CalWORKs Cash Aid deposited but CalFresh still showing pending - should I wait or call?

This happened to me last month too. My cash showed up on time but CalFresh was stuck on pending for almost a week! When I finally got through to my worker, they said something about a 'verification flag' on my case that needed to be cleared. Turns out they needed proof of my rent payment that I already submitted with my SAR7 but somehow got separated from my file. So frustrating!! I'd definitely call instead of waiting.

theyll deposit eventually just wait. mine always come different days

It depends on your specific situation. Cash Aid and CalFresh often do come on different days, but 'pending' status usually means there's something that needs to be resolved. Here are some possibilities: 1. If you recently submitted your SAR7 or recertification, they might be processing the CalFresh portion separately 2. They may need additional verification for CalFresh but not for Cash Aid 3. Sometimes the system has technical delays I recommend calling your county office to check. If you're having trouble getting through on the phone lines (very common unfortunately), try using Claimyr.com - it's a service that calls the county office for you and connects you when an actual person answers. Saved me hours of hold time when I had a similar issue. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE

I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS EXACT ISSUE FOR MONTHS!!! Cash Aid always comes through but my CalFresh constantly gets stuck in pending and NOBODY TELLS ME WHY!! Every single month I have to call and beg them to release my food benefits while my kids are hungry. The system is BROKEN!!! They expect us to survive on nothing while they take their sweet time "processing" things that should be automatic. I'm so tired of this!!

In my experience working with CalWORKs recipients, this situation typically indicates one of three things: 1. Different processing timelines - Cash Aid and CalFresh are technically separate programs with different approval workflows, even though they're administered together 2. Verification issues specific to CalFresh - Sometimes CalFresh has additional requirements that Cash Aid doesn't, particularly around income verification or household composition 3. System delays - The BenefitsCal system sometimes shows 'pending' even when benefits are scheduled to deposit soon I'd recommend waiting 48 hours to see if it resolves automatically. If not, definitely call your county office. Ask them specifically: "Is there an outstanding verification needed for my CalFresh benefits?" and "When are my benefits scheduled to be issued?"

Just want to point out that CalFresh and CalWORKs are totally separate programs even though they're on the same application and card. Different rules, different eligibility workers sometimes, and definitely different issuance schedules. Your CalFresh amount should be WAY more than your Cash Aid amount for food help, so it's worth calling about. The EBT customer service line won't help with pending benefits - you need to talk to your actual county office.

I tried calling my county office for weeks about a similar issue and kept getting disconnected or put on eternal hold. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned in another post here and got through in 20 minutes. Turns out they needed confirmation of my address that they never told me about! The worker fixed it right away once I actually got to talk to her. My benefits showed up the next day. Don't wait too long to call because if it's something you need to submit they have deadlines.

This happened to me once when I moved apartments within the same building. My Cash Aid processed normally but my CalFresh got stuck in pending because they wanted verification of my new address even though it was literally the same building, just a different unit number. I'd definitely recommend calling sooner rather than later. Here's what helped me: I asked the worker to look specifically at what's causing the delay and if there are any "flags" or "holds" on my CalFresh case. They found the issue right away once I asked that specific question. Good luck!

Update: I finally got through to someone at the county office! Turns out they needed verification of my utility bills that I didn't know about. The worker said they sent a notice last week but I never received it. She's giving me until Monday to submit it and then they'll release my CalFresh benefits. Thanks everyone for pushing me to call instead of just waiting!