CalWORKs October benefits gone after late recertification? Cash Aid reactivated today but worried about missed month

same thing happend to me in Feb. they dont backpay the month u were cutoff sorry. once u miss recert date ur done for that month even if u get back on later. its stupid but thats the rules

The previous commenter isn't completely correct. CalWORKs does have a process called 'restoration' where they can restore benefits for the discontinuance month if you complete the recertification process within the same month you were cut off. But this depends on exactly when your discontinuance occurred and when you completed the new recertification. If your benefits were discontinued effective October 1st, and you completed your recertification in October (today), they should restore your October benefits - but it may take a few days to process and show up on your EBT card. However, if your benefits were actually discontinued in September, and you're just now getting back on in October, then unfortunately they won't backdate to September. I'd recommend calling your caseworker specifically to ask about 'restoration of benefits' for October. Don't just ask about 'backpay' as that's not the technical term they use and they might say no automatically.

Thank you so much for this information. My benefits were definitely cut off effective October 1st because I missed the September recertification appointment. I did the new interview today (Oct 17th) and worker said I was approved and active again. So based on what you're saying, I should get October benefits, just delayed? I'll definitely call and ask specifically about 'restoration' - that's super helpful to know the right term!

I went through this EXACT SAME THING in January!!!!! The county is HORRIBLE about sending notices on time. My worker swore she sent my recert paperwork but I NEVER got it until after the cutoff. When I called they said I was discontinued but could reapply. I was so mad and panicking about rent! For me they did a 'restoration' like the other person mentioned but it took almost 2 weeks to get my money after I did my interview. They told me it had to go through some special approval process since it was a restoration case. Just keep calling every few days to check on the status!

hate to say this but good luck getting through to anyone at the county to ask about this!! i've been trying for TWO WEEKS to reach my worker about a SAR7 problem and just get voicemail every single time. never calls back. sooo frustrating!!!!

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I'm going to try calling tomorrow morning about the 'restoration' process. @person_6 - I've had the same issues getting through on the phone. I'll check out that service if I can't get through tomorrow. I really need this money for rent so I can't afford to wait around for weeks. Will update when I know more!

One important thing to know: CalWORKs regulations (MPP Section 40-125.93) specifically state that if you reapply in the month following discontinuance for failure to complete recertification, AND you complete the recertification process, they MUST determine if you have had a break in aid. If you complete the restoration within the month of discontinuance, you aren't supposed to have a break in aid. Also, if they don't restore your October benefits, you can request a hearing. You typically have 90 days from the date of the action to request a hearing. Making the call is good, but also put your request in writing. Email your worker and their supervisor if possible - having a paper trail is important if you need to escalate this. While I've seen counties handle this differently, the regulations are clear. If you completed the recertification in the same month you were discontinued, there should be no break in aid.

am I in the wrong place? I thought this was calworks not calfresh? we talking about ebt for food or cash aid? im confused lol

UPDATE: Just got off the phone with my worker! She confirmed that I will get my October benefits through the restoration process since I completed recertification within the same month I was discontinued. The money should be on my EBT card within 3 business days. She said this is standard procedure when someone completes recertification in the same month they were cut off. For anyone dealing with this in the future - make sure to specifically ask about "restoration of benefits" like @person_2 suggested. My worker knew exactly what I was talking about when I used that term! Thanks everyone for the advice. Such a relief!

So happy to hear you got it sorted out! This thread is super helpful - I had no idea about the "restoration" process. I'm going to screenshot this whole conversation in case I ever run into this situation. The fact that they don't automatically tell people about restoration is really frustrating. Thanks for sharing the update and helping other people who might be in the same boat!