properly. Now I'm wondering if that's why I didn't get any notices either. I'm definitely going to call tomorrow and specifically ask them to verify they have my correct address in ALL their systems. Thanks for sharing your experience and keeping us updated! It gives me hope that this can actually get resolved relatively quickly if I stay on top of it. I'm also going to check out that Claimyr service someone mentioned since I've been trying to call DPSS for days with no luck.

I went through this exact same situation in Riverside County about 8 months ago and it was incredibly stressful! My benefits got cut off without warning and when I finally got to speak with someone, they told me they had sent multiple notices to an address I hadn't lived at in over a year. What really helped me was going to the office in person with ALL my documents - lease, utility bills, pay stubs, everything - even if they didn't specifically ask for them. The worker was able to see exactly what was missing from my file and we got it sorted out right there. I also made sure to get a receipt showing I had submitted everything. One tip I wish someone had told me: ask for a supervisor if the first worker you talk to seems unhelpful or gives you conflicting information. I wasted two weeks getting the runaround from one worker who kept telling me different things, but the supervisor was able to expedite my case once she reviewed it. My benefits were restored in about 12 days and I did get retroactive payments for the time I was without them. Hang in there - I know how scary it is when you have kids to feed and rent to pay, but it will get resolved!

I went through something similar last year and it was such a nightmare! The key thing that helped me was being super persistent and documenting everything. When I finally got through to LCSA, it turned out they had sent the appointment notice to an address I hadn't lived at for over a year, even though I had updated my address with CalWORKs multiple times. Make sure to ask them specifically what address they have on file for you - that might be the issue right there. Also, don't just rely on phone calls. I ended up going to the LCSA office in person and refusing to leave until someone met with me. Sometimes showing up physically gets results faster than waiting on hold for hours. The whole system is designed to make us give up, but don't let them wear you down! You did nothing wrong by providing all the information you had about your daughter's father.

I'm dealing with something really similar right now! The missed appointment thing seems to happen to so many people - it's like they're setting us up to fail. One thing that really helped me was asking my CalWORKs worker to put a note in my file about any address changes, and then I started taking photos of any mail I sent to document that I'm trying to cooperate. Also, when you do get through to LCSA, ask them to read you the exact information they have for the father - sometimes there are little errors in names or dates that can cause problems. I know it's exhausting having to prove you're doing everything right when you already are, but hang in there. The system is broken but you can get through this! Make sure to ask for that retroactive payment once you get it sorted out.

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at the county office! They confirmed they received my pregnancy verification but it was sitting in a queue waiting to be processed. The worker I spoke with went ahead and updated my case while I was on the phone. My benefits will increase starting next month AND they're giving me back pay for this month since I was already past 6 months when I submitted my verification. Thank you all for your help! For anyone dealing with this same issue - definitely keep calling until you reach someone. The squeaky wheel gets the grease!

That's such great news! I'm so glad you were persistent and got it resolved. It's frustrating that these benefits don't update automatically like they should, but your experience gives me hope for my own case. I'm currently 5 months pregnant and want to make sure I'm prepared to follow up right when I hit 6 months. Did they mention anything about what specific documentation they need beyond just the pregnancy verification form? And was there a particular time of day you found better for getting through on the phone?

thats so good they fixing it!! the system is always messing up peoples benefits its like they dont even care that were real people who need to pay bills and feed are kids!

I'm so glad you got this resolved! This is exactly why we need better communication from the county when these system errors happen. Nobody should have to panic about rent money because of a software glitch. It's ridiculous that they can just cut people's benefits by 90% without any notice or explanation. Thank you to everyone who shared helpful advice - especially about Claimyr and knowing our rights to emergency hearings. This community really helps when the system fails us.