

Ask the community...
i had the same exact problem last month!!!! i submitted my paystubs for my WTW and they kept saying they didnt get them but i KNOW i uploaded them on benefitscal cause i took a picture of the confirmation screen!!! the whole system is a JOKE they expect us to follow all these strict rules but then they can just lose our stuff and not answer calls??? i ended up having to take a day off work (losing money) to go sit in the office for FIVE HOURS just to talk to someone for like 10 minutes. and my boss was mad at me for missing work. they act like we dont have lives!!!!!
One thing that might help - if you've already submitted documents through BenefitsCal, you can call and request to speak with a supervisor specifically about your submitted documents. Be polite but firm that you need confirmation they were received. Supervisors can often see documents in the system before they're fully processed by eligibility workers. Also, if your CalWORKs case is connected to Welfare to Work activities, try contacting your WTW case manager (if you have one). Sometimes they can check on document status or at least connect you with someone who can help. Hang in there - the system is frustrating but there are usually workarounds if you're persistent!
You know what's crazy? I've been on hold trying to reach a supervisor as I've been reading these comments. It's been 42 minutes and still nothing! I'm definitely asking for a ticket number when I finally get through. Thanks everyone for your suggestions and letting me vent. At least I know I'm not alone in this frustration!
Just to add some information about what to expect: When you request Immediate Need, they must make a determination within one working day and if approved, issue payment within 3 working days. You'll need to complete a one-page Immediate Need request form. The maximum amount is $200, and it's an advance on your first CalWORKs grant (meaning it will be deducted from your first regular payment). For Homeless Assistance, there are two types: Temporary (hotel vouchers) and Permanent (rent/deposit assistance). Since you have housing but are behind on rent, you'd be applying for Permanent. You'll need to demonstrate that your rent is within 80% of your total household income to qualify. For the verification, a landlord statement showing the amount due should suffice if you don't have a formal eviction notice. Good luck, and don't forget to also ask about the diaper benefit - California now provides $30/month per child under age 3 for diapers as a supplemental payment to CalWORKs recipients.
One more thing to check - look at your EBT transaction history around the date your benefits normally get deposited. Sometimes the correct amount will be deposited even if BenefitsCal hasn't updated to show the new amount. The actual payment system and the customer portal don't always sync up perfectly.
Yes! I reported it yesterday after reading everyone's advice. My worker actually seemed happy I was working and explained about the transitional Medi-Cal program. She said my cash aid will go down but not disappear completely because of the income disregards someone mentioned. And I'll keep my Medi-Cal for at least a year even if I find a better job! Such a relief!
Katherine Shultz
Since your son has a learning disability, you should request a reasonable accommodation under ADA. Call the county's Civil Rights Liaison (every county has one) and explain that the automated system is a barrier for someone with his disability. They should offer alternatives like an in-person interview or a scheduled call with a specific worker. Also, since his renewal deadline is so close, request a 'good cause' extension due to county accessibility issues. Make sure to mention you've been trying repeatedly to complete the interview requirement. Finally, if his benefits do get cut off despite your efforts, immediately request a State Fair Hearing. You have 90 days to request it, and if you request it within 10 days of the notice of action, his benefits can continue pending the hearing decision.
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Micah Trail
•Thank you so much for this information! I had no idea about the Civil Rights Liaison or the good cause extension. Will definitely try these options tomorrow morning. Really appreciate the detailed advice.
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Nia Watson
Did you ever get through? If you're still having trouble, you might try going to a local community organization that helps with benefits. Places like legal aid societies or community action agencies often have direct contacts at the county and can help facilitate the interview process, especially for people with disabilities who should receive accommodations.
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Micah Trail
•We finally got through yesterday after trying that 8am trick again! The interview only took about 15 minutes once we got to a real person. They approved his renewal but said we need to submit his most recent bank statement by Friday. Thanks for checking back!
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