I'm so sorry this happened to you! This is unfortunately way too common with CalWORKs. I went through something very similar where my worker claimed they called me twice but I had zero missed calls or voicemails. What worked for me was calling right at 8am when they open and immediately asking for a supervisor - don't let them transfer you back to your regular worker. When I spoke with the supervisor, they were able to check the actual call logs and saw that no outgoing calls were made to my number despite what was documented in my case notes. I got reassigned to a new worker that same day! Also, make sure to ask the supervisor to email you confirmation of your new interview time so you have everything in writing. Document everything going forward - take screenshots of your call log, write down exact times you were available, and get names of everyone you speak with. It's frustrating that we have to do all this just to get basic services, but don't give up. You have every right to these benefits and a worker who actually does their job properly. Keep pushing and don't let them make you feel like this is your fault when you know you were waiting by the phone!

I've been following this thread and wanted to add something that might help - when you call tomorrow, ask them to put you on speaker phone while they attempt to call your number from their system. I did this when I had a similar issue and it turned out their phone system was having technical problems that weren't showing up in their logs. The supervisor was able to see in real time that the call wasn't going through, even though their system was marking it as "attempted." This immediate proof got me transferred to a working phone line and my interview completed that same day. Also, if you have a secondary phone number (work, family member, etc.), ask them to try that number as backup during your rescheduled interview. Sometimes there are carrier-specific issues that affect certain phone numbers. Don't let them make you wait another week for a rescheduled appointment - emphasize that this delay wasn't your fault and you need it resolved ASAP. You've already wasted enough time dealing with their mistakes!

The worker I spoke to said there might have been a data entry error when my caseworker entered my income. Apparently, they entered one of my paystubs twice! She said she's correcting it and I should get an updated notice in the mail within 10 days. So relieved!

That's great news that you got it resolved! Data entry errors are unfortunately pretty common with CalWORKs cases. I'm glad that Claimyr service worked for you - I've been hesitant to try it but your experience makes me feel better about using it if I need to. Hopefully your corrected benefit amount will be backdated to when the error started so you don't lose out on any money you were entitled to. Thanks for updating us on what happened - this whole thread will be really helpful for other people dealing with similar income calculation issues!

I'm dealing with a similar issue right now! I submitted my direct deposit form in early January and it's been over a month with no progress. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it sounds like 2-3 months is unfortunately pretty normal, which is crazy. I'm definitely going to try some of the suggestions here - especially asking for the Fiscal Processing Unit when I call and checking with my bank to make sure they're not blocking anything. It's so frustrating that something this basic takes so long to process. The ATM fees really add up too! Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips.

I'm going through the exact same thing! I submitted my direct deposit form in late November and here we are in late February with still no bank transfers. It's honestly ridiculous how broken this system is. I've tried calling multiple times and can never get through to a real person - just endless automated menus. My caseworker hasn't responded to any of my messages on BenefitsCal either. At this point I'm spending more on ATM fees than I would on gas driving to the office! Reading everyone's suggestions here is really helpful though. I'm definitely going to try asking specifically for the Fiscal Processing Unit next time I call, and I'll check with my bank too. The idea about submitting a formal complaint to the Civil Rights Office sounds promising - maybe that will actually get someone's attention. This whole situation makes me so frustrated because we shouldn't have to jump through all these hoops just to get our benefits deposited properly. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least now I know I'm not the only one dealing with this mess!

Let me tell you about another SCAM they pull - they'll send you notices about mandatory appointments with like 2 days notice when they KNOW you won't get the letter in time, then cut you off for "failure to comply" when you miss it! ALWAYS check your BenefitsCal account every few days even if you're not expecting anything. I got a notice in the mail AFTER the appointment date had already passed! Then had to spend 3 weeks getting my benefits turned back on. They prey on new moms especially because they know we're exhausted and overwhelmed.

Congratulations on your approval! 🎉 As someone who's been through this system, here are some additional tips to protect your benefits: 1. **Get everything in writing** - If a worker tells you something over the phone, follow up with an email or letter summarizing what was discussed. This creates a paper trail. 2. **Know your rights** - You have the right to request a fair hearing if your benefits are discontinued or reduced. Don't let them intimidate you into thinking their decision is final. 3. **Build a support network** - Connect with other CalWORKs recipients in your area. Sometimes local community organizations offer CalWORKs navigation help. 4. **Keep a CalWORKs journal** - Write down dates of all interactions, names of workers you speak with, and what was discussed. This has saved me multiple times when they claimed something different happened. 5. **Plan ahead for your redetermination** - Start gathering documents at least 2 months before your annual review is due. Don't wait until the last minute. The system can be overwhelming, especially with a new baby, but you've already proven you can navigate it by getting approved after 6 tries. You're stronger than you know! Take it one day at a time and don't be afraid to advocate for yourself and your baby. 💪

I'm new here but wanted to share something that might help - my aunt went through this exact situation in Orange County last year after my uncle passed. Her kids were getting survivor benefits and she was working part-time at a grocery store. What really made a difference was when she found out about the CalFresh "simplified reporting" option. Instead of having to report every little change in income throughout the year, she only had to report if her monthly income went up by more than $100 or if the survivor benefits changed. This made managing the benefits SO much less stressful during an already difficult time. Also, the caseworker told her that survivor benefits for kids are treated differently than other Social Security benefits in some calculations, so it's definitely worth applying even if the income seems borderline. The application might look complicated but the potential benefits (including all those connected programs people mentioned) are really worth it for families with kids.

Hi everyone! I'm new to this community but wanted to jump in because this hits close to home. My best friend lost her husband two years ago and went through a very similar situation with CalFresh and survivor benefits. One thing that really helped her was calling ahead to ask which documents she'd need - turns out they wanted three months of the Social Security award letters, not just the most recent one. Also, her caseworker mentioned that if your sister's work hours vary at Target (like picking up extra shifts during holidays), she should mention that during the interview because they can account for income fluctuations. The other game-changer was when my friend learned she could do the interview by phone instead of taking time off work to go in person. With everything your sister is juggling, that phone option might be really helpful. Definitely encourage her to apply - even if the benefit amount seems small, all those connected programs people mentioned (free school meals, utility discounts, etc.) can add up to real savings for the family.