CalWORKs SAR-7 upload error on BenefitsCal keeps resetting - need to submit before payment deadline!
Is anyone else having issues with the SAR-7 document upload through BenefitsCal? I'm trying to submit my income verification for this month's Cash Aid payment, but every time I try to upload my paystubs and rental receipt, the system just keeps looping me back to the beginning! I select my case, click on 'Upload Documents,' select 'SAR-7,' and then it immediately kicks me back to the options menu and I have to start over. I've tried on both my phone app and the website on my computer - same problem. My paperwork is due in 3 days and I'm freaking out because if I don't get this submitted, my March payment will be delayed or stopped. My worker takes FOREVER to answer calls. Has anyone found a workaround for this? I can't afford to miss this payment with rent being due next week!!
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Bruno Simmons
omg this happened to me last month!! the app is GARBAGE. i ended up having to physically go to the county office and wait for like 4 hours to hand in my SAR-7 because i couldnt get it to upload. brought my 2 kids with me too. they really dont care that people have jobs and lives outside of dealing with their broken systems. 🤬
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Lourdes Fox
•Ugh this is what I was afraid of. I work from 8-5 every day this week so going to the office would mean missing work and losing money I desperately need. Did you try calling first? Was there any other option?
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Aileen Rodriguez
Have you tried taking screenshots of the error or the loop issue? I work with CalWORKs recipients and the BenefitsCal system has been having some technical problems since they did updates in January 2025. There are a few things you can try: 1. Clear your cache/cookies and try again 2. Use the 'Contact Us' form in BenefitsCal to report the technical issue 3. Try uploading a smaller file size (sometimes files over 4MB cause problems) 4. If you have a County Worker assigned to your case, email them directly with your documents attached Remember that you can also fax your SAR-7 directly to your county office or use the dropbox outside most county buildings (available 24/7). The most important thing is getting verification that they received it before your deadline.
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Lourdes Fox
•Thanks for these tips! I tried the cache clearing and file size thing but still having the same issue. My worker never responds to emails so I'm not hopeful about that route. There's a dropbox at the office? I didn't know that was an option! Does it give you some kind of receipt or proof that you submitted?
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Zane Gray
I tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get thru to a real person at the CalWORKs office when I had this exact same problem with my SAR-7. The system keeps u on hold for hours but with Claimyr they got me through to my worker in like 20 mins. My worker told me they could accept my SAR-7 by email even tho the website says not to do that. I sent it directly to her and she confirmed receipt right away. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE - it seriously saved me from having my Cash Aid cut off over a stupid technical error.
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Maggie Martinez
•is this service legit tho?? sounds sketchy... why would they be able to get through when we cant? do they charge for this??
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Alejandro Castro
There's a known issue with the BenefitsCal system right now affecting SAR-7 uploads for some Cash Aid recipients. The problem is related to their January system update. Here's what I know as an advocate working with CalWORKs families: 1. You can submit your SAR-7 in several alternate ways: - FAX it to your county office (be sure to keep the fax confirmation page) - Use the secure dropbox at your county office (take a photo of yourself putting it in as proof) - Mail it with tracking (not recommended given your deadline) - If you email documents, include your case number and a statement about the upload error 2. IMPORTANT: Call your county office immediately and leave a voicemail stating you're having technical issues with SAR-7 submission. This creates a record that you attempted to comply with the deadline. 3. If your benefits get discontinued because of this issue, you have the right to request a fair hearing. The technical error would be considered "good cause" for late reporting. Don't panic - they cannot legally stop your benefits if the system they provide is preventing you from submitting required documents.
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Lourdes Fox
•Thank you so much for this detailed info! I feel much better knowing this is a known issue and not just me doing something wrong. I'll definitely call and leave a voicemail today, and I'll try to get to the dropbox tomorrow during my lunch break. Would taking a picture of my documents and the dropbox be enough proof if there's an issue later?
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Monique Byrd
Just my 2 cents but the BenefitsCal website sucks for EVERYTHING not just SAR-7. last time i tried to report a address change it kept crashing. ended up geting my benefits cut for not reportin on time even tho it was THEIR FAULT. took 3 weeks to fix and get my cash aid back. i'd just go in person if i were u honestly
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Jackie Martinez
•This is why I always print an extra copy of everything I submit and have them stamp it with the date received. I learned that lesson the hard way when they claimed they never got my verification docs even though I uploaded them. The system is designed to make us fail I swear.
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Lourdes Fox
UPDATE: I was finally able to submit my SAR-7! I took the advice about the county dropbox and went during my lunch break. There was actually a worker there helping people at the dropbox who stamped my form with a received date and gave me a receipt! I also left a detailed voicemail for my worker explaining the upload issues I was having with BenefitsCal. Thanks everyone for your help - this community is a lifesaver when dealing with these frustrating CalWORKs issues!
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Alejandro Castro
•That's great news! Always keep that receipt safe until your payment arrives. And document the technical issues you experienced (screenshots, dates/times) in case this happens again. The counties are supposed to be improving the BenefitsCal system throughout 2025, but as we all know, technical "improvements" often lead to more problems before they get better!
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Bruno Simmons
u got lucky they had someone at the dropbox! at my county office the dropbox is just like a mail slot in the wall lol. no receipts or nothing. glad u got ur SAR-7 in on time tho!
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Lourdes Fox
•I was surprised too! Maybe they put someone there because of all the BenefitsCal problems? The lady said they've been getting a lot of complaints about the upload feature not working.
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Sophia Bennett
This is such a helpful thread! I'm new to CalWORKs and had no idea there were so many backup options when the BenefitsCal system fails. I've been stressed about submitting my first SAR-7 next month and was worried about what would happen if I ran into technical issues. Reading about the dropboxes, fax options, and the importance of documenting everything really helps me feel more prepared. It's frustrating that we have to deal with these system problems, but at least now I know I'm not alone and there are workarounds. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions!
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Anna Kerber
•Welcome to CalWORKs! You're definitely not alone in dealing with these system issues. One thing I learned from my recent experience is to always have a backup plan ready before your SAR-7 is due. I'd suggest locating your county office's dropbox and fax number ahead of time, so if BenefitsCal crashes on you like it did to me, you won't be scrambling at the last minute. Also keep your worker's direct contact info handy even though they're slow to respond - having that paper trail of attempted contact really matters if there are any issues later. Good luck with your first SAR-7!
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