BenefitsCal account login suddenly rejected - CalWORKs reapplication disappeared

This happened to me back in January! The BenefitsCal system randomly locked me out and then \

OMG thank you for confirming I'm not going crazy! Did you have to completely redo everything or did your worker have any record of what you'd already submitted? I had uploaded like 3 documents already too 😩

they do this to people ALL THE TIME!!! the system is designed to make u give up. my sister lost her benefits bcuz of this exact thing happening 2 times in a row & she missed her redetermination deadline. they say its for \

This isn't accurate. While the BenefitsCal system does have security features that sometimes log people out, it's not designed to make people lose benefits. These are technical glitches, not intentional barriers. What most likely happened is a timeout due to inactivity or a scheduled system maintenance. Always save your progress frequently when completing applications!

I had somthing like this happen to me. My CalWrks got all messed up and I couldnt log in for like a week. When i finally did all my stuff was gone but my case was still active. Call ur county worker asap cuz u only got 10 days left they might be able 2 help.

Been trying to call all morning but just getting the automated system 😞 Did you have to go to the office in person to fix it?

I've been helping clients with BenefitsCal issues for about 2 years now, and this is a known problem. The system sometimes has authentication issues that can cause login problems AND delete in-progress applications. A few things to try:1. Clear your browser cache and cookies completely2. Try using a different browser or device to login3. If you're using a phone, try on a computer instead (or vice versa)4. Check your email - sometimes the system sends a notification about security lockoutsMost importantly, you need to start a new application immediately since you're approaching your redetermination deadline. Don't wait until the last minute as technical issues can happen again. Make sure to check the box saying this is a renewal/redetermination, not a new application.

Thank you for the detailed advice! I'll try a different browser right now. Do you know if it matters whether I use the website or the mobile app? The mobile app seems to crash a lot for me anyway.

have u tried calling ur caseworker directly? sometimes they can see ur started application on their end even if u cant see it on urs. i had similar problem last year and my worker was able to pull up my half done application and finish it over the phone with me

I've been trying all morning but can't get past the automated system! It keeps saying all workers are busy and to call back later 😫

If you're having trouble reaching a CalWORKs worker by phone, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. It's a service that calls the county office for you and gets you connected to a live person without having to wait on hold yourself. My redetermination was due last month and I couldn't get through for days until I used them. Saved my benefits from being cut off. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE

Never heard of this before but I'm desperate at this point! Looking it up now. Did they really get you through to a live person? I've been trying for 2 days.

In addition to starting a new application ASAP, make sure you document that you had technical difficulties with the system. Take screenshots of any error messages, note the dates/times you tried to access your account, and write down any reference numbers from phone calls. If your benefits get discontinued because of these technical problems, you can request a fair hearing and this documentation will help your case. Meanwhile, submit a new application right away - county offices have been extremely strict about redetermination deadlines in 2025.

That's really good advice about the documentation, thank you! I'll start taking screenshots of everything. Do you know if there's a way to submit my redetermination in person instead of through BenefitsCal? I'm scared of this happening again.

ya this happened to my cousin too its not just u the whole system is messed up rn

UPDATE: I finally got through to a worker using that Claimyr service someone recommended! They could see I had started an application but it was marked as

That's great news! Glad you got it sorted out before your deadline. Make sure to save/print the confirmation number for your new application just in case there are any future issues.

This is such a relief to hear that others have experienced this too! I've been dealing with CalWORKs for 3 years now and the BenefitsCal system has always been glitchy, but it seems like it's gotten worse lately. Last month my neighbor had a similar issue where her whole application just vanished mid-process. She ended up having to go to the county office in person with all her documents because she couldn't get the online system to work at all. For future reference, I always recommend taking screenshots after each page you complete and saving any confirmation numbers you get along the way. The system definitely has issues but documenting everything helps if you need to appeal or prove you were trying to meet deadlines. Hope everyone gets their issues resolved quickly!