CalWORKs application stuck in 'Pending' - finally got through by phone and learned what was missing!
Has anyone else spent WEEKS trying to figure out why their CalWORKs application wasn't being processed? My application was stuck on 'Pending' since February 7th with zero updates! I uploaded all my documents on BenefitsCal, got confirmation numbers, everything. After calling 40+ times and getting disconnected, I FINALLY got through to a real person yesterday. Turns out they never received my rental agreement even though I uploaded it twice on the website! The worker said they're having technical issues with BenefitsCal document uploads and told me to mail or fax everything, EVEN if it shows as 'received' online. I sent everything via certified mail today. Just sharing so others don't waste 6 weeks waiting like I did! If your application is stuck, don't trust the online system - call and mail your documents!
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Evelyn Martinez
This happens ALL THE TIME with CalWORKs applications! The online system is honestly a disaster. I had the exact same issue last year - uploaded everything multiple times but they kept saying they were missing documents. The worker finally admitted to me that sometimes documents uploaded to BenefitsCal don't actually transfer to their county systems. For anyone reading this - always keep physical copies of EVERYTHING you submit, get a receipt when you mail or drop off documents, and take names and ID numbers of every worker you speak with. The system is broken and you have to protect yourself.
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Alexander Evans
•Thanks for confirming I'm not the only one! Did they backdate your benefits to when you first applied? The worker mentioned something about this but wasn't clear.
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Benjamin Carter
omg same thing happened to me!! they said they never got my kids birth certificates even tho the website showed they were uploaded?? so frustrating
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Maya Lewis
•They told me this is because the county systems don't always talk to the state systems properly. The workers can't see what we see on BenefitsCal sometimes. Did you have to start a whole new application?
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Isaac Wright
I work with CalWORKs recipients as part of my job, and this is unfortunately a common issue. The BenefitsCal system was supposed to streamline everything, but it's created new problems. Here's what I advise my clients: 1. Always make physical copies of ALL documents before submitting 2. Get a confirmation receipt for anything you mail or submit in person 3. After uploading documents online, wait 3-5 business days then call to confirm receipt 4. If your application status hasn't changed in 10 days, call immediately 5. Request your worker's direct line or email if possible Also important - if you qualify for CalWORKs, you'll likely qualify for CalFresh and Medi-Cal too. Make sure you're applying for all three programs at once to maximize your benefits.
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Alexander Evans
•This is super helpful! No one told me about the 10-day rule. My worker said there's a huge backlog right now because they're short-staffed at our county office.
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Lucy Taylor
I had this exact problem and was about to get evicted cuz my application was pending for so long! I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual person at the county office after trying for weeks on my own. They have this system that holds your place in line and calls you back when a worker is available. Saved me from having to redial 100 times. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE Anyway, turns out they needed ONE more document that nobody told me about. Got it sorted in 20 minutes once I actually spoke to someone.
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Connor Murphy
•does that really work? i've been trying to get through for days about my SAR7 that i submitted last month but nobody answers
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Lucy Taylor
•Yeah it actually does. I was skeptical too but I was desperate after calling for 3 weeks straight. They got me through in about 40 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks. Worth it just to not have to keep redialing over and over.
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KhalilStar
This is why the CalWORKs system is BROKEN!!! I've been fighting with them for months about my WTW hours and every single time I upload documentation it "disappears" from their system. Meanwhile they threaten to cut my benefits because I "didn't submit" the paperwork they requested. I've started taking screenshots of EVERYTHING on BenefitsCal with timestamps as proof. The county workers blame the state system, the state blames the counties, and us families just suffer while they figure it out. 😡
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Evelyn Martinez
•Taking screenshots is smart! I've started doing that too. I also email my worker directly with the screenshots attached as backup when I submit anything important.
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Maya Lewis
Does anyone know if this also applies to the SAR7 form? Mine is due next month and I'm worried about submitting it online now after reading this.
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Isaac Wright
•Yes, this can definitely happen with SAR7 forms too. I recommend submitting your SAR7 online AND taking a physical copy to your county office if possible. Get a date-stamped receipt from them. If you can't go in person, mail it with tracking. The most important thing is to keep proof of submission - the county has to honor your submission date even if their system loses the document, but only if you can prove when you submitted it.
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Benjamin Carter
wait so do we have to mail all our stuff in now? the website doesnt work at all?
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Alexander Evans
•The worker told me we should do both if possible - upload online AND mail it in. She said different counties have different issues with the system. Some documents go through fine, others vanish. It's totally random which is why it's so frustrating!
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Connor Murphy
i had this problem too and it made me miss my interview date because they scheduled it but i never got notified! then they denied my application and i had to start all over again. the whole system is terrible
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KhalilStar
•THIS is exactly why I tell everyone to check their BenefitsCal account DAILY! They'll schedule these interviews and if you miss it, they just deny you. No second chances. They claim they send notices but half the time they don't actually mail them until AFTER the appointment date! It's like they're designed to make us fail.
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Maya Lewis
I'm wondering if anyone knows - when you have to resubmit documents, does that reset your application date? I'm concerned about losing out on retroactive benefits if I have to resubmit everything now.
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Isaac Wright
•Great question! No, resubmitting missing documents should NOT reset your application date. CalWORKs benefits should be paid from the date of your initial application if you're approved, regardless of how long it takes to process due to missing documents. However, you usually have only 30 days to provide requested documents before they might close your application entirely. If that happens, you would need to start over with a new application date. Always ask for a specific deadline when they request additional documents.
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Alexander Evans
UPDATE: I just got a call from my worker - they received my mailed documents and my application is now approved! Benefits will be backdated to my original application date. So relieved this nightmare is finally over. For anyone else dealing with pending applications - keep calling until you get answers!
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Benjamin Carter
•congrats!! how long did it take after you mailed everything in??
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Alexander Evans
•Only 3 business days after they received my mailed documents! Much faster than I expected. The worker said once they have everything they need, the approval can happen quickly - it's just getting all the required documents to the right person that's the challenge.
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Ashley Adams
This is such valuable information, thank you for sharing your experience! I'm currently dealing with a similar situation - my application has been pending for 3 weeks now and I keep getting the runaround when I call. Reading all these comments makes me realize I need to be way more proactive about following up. I'm going to start mailing physical copies of everything today, even though the website says my documents were received. It's frustrating that we have to work around a broken system, but I'm grateful for this community sharing real solutions. Has anyone had success getting through to a supervisor when the regular workers can't help?
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Mateo Gonzalez
•Yes, asking for a supervisor can definitely help! When I was stuck in a similar situation last year, the frontline worker kept giving me conflicting information about what documents I needed. I politely but firmly asked to speak with a supervisor, and she was much more knowledgeable about the system issues. The supervisor actually admitted that they've been having problems with BenefitsCal not syncing properly with their county database for months. She also gave me her direct extension so I could follow up without going through the main phone tree again. Don't be afraid to escalate - you have every right to speak with someone who can actually resolve your issue rather than just taking notes about it!
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