CalWORKs application stuck in limbo for weeks - worker never calls back!

Unfortunately this happens all the time, especially in January when they get swamped with new applications after the holidays. Three weeks is definitely pushing it though. You need to try these things: 1. Call the main CalWORKs office number for your county (not just your worker) and ask to speak to a supervisor 2. File for an expedited interview if you have less than $150 in resources and your rent/utilities are more than your current income 3. If you go in person to the office, they legally can't turn you away without at least speaking to someone Remember they have to make a determination within 30 days for CalWORKs and 30 days for CalFresh (or 3 days if you qualify for expedited service). Don't give up!

omg the EXACT same thing is happening to me right now!!!! applied jan 3 and still NOTHING. my worker Ms. Johnson never picks up ever and ive called like 20 times. this system is TRASH. they expect us to submit everything perfectly on time but then they can just ignore us for weeks???? make it make sense 🤬

i was in this situation last year and i found out later my worker was out on medical leave and nobody told me or reassigned my case! try asking if your worker is actually available. sometimes they just have way too many cases and get behind.

have you tried using claimyr.com? it was a lifesaver for me when i was in the same situation. its a service that waits on hold with the county for you and then calls you when a real person picks up. saved me hours of hold time and i finally got answers about my case. they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE worth checking out if youre desperate to reach someone!

Cal works worker here (not your county tho). We're SEVERELY understaffed right now & some workers have 300+ cases. NOT making excuses for your worker not calling back, but just explaining why this happens. Call the main line and ask for the worker of the day or duty worker. They can at least check your status and see if there's anything holding up your application. It might be something simple that can be resolved quickly.

Don't forget that CalFresh and CalWORKs are processed by different departments even though you apply for both at once. Make sure when you call that you specifically ask about both programs. Sometimes one gets approved faster than the other. And if you have zero income currently, definitely mention you need expedited CalFresh - they're required to process those in 3 days.

UPDATE: I FINALLY got through to someone today and found out my worker was waiting for verification from my landlord but never told me!!! They said they sent a letter that I never received. Check your BenefitsCal account to see if they're waiting for something from you - the status might show there even if nobody told you directly.

If all else fails, remember you have the right to request a State Fair Hearing if your application isn't processed within the required timeframe (30 days for regular CalWORKs/CalFresh applications). You can call 1-800-743-8525 to request one. Sometimes just mentioning that you're planning to request a hearing can suddenly make things move much faster.

Hey everyone, I'm new to this community but dealing with a similar situation. Applied for CalWORKs and CalFresh on January 20th and it's been radio silence from my worker too. Reading through all these responses is both frustrating (that this is so common) and helpful (lots of good advice here!). I'm definitely going to try calling the main office line and asking for a supervisor or duty worker like several people suggested. Also going to check my BenefitsCal account more thoroughly - I usually just look at the main status page but sounds like there might be more detailed info buried in there. Quick question for those who've been through this - when you finally did get through to someone, were they able to give you a realistic timeline for when your case would actually be resolved? I'm trying to figure out if I should be preparing for this to drag on for weeks more or if there's hope it could move quickly once I make contact. Thanks for sharing all your experiences - it really helps to know I'm not alone in this mess of a system!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - the uncertainty is the worst part when you're counting on these benefits to make ends meet. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like there are a few solid steps you can take right away: 1. Definitely call the main county office number and ask for the duty worker or supervisor - don't just keep calling your assigned worker who's not responding 2. Check every section of your BenefitsCal account thoroughly - sounds like they sometimes put requests for additional info in there without proper notification 3. Since you're facing immediate financial hardship with rent due soon, specifically ask about expedited processing when you call Also, when you do get through to someone, ask them to document in your case notes that you've been trying to reach your worker for weeks. This creates a paper trail showing you've been cooperative and trying to move things forward. The fact that you submitted everything they requested right away shows you're on top of things - this delay is definitely on their end, not yours. Don't let them make you feel like you did something wrong. Keep pushing and advocating for yourself and your kids. You've got this! 💪