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I'm also fairly new to this community and CalWORKs (been receiving benefits for about 5 months now), and this thread has been absolutely invaluable! Dylan, I'm so relieved to hear you got it resolved - the stress of having your case show active but no money actually deposited must have been overwhelming, especially with rent coming due. What really opened my eyes is learning about the distinction between the eligibility system and payment processing system. I had no clue these were separate systems that could get disconnected! This explains so much about why sometimes when you call, the person says everything looks fine but your actual problem persists. I'm definitely saving all the specific terminology everyone shared here - "EBT issuance specialist," "payment processing supervisor," "payment issuance error" - because it's clear that using these exact phrases can make the difference between getting transferred around endlessly versus reaching someone who can actually access the right system to fix the problem. It's also really encouraging to see that the Claimyr service suggestion actually worked for you. Sometimes you see services mentioned online and wonder if they're legitimate, but hearing about real results from community members gives me confidence in the advice shared here. This is exactly why communities like this are so essential - you get practical, tested solutions from people who've actually navigated these challenges successfully. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their knowledge and experiences!
I'm also new to this community and have been on CalWORKs for just about 2 months now. This whole thread has been such a learning experience! Like everyone else, I had absolutely no idea that the eligibility and payment systems were separate - that's such important information that they definitely don't explain when you first apply. Dylan's situation really shows how knowing the right terminology can completely change your experience when calling for help. I'm writing down all these key phrases like "EBT issuance specialist" and "payment processing supervisor" because it's obvious that speaking their language gets you to the right person so much faster than just explaining the problem in general terms. It's also really reassuring to see the follow-up that everything got resolved - it gives me confidence that these strategies actually work in real situations, not just in theory. Thanks to everyone for making this such a supportive and informative community for those of us who are still figuring out how to navigate these systems!
I'm also pretty new to this community and CalWORKs (just started receiving benefits about 4 months ago), and this thread has been such an incredible resource! Dylan, I'm so glad you were able to get this resolved - dealing with benefits showing as active but no actual money being deposited sounds like such a stressful nightmare, especially with rent deadlines looming. What really struck me reading through everyone's responses is how this wasn't actually an eligibility issue at all, but rather a technical disconnect between the system that shows your case status and the system that actually processes payments. I had absolutely no idea these were separate systems that could get out of sync like that! It makes so much sense now why sometimes when you call, representatives say "everything looks fine on my end" but your actual problem still isn't resolved - they're probably only looking at the eligibility side. I'm definitely taking notes on all the specific terminology everyone shared here - "EBT issuance specialist," "payment processing supervisor," "imminent risk of homelessness" - because it's clear that knowing these exact phrases can be the difference between getting bounced around for hours versus reaching someone who can actually access the right system to fix the problem. It's also really encouraging to hear that the Claimyr service actually worked for you! Sometimes you see suggestions online and wonder if they're legitimate, but seeing real results from community members gives me so much confidence in the advice shared here. This is exactly why communities like this are so valuable - instead of just commiserating about problems, people here share actual step-by-step solutions that work in real life. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to help and share their experiences!
I'm also really new to this community and to CalWORKs (just got approved about a month ago), and reading through this entire thread has been incredibly educational! Like so many others have said, I had absolutely no clue that there were separate systems for eligibility versus payment processing - that's such crucial information that you'd never learn from the official paperwork they give you when you first apply. Dylan, I'm so relieved to hear you got everything sorted out! The stress of having your case show active but no actual money deposited must have been absolutely overwhelming, especially with rent coming due. Your experience really highlights how important it is to know the specific language and departments to ask for when calling. I've been taking detailed notes on all the terminology everyone shared - "EBT issuance specialist," "payment processing supervisor," "payment issuance error," "imminent risk of homelessness" - because it's obvious that using these exact phrases can completely change your experience from getting transferred around endlessly to reaching someone who can actually access the right system and solve the problem. It's also really encouraging to see that the Claimyr service recommendation actually worked! As someone who's still learning to navigate all of this, it's so reassuring to see real solutions that produce actual results rather than just theoretical advice. This thread perfectly demonstrates why communities like this are so essential - you get practical, tested strategies from people who've actually dealt with these exact issues successfully. Thanks to everyone for creating such a supportive environment for those of us who are still figuring out how to navigate these complex systems!
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So glad you found it! This is such a common problem and it's frustrating that they don't make it clearer about the timing. For future reference, you can also set up email notifications in your BenefitsCal account settings to get reminders when forms become available. I learned this the hard way after missing a deadline once. Also, if you ever have trouble getting through by phone again, try calling right when they open at 8am - the wait times are usually shorter then.
That's a great tip about the email notifications! I had no idea that was an option. I'm definitely going to set that up right now so I don't have to stress about this again next time. And thanks for the advice about calling at 8am - I was calling in the afternoon when everyone else probably is too. Really appreciate all the helpful tips from everyone in this thread!
