CalWORKs SAR 7 submitted on time but not processed - will December benefits still come?

Generally speaking, if you submitted your SAR 7 on time and have proof (like that receipt you mentioned), your benefits should continue even if they're behind on processing. The county has to process timely submitted reports, but they do get backlogged sometimes, especially around holidays. If your December benefits don't come on your regular payment date, immediately contact your worker with proof of timely submission. Do you have a photo of the stamped receipt just in case?

THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME!! I turned in my SAR 7 last quarter and they didn't process it for nearly a MONTH and then had the nerve to send me a discontinuance notice! When I finally got through to someone they fixed it and backdated my benefits but it was AFTER my rent was due and I got hit with late fees. The system is broken!!

I would definitely call your worker now rather than waiting. The rule is that if you submit your SAR 7 by the 11th of the submit month, they must process it in time for your benefits to continue uninterrupted. Since you said you submitted three weeks ago, you're well within that timeframe. But sometimes things get lost in the shuffle or stuck in the system. When you call, make sure to document when you called and who you spoke with. If you can't get through after multiple attempts (which is common), I recently used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual person at the CalWORKs office within 25 minutes instead of trying for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE - definitely worth it when you need to resolve time-sensitive issues like this.

in my experience if u submitted on time you'll get your money. they might be backed up. happens every quarter

Hmm, this reminds me of what happened to my sister last year. She had submitted her SAR 7 and it showed as pending for weeks. She ended up not getting her benefits on time, but that was because she had a change in income that put her over the IRT (Income Reporting Threshold) and didn't report it separately. Did you have any big income changes since your last report? If so that could be why it's taking longer to process.

I would absolutely call now rather than waiting until your benefits are late. The earlier you address this, the better chance of avoiding any interruption. Here's what you should do: 1. Call your worker directly if you have their direct number 2. If you can't reach them, call the main CalWORKs line for your county 3. Be prepared with your case number and the date you submitted your SAR 7 4. Mention specifically that you have proof of timely submission (the stamped receipt) 5. If they say it's still being processed, ask for confirmation that your December benefits won't be delayed If you're still worried after calling, you can also go in person to the office. Sometimes walking in and speaking with someone face-to-face can resolve these issues faster than waiting on the phone.

I just wanted to say that I hope it works out for you! I know how stressful this can be especially with rent coming up. CalWORKs has been a lifesaver for my family but sometimes the stress of dealing with the paperwork and uncertainty makes me wonder if it's worth it. Sending good vibes your way!

Update: I finally got through to my worker today! She apologized and said they're very backed up right now but confirmed my SAR 7 was received on time and is in the system. She's going to process it today and my December benefits should come through on my regular payment date. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your advice.

That's excellent! For anyone else reading this who might face a similar situation, remember that timely submission (before the 11th of your submit month) is your protection against benefit interruption. Even if processing is delayed, your benefits should continue if you submitted on time. Always get and keep that receipt! Also, the county should provide what's called "adequate and timely notice" before cutting benefits - meaning they must notify you at least 10 days before the end of the month if your benefits will be cut for the following month. Without that notice, they generally can't just stop your benefits, especially if you have proof of timely report submission.