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I work at a non-profit that helps ppl with benefits and we're seeing this ALL THE TIME with CalWORKs lately. The 'discontinued' status sometimes happens because the system automatically discontinues benefits at the end of your certification period even when you've done everything right. Here's a trick: ask specifically for an 'administrative restoration' due to 'timely recertification with delayed processing' - using these exact terms can get someone to look at your case faster.
omg thank you for this!!!! im writing down these exact words for when i have to call them again next month because this ALWAYS happens to me with my SAR7 too
Update: I finally got through to someone at the CalWORKs office this morning! I used those specific terms about 'administrative restoration' and 'timely recertification with delayed processing' and the worker immediately knew what I was talking about. Apparently my recertification has been sitting in someone's queue for processing and just hadn't been reviewed yet. They're expediting it now and said I should have benefits restored within 48 hours, including retroactive payment for what I missed. They're also helping me apply for Immediate Need assistance today to cover my rent. Thank you all SO MUCH for the advice - I never would have known to ask for these specific things without your help!
That's great news! So glad they're expediting your case. Just a heads up - make sure to follow up if you don't see the benefits restored in 48 hours as promised. Sometimes these verbal commitments need a reminder. And definitely keep all documentation about this situation in case it happens again at your next reporting period.
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does anyone know if the childs father is suposed to be notifyed of you getting calworks? my ex doesnt even know im on it and i dont want him to know my bussiness
The child support office doesn't specifically tell him you're on CalWORKs. They just inform him that they're establishing a child support order. However, if it goes to court, the documents might mention that the case was referred by the public assistance office. If you have concerns about him knowing your business, mention this to your child support worker.
One thing nobody mentioned - with CalWORKs, most of the child support collected goes to the county to "pay back" your Cash Aid. You only get the first $100 (for one child) or $200 (for two or more children) of what they collect each month. The rest goes to reimburse the government for your benefits. This is called the "disregard amount" - you get to keep that much, and the rest offsets your aid. So don't expect to get both the full child support and your full CalWORKs amount. Once you're off CalWORKs, then you'll get the full support payment.
I didn't know that! So if they collect $400 in child support, I'd only get $100 of it and the rest goes to the county? That's really important to understand. Thanks for explaining.
That's exactly right. It's called "recoupment" - the state recoups the cost of your Cash Aid from the child support. But remember, that disregard amount ($100 for one child) is in ADDITION to your regular CalWORKs benefit, so you do come out ahead.
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One thing nobody mentioned - if your sister is already on your mom's case, adding her to YOUR case could cause problems. The county might think you're double-dipping. Make sure your mom reports that your sister moved out if she hasn't already.
That's a really good point. I'm not sure if my mom still gets benefits for her or not. We don't really talk much these days. Is there a way I can find this out without having to contact her?
You can't directly access your mom's case information due to confidentiality rules. However, when you submit your SAR7 with your sister added, the system will flag if she's already on another case. At that point, your worker would contact you about the discrepancy. The best approach is to be completely honest on your forms about when she came to live with you and explain that you're unsure about your mom's benefit status. Document everything - when she moved in, her school enrollment at your address, etc.
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Did you get the discontinuance notice in the mail? Sometimes those notices cross in the mail with your submission. Since you submitted the SAR7 before the end of the month, they should be able to rescind the discontinuance and restore your benefits. You might not get them on your normal payment date, but you should still get December benefits eventually after they process your form. Definitely call and keep trying to reach someone. If you can't get through by phone, go in person and bring proof that you submitted the form on BenefitsCal. They can see the timestamp of when you uploaded it.
Yes, I got the notice yesterday in the mail. It was dated the 5th, so they must have generated it automatically when they didn't have my SAR7 by the due date. I'll keep trying to call and will go in person next week if needed. I just hope I don't lose December's payment completely since rent is due soon.
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at the office! For anyone who has this problem in the future: 1. They confirmed my SAR7 was in their system but hadn't been processed yet 2. The worker did a "rescission" right while I was on the phone 3. My December benefits will be released but will be delayed about 3-5 days from my usual payment date 4. They noted in my file that I submitted before the end of the month so my case stays open Such a relief! The worker said they're really backed up processing forms right now, so anyone who uploads anything should always call to make sure it gets processed quickly, especially if it's something time-sensitive like a SAR7.
Thank you so much for updating! That gives me hope. I'm still trying to get through to someone but will keep at it. Did you call the main number or did you have a direct number for your worker?
I called the main line (866 number) but selected the option for "report a change" instead of "speak to my worker" - that got me to a person much faster!
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Wait you're getting $99 for FIVE people? That seems way too low even with income. Did they factor in some penalty or sanction on your case? Sometimes if you miss WTW appointments or don't turn in verification they can reduce your grant. Might be worth asking about that when you report your income change.
I was making pretty good money from a side job so that's why it was so low. I reported everything correctly. My job ended and now I'll have zero income next month, that's why I was asking about the max amount.
dont forget to apply 4 calfresh too if u havent already!!! with no income ull get ALOT more food stamps to help feed ur family!!! an diaper benefits if u have small kids!!!
