CalWORKs approval timeline after sending verification documents - anyone know how long after CalFresh?

CalWORKs typically takes longer than CalFresh even after verification. When I applied in 2024, my CalFresh was approved in 3 days but CalWORKs took about 14 days after they received all my verification docs. They have up to 45 days from your application date to make a decision, but most counties process it faster once they have everything they need. If your verification was complete and properly submitted, you might hear back within 7-10 business days. Since you submitted through BenefitsCal, you can check your account for status updates. The "Tasks" section should show if they received your documents. By any chance, do you remember what 2 verification items they needed? Sometimes certain documents (like child support cooperation or WTW forms) might require additional processing time.

i got calworks lke 3 days after calfresh last year but my cousin waited like 3 weeks so it depends on ur county an how busy they r. holiday weekends make everything take longer lol. check ur benifitscal messages cause sometimes they send stuff there an dont call

The CalWORKs process is definitely more involved than CalFresh. Since you already provided the verification they requested, your application is likely in the review queue. Here's what typically happens next: 1. They'll review your income, resources, and household composition 2. They may schedule a phone interview if they haven't already done one 3. They'll determine your WTW (Welfare to Work) requirements 4. They'll calculate your benefit amount The 45-day processing time is the maximum, but most counties try to process complete applications within 2-3 weeks. Since you already have CalFresh approval, they have most of your information verified. One thing that could help: call the CalWORKs customer service line first thing tomorrow morning. They can confirm if your documents were received and tell you if anything else is needed. Ask for an estimated timeline while you have them on the phone. Make sure to mention your rent situation - sometimes they can expedite if there's an urgent housing need.

The phone lines are absolutely impossible right now. I was in your exact situation last month - CalFresh approved quickly but CalWORKs took 3 full weeks after I submitted my final verification docs. I spent HOURS trying to get through to check on status. After getting disconnected like 6 times, I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a live person in about 15 minutes. They basically wait on hold for you and call you when a rep picks up. Saved me so much frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE that shows how it works. Once I actually got through to someone, they told me my application was just sitting in someone's queue and they were able to push it through that same day. Definitely worth trying to reach someone directly!

I HATE THE SYSTEM SO MUCH!!! Why does it take them 10 minutes to approve CalFresh but WEEKS for CalWORKs when it's all going through the same department?? Makes NO SENSE! When I applied last year they made me wait 41 days - yes I counted EVERY SINGLE DAY - and then had the nerve to tell me one of my documents expired while I was waiting for THEM to do their job so I had to submit it AGAIN!!!! They don't care that we have rent and bills due. They'll take their sweet time while we're panicking about getting evicted. And don't count on getting through on the phone - that's a joke. The whole system is designed to wear you down so you'll give up. My advice? Go physically into the office if you can. It's the ONLY way to get answers sometimes. Bring all your original documents with you just in case.

In my experience working with families in the CalWORKs system, the approval timeline really depends on a few factors: 1. How complete your application and verification documents are 2. Your county's current workload 3. Whether you need an additional interview 4. If there are any special circumstances they need to evaluate Since you already have CalFresh approval and submitted the required verification documents promptly, I'd expect you'd hear back within 10-14 calendar days (not including the holiday). The fact that they only asked for two documents is a good sign - sometimes they request much more. For your rent concerns, ask about the Immediate Need payment when you call. If you're facing an emergency situation (like potential eviction), you might qualify for an expedited payment of up to $200 while your regular application is being processed. Not everyone knows about this option!

Yes, there is a specific form for the Immediate Need payment - it's called the CW 4 form (Immediate Need Determination). You can download it from the CDSS website or ask for it when you call. Regarding your WTW question from earlier - the WTW orientation and plan development usually happen AFTER your CalWORKs is approved, not before. So that shouldn't delay your initial approval. They'll schedule those appointments once your benefits start. One other thing to keep in mind - once approved, your first payment will include benefits retroactive to your application date. So even if it takes a couple more weeks, you'll get payment for the time you've been waiting (assuming you meet all eligibility requirements during that period).

i was in riverside county when i got approved fast. LA county is way bigger so probably takes longer tbh. my sister in law is in LA and waited like 3 weeks i think

u might get lucky!! my worker told me they try to process everything faster now cuz they got in trouble for taking too long before. i got approved in 9 days last month but my friend waited almost a month so its really hit or miss. fingers crossed for u!!