CalWORKs SAR7 renewal problem - case worker only spoke English and I need Spanish help

You definitely need to call them back immediately and request a Spanish-speaking worker. It's your right to have the interview in your preferred language! When you call, try saying "Necesito hablar con alguien en español por favor" right away. Your benefits shouldn't be discontinued just because of a language issue - that would be discrimination. But you do need to act quickly. Call the office that sent you the letter and explain the situation. They should reschedule your SAR7 interview with a Spanish speaker.

omg this happened to my mom last year!!! sooo frustrating! she ended up getting her benefits cut off and it took 3 weeks to fix!! make sure u tell them right away u need spanish and DONT hang up no matter what

This is unfortunately a common issue with CalWORKs renewal interviews. By law, they are required to provide you with language services - either a bilingual worker or an interpreter. Here's what you should do: 1. Call your county office ASAP and explain the situation 2. Specifically request a "language accommodation" for Spanish 3. Ask them to document in your case that you need Spanish services 4. Get the name of whoever you speak with 5. If they say your benefits will be discontinued, ask for a "Good Cause" exemption due to the language barrier Don't wait too long - there's usually a 10-day period to resolve issues before they process a discontinuance. Your SAR7 is critical for continuing your Cash Aid.

ive been on calworks 4 years and they ALWAYS have spanish workers available... u just gotta ask for one!! they cant make u do interview in english if u dont speak it good. call back and just keep saying ESPAÑOL until they transfer u. the system is annoying but they cant deny u benefits just cuz of language!!

Call them back immediately and explain what happened. I've found it's nearly impossible to get through on the main CalWORKs line. When I needed to reach someone quickly about my SAR7 issue, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it got me through to an actual person in under 5 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE Once you get through, immediately ask for a Spanish speaker. The county MUST provide services in your language - it's the law in California. Explain that you answered their call but couldn't understand the worker. They should reschedule your interview with a Spanish-speaking worker. Don't wait or your benefits might get cut off!

You need to call the Customer Service Center and DEMAND a Spanish speaking worker. It's your RIGHT! They can't expect you to do important benefit paperwork in a language you don't understand! I'd also file a complaint because this is unacceptable. They should have checked your file and seen you need Spanish services. This is the kind of nonsense the county pulls to try to kick people off benefits!!!!

I work as a community advocate (not for the county) and help people with CalWORKs issues. This happens too often, unfortunately. Here's what you need to know: 1. Call the county office that handles your case immediately 2. When the automated system answers, press whatever option is for Spanish if available 3. When you reach a person, clearly state you need a Spanish speaker for your SAR7 interview 4. Explain that you had an interview but it was conducted in English, which you don't understand 5. Request a "reasonable accommodation" for language assistance (this exact phrase helps) 6. Ask them to note in your file permanently that you need Spanish services If they tell you that you missed your interview and might lose benefits, explain that you DID answer the call but couldn't participate due to the language barrier. Request what's called "Good Cause" for not completing the interview. Language access is your right! Don't let them discontinue your Cash Aid over this.

Try going in person to the office if you can. Sometimes that's the only way to get problems fixed with CalWORKs. Bring a Spanish-speaking friend or family member if possible. And bring your SAR7 form and any letters they sent you. The workers at the front desk can usually find someone who speaks Spanish to help you. It's better than spending hours on the phone getting nowhere.