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UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at the county office this morning! The worker confirmed there was a system error that affected my case and a bunch of others. She put in for an emergency payment that should be on my EBT card within 48 hours. She also said they're working on fixing everyone else's cases too, but it's a manual process so it's taking time. If anyone else is having this issue, definitely keep calling until you get through!
ok so i work in a community org that helps ppl with calworks and this is super common with BenefitsCal. the county and state systems dont talk to each other right. but here's what u need to know - as long as u submitted ur SAR7 before the due date ur benefits have to continue even if they havent processed it yet. its the law. so dont panic and DONT start a new application!!!!
UPDATE: I finally got through to a worker! She confirmed my case is still active and the recertification is in process. She said they're having major issues with BenefitsCal showing cases as missing during recertification. My interview is scheduled for next Monday. Thank you all for the help and keeping me from panicking and starting a new application!
Great news! Make sure to prepare for your interview by having your income verification, childcare expenses, and any other documents they might ask about. Also, ask during the interview if they can add a note to your case about the BenefitsCal display issue so you don't have to go through this again next recertification.
I'm sorry your going thru this! This whole system is BROKEN!!! My cash aid got stolen twice in 3 months and the 2nd time they accused ME of fraud!!! Had to wait almost 3 months to get my $$ back and almost got evicted. They don't care about us AT ALL. And why are we still using this garbage BofA system that keeps getting hacked??? Some states have switched to digital wallets but CA is still using this 1990s technology. Makes me so mad!!
OMG they accused you of fraud?! That's my biggest fear. Did you have to do anything special to prove it wasn't you? I'm so paranoid they're going to deny my claim.
have u tried asking for cash assistance under the homeles assistance program while waitng? my worker said i qualified for temporary HA payment even tho i wasnt homeless yet but was at risk bcuz of the theft. got $450 emergency cash within 1 day
Wait really? I didn't know that was an option! Do you have to be actually facing eviction or just at risk? My landlord gave me until the 10th before starting eviction proceedings.
Andre Moreau
One more thing to try while you're working on the hearing process: Call the CalWORKs office first thing when they open (usually 8am) on Monday morning. The call volume is typically lowest then. Ask specifically for a "Case Review Due to Discontinued Benefits Despite Timely Document Submission." Use those exact words. This triggers a different workflow than a general inquiry and often gets faster attention. Also send an email to your county's general welfare email address with "URGENT: Wrongful Discontinuance" in the subject line. Include your case number, the dates you submitted documents (all methods), and request immediate review and backdating of benefits. The more paper trail you create, the better.
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Ethan Moore
•This is excellent advice. I'd also recommend contacting your local legal aid office - they often have advocates who can help with CalWORKs cases and they know exactly which regulations to cite. Search for "[your county] legal aid services" and look for their benefits assistance program.
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Carmen Vega
Just sharing what worked for me with Claimyr since someone asked. I was skeptical too but it actually did get me through to my worker. What it does is call the county office for you, navigate all the annoying menus, wait on hold, and then call your phone when it reaches a real person. I was able to explain my situation and got my benefits restored within 3 days (including backpay for the missed month). Definitely worth it when you're desperate. Check out their demo at claimyr.com - you can see exactly how it works before deciding.
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Mateo Sanchez
•Thanks for sharing more details. I'm going to try the early Monday morning call first, but if that doesn't work, I'll look into this. At this point, I just need to speak to an actual human being who can help!
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