This thread has been so helpful! I'm new to CalWORKs and was dreading having to figure out the SAR7 process. Reading through everyone's experiences and tips has given me a much better understanding of what to expect. I especially appreciate the advice about taking screenshots of the confirmation page - that's something I never would have thought of but makes total sense given all the system glitches people mention. I'm going to bookmark this thread for when my first reporting period comes up. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge!
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I'm going through this exact same situation right now and this thread has been incredibly reassuring! I just got my SSDI approval letter yesterday ($1,150/month) and have been terrified about what would happen to my CalWORKs benefits for me and my twin daughters. Reading everyone's experiences, especially @Quinn Herbert and others who ended up better off with child-only cases, has given me so much hope. I had no idea that was even an option - I thought it was all or nothing. A few things I'm taking away from this thread that I want to confirm: 1. Report the approval immediately, don't wait for first payment 2. Specifically ask about child-only case for my kids 3. Make sure to ask about keeping Medi-Cal active 4. Get everything documented in my case file 5. Be prepared with all my SS paperwork One question I have - has anyone dealt with this while also receiving WIC benefits? I'm wondering if the income change affects that program differently than CalFresh. Thank you all so much for sharing your real experiences. This community is amazing and I feel so much more prepared to advocate for my family now!
@Sebastian Scott Congratulations on your SSDI approval! Your summary of takeaways is spot-on and shows you ve'been paying close attention to everyone s'advice. Regarding WIC - yes, your SSDI income will affect your WIC eligibility since they use gross income limits just like CalFresh. However, WIC income limits are typically higher than CalFresh, so you might retain some WIC benefits even if your CalFresh gets reduced. The key difference is that WIC looks at your household size differently - they only count you and your twin daughters, not extended family members who might be in your CalWORKs case. When you call your worker, definitely mention that you re'also on WIC so they can help coordinate the reporting between programs. Some counties can help facilitate that communication, which saves you from having to navigate multiple phone systems. One additional tip based on your situation with twins - make sure your worker understands you have two children when calculating the child-only case. Sometimes the system defaults incorrectly and you want to ensure both girls are included in the assistance unit from the start. You ve'got this! The fact that you re'going in prepared with all this knowledge puts you way ahead of where most people are when facing this transition.
This is such a comprehensive thread - thank you everyone for sharing your real experiences! I'm in a similar situation where I'm expecting my SSDI decision soon and currently receive CalWORKs for myself and my daughter. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly educational and honestly a huge relief. What strikes me most is how many people mentioned that their workers didn't automatically suggest the child-only option - it seems like you really have to advocate for yourself and specifically ask about it. That's both frustrating and good to know going in. I'm definitely taking notes on everyone's practical tips, especially about calling right at 8am, keeping detailed documentation, and making sure to ask about ALL benefits (Medi-Cal, CalFresh, etc.) during the transition. The point about asking the worker to put notes in the case file is brilliant too. For those who successfully got child-only cases set up - did you find that your workers were generally knowledgeable about this option once you brought it up, or did you have to educate them about it? I'm trying to prepare for the possibility that I might need to really push for this if my worker isn't familiar with the process. Thanks again to everyone who took the time to share detailed experiences. This community support makes navigating such a complex system feel so much more manageable!
@Diego Fernández Your observation about having to advocate for the child-only option is unfortunately very accurate. In my experience, worker knowledge varies significantly - some are very familiar with this process while others seem to need reminders about it. I found it helpful to come prepared with the specific regulation numbers if possible like (mentioning child-only "case under MPP section 82-801.2 or" similar because) it shows you ve'done your homework and helps guide workers who might be less experienced with these transitions. One thing that really helped me was framing it as I "want to make sure we explore all options to keep my child receiving benefits rather" than just asking can "you do a child-only case. It" seemed to get better responses from workers who might not have immediately thought of that option. Also, don t'be discouraged if your first conversation doesn t'go smoothly - sometimes it takes a follow-up call or speaking with a supervisor to get everything set up correctly. The key is being persistent but polite, and always asking for documentation of what they plan to do and when. Good luck with your SSDI decision!
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Hey Landon! Don't feel bad about asking these questions - this stuff is confusing and it's better to get the right info upfront. Everyone here has given you great advice already. Just to add one more thing about the application process - when you apply for CalFresh and General Assistance through BenefitsCal, you can actually start the application online and then schedule your interview appointment. This saves time because you don't have to wait in line at the county office just to pick up paperwork. Also, keep your confirmation numbers and take screenshots of everything when you submit documents online. Sometimes the system glitches and having proof that you submitted something on time can save you headaches later. The whole process can feel overwhelming but you've got this! Take it one step at a time and don't hesitate to ask questions if you get stuck.