Good point about CalFresh! With zero income for a family of 5, you should qualify for maximum CalFresh benefits too (around $1,155/month). And yes, if you have children under 3 years old, ask about the diaper stipend benefit - it's an additional $60 per child under 3 on your case.
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i work wtih homeless clients and see this CONSTANTLY. It's not just phones - I've seen them discontinue for verifying small amounts in Cash App, Venmo, or asking for receipts for things people bought months ago. The system is absolutely DESIGNED to create barriers. Your friend should file for a hearing AND submit the verification. But here's the truth - even after he fixes this, they'll find something else to question in a few months. Tell him to DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Save every receipt, every letter, take notes during phone calls with date/time/worker name. The county workers have impossible caseloads so they look for any reason to close cases and reduce their workload. It's disgusting but that's how the system operates now.
I understand your frustration, but as a former eligibility worker, I want to clarify something. Most workers aren't trying to close cases to reduce workload - in fact, closing cases often creates MORE work (hearings, restoration requests, supervisory reviews). The verification requirements come from federal and state auditors who monitor counties for error rates. When counties have high error rates (benefits issued incorrectly), they face penalties. That's why verification has gotten stricter. That said, I agree with documenting everything. Good record-keeping is essential when navigating any benefits system.
Update: I talked to my roommate and helped him understand what probably happened. We're putting together documentation about his phone today, and he's going to try to visit the office in person tomorrow morning. I'm also going to help him write a statement explaining that he misunderstood the verification requirement. Thanks everyone for the advice - I'll let you know what happens after he talks to them!
Good plan! In-person is definitely the way to go for urgent issues like this. Make sure he brings ID and his case number if he has it. Sometimes you can get lucky and meet with a worker the same day. Wishing him the best of luck!
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This hapens everytiem they do system updates!!! The county NEVER warns anyone and ppl just left without money. i had to borrow money from my sister last time this happened to pay my rent and then when benefits finally came thru i had to pay her back which left me short for the next month! its like the system is designed to keep us broke and desperate
so true!! and then when u call to complain they act like ur the problem! the whole system is messed up
I'm glad you were able to get through and that it was just a system issue! For future reference, if you ever face a situation where your benefits are delayed and it causes you to be late on rent, you can request a letter from your eligibility worker explaining the delay. Many landlords will accept this as documentation and waive late fees. Also, if you ever face a complete discontinuance without proper notice, you have the right to request a state hearing and can get aid paid pending the hearing result in many cases.
Thank you for that info! I didn't know about requesting a letter or the aid paid pending. I'll definitely remember that if I have issues in the future.
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u should definitely check ur EBT account in about a week!!! if ur benefits are still coming thru it means they processed it fine. if nothing shows up for next month then PANIC and start calling like crazy!!! thats how i always know if theres a problem lol. also the BenefitsCal website will show if ur case is active or discontinued
To directly answer your question - NO, your case worker will NOT call you if everything on your SAR7 is fine. They will only contact you if there's a problem.BUT - and this is a big but - that doesn't mean your SAR7 is actually being processed correctly. The sad reality of our broken system is that CalWORKs workers are so overwhelmed with cases that things fall through the cracks ALL THE TIME.I always recommend taking these steps after submitting your SAR7:1. Wait 5-7 business days (so they have time to receive and scan it)2. Call your worker to confirm receipt (be prepared to call multiple times)3. Specifically ask if anything is missing or unclear4. Ask when you can expect it to be processed5. Get your worker's name and write down the date/time of your call6. If you can't reach anyone by phone after several attempts, visit the office in personIt sucks that we have to be so proactive, but I've seen too many people lose benefits because they trusted the system to work properly. It often doesn't.
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kings county is the WORST with handling these cases! my sister had her benefits stolen last year and they made her jump through so many hoops. keep calling every single day and document EVERYTHING. write down who you talk to, date and time. if they deny your claim (they probably will the first time), immediately file for a state hearing. thats the only thing that worked for my sister. good luck!!!!
Small update on EBT theft procedures - as of January 2025, California implemented some new protocols for Cash Aid theft claims. Kings County should be following these: 1. All counties now have dedicated EBT theft investigators 2. They must provide a written acknowledgment of your theft report within 5 business days 3. They must make a determination within 30 days (though emergency replacements can happen much faster) 4. They must provide information about free legal aid if your claim is denied If you're having trouble reaching Kings County by phone, you can also email them at KingsCATheft@kingscounty.gov (this is their dedicated theft report email) or visit the office in person. Sometimes in-person visits get faster results for urgent situations like benefit theft.
Thank you so much for this updated information! I finally managed to get through to someone at the county office and they're sending me the CF 303 form. I also filed a police report online. They said after I submit everything they'll review my case for emergency replacement since I have kids and rent coming due. Fingers crossed this gets resolved quickly!
Nora Bennett
oh i forgot to say make sure u ask for childcare assistance too since ur working part time! calworks can pay for it while ur working those 20 hrs
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Oscar Murphy
Great point! OP, make sure to ask about CalWORKs Childcare. Since you have a 4-year-old and you're working, you qualify for subsidized childcare. They'll cover your childcare costs during your working hours AND during any Welfare to Work activities you need to complete. Just make sure to use a licensed provider or a TrustLine registered provider if using family/friend care.
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