Thanks Millie! That's really good to know about starting online first - I was dreading having to sit in the county office for hours. Taking screenshots is smart too, I wouldn't have thought of that. Everyone here has been so helpful and patient with my questions. It's nice to know there's a supportive community here when navigating all this bureaucracy. I'm feeling much more prepared to tackle the application process now!
Just want to echo what everyone else said about being careful with your EBT card! I work at a community center and we see benefit theft cases regularly. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you have a smartphone, download the ebtEDGE app right when you get your card. You can check your balance, see transaction history, and even temporarily lock your card if you think it might be compromised. Also, for the General Assistance application - different counties have different work requirements. Some make you do 20 hours of community service per month, others require job search activities. Call your county's social services office to ask specifically what they require before you apply so you're prepared. And don't worry about asking "dumb" questions - we've all been there! The benefits system is intentionally confusing sometimes. Better to ask and get it right the first time than mess up your application and have to wait even longer for help.
Thank you Ashley! That's really helpful about the ebtEDGE app - I'll definitely download it as soon as I get my card. It's good to know I can temporarily lock it if something seems off. I appreciate you mentioning the work requirements vary by county too. I'm in Los Angeles County so I'll call them directly to find out exactly what they expect. It sounds like everyone here has learned these things the hard way, so I'm grateful you're all sharing your experiences to help newcomers like me avoid the same pitfalls. This community has been amazing!
AstroAdventurer
This thread is exactly why I love this community! The fact that everyone jumped in to help troubleshoot this issue shows how much we all understand the stress of dealing with these poorly designed government systems. I've been on CalWORKs for about a year now and I swear every single interaction with BenefitsCal feels like solving a puzzle. The recertification process especially seems designed to trip people up - between the confusing navigation, inconsistent button locations, and lack of clear notifications, it's honestly a miracle anyone manages to complete it successfully. What really bothers me is that this isn't just poor web design - it's a barrier that disproportionately affects people who are already struggling. Not everyone has the time, tech skills, or internet access to spend hours hunting through random menu sections to find basic functions. Some people will lose their benefits simply because the website is too confusing to navigate. @ThunderBolt7 I'm so glad you found it under Documents > Required Renewals! That's definitely going in my mental notes for next time. And huge thanks to everyone who shared their different workarounds and solutions. This thread should honestly be pinned as a resource for anyone dealing with CalWORKs recertification issues!
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Isla Fischer
•I couldn't agree more! This thread really shows how this community has become essential for navigating these broken systems. I'm also relatively new to CalWORKs (about 8 months now) and every interaction with BenefitsCal feels like a test of patience and detective skills. What really gets me is that we're essentially doing free quality assurance work for the state by figuring out all these workarounds and sharing them with each other. Meanwhile, the people who actually design and maintain these systems probably have no idea how confusing and stressful their interface is for real users. You're absolutely right about this being a barrier that affects the most vulnerable people. I have friends who gave up on benefits they were entitled to simply because the application or recertification process was too overwhelming to navigate. That's not accidental - it's a feature, not a bug. This thread definitely deserves to be pinned or turned into some kind of FAQ resource. The collective knowledge here about finding recertification options in different locations (Actions tab, Report Changes dropdown, Documents > Required Renewals) could save so many people from losing their benefits due to website confusion.
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Malik Johnson
This entire thread is a perfect example of how this community fills the gaps that government systems leave behind. I've been dealing with CalWORKs for about two years now, and honestly, I learn more about navigating BenefitsCal from posts like this than from any official documentation or customer service. The fact that @ThunderBolt7 found their recertification buried under "Documents > Required Renewals" is just mind-boggling. That's not intuitive AT ALL. I would have never thought to look there - I would have assumed it belonged under something obvious like "Benefits" or "My Case" or literally anywhere else. What's really frustrating is how this creates unnecessary anxiety and stress during what's already a difficult time. When you're depending on these benefits to keep your family afloat, the last thing you need is to spend hours playing hide-and-seek with essential functions on a broken website. I'm definitely saving this thread and all the different locations people found their recert options. Between the Actions tab, Report Changes workaround, and Documents section, at least we've got multiple places to check now. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this kind of community problem-solving is invaluable when dealing with these systems!
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Sofia Torres
•This thread has been such a lifesaver to read as someone who's still figuring out the CalWORKs system! I just started receiving benefits a couple months ago and I'm already dreading my first recertification after seeing how complicated everyone says it is. It's honestly shocking that something as critical as benefit recertification is hidden in such random places throughout the website. The fact that @ThunderBolt7 had to get help from this entire community just to find a basic function that keeps families fed and housed is really telling about how broken these systems are. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread and taking notes on all the different places people have found their recert options - Actions tab, Report Changes dropdown, Documents > Required Renewals. At least now I'll have a roadmap when my time comes! It's both frustrating and inspiring how this community has essentially become the unofficial tech support for BenefitsCal. We shouldn't have to crowdsource solutions for basic government services, but I'm so grateful places like this exist. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions!
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