CalWORKs approval timeline after submitting all verification documents?

mine took 4 weeks after turning in my last verification doc. workers r so backed up rn. dont stress yet, ull get retroactive payment from date of application anyway

The standard processing time for CalWORKs applications is 45 days from the date you first applied. Even if you've submitted all required verification, it can take some time for workers to review everything and make an eligibility determination. That said, in my experience, most applications are processed within 30 days if all documentation is complete. A few things that might help: 1. Check if you qualified for Immediate Need (if you have less than $100 and urgent needs) 2. Make sure your SAR7 form is up to date if this isn't your initial application 3. If your utilities are at risk of disconnection, mention this specifically when you reach out Have you tried visiting the office in person? Sometimes that's more effective than calling.

I submitted my final verification document on Feb 3, 2025, and received approval on Feb 21 - so it took 18 days for me. HOWEVER, this varies WILDLY depending on your county and current workload. Some counties are processing in 7-10 days while others are taking the full 45 days. What worked for me was using this service called Claimyr to actually get through to a real person at the county office. You know how the phone lines are always busy or they put you on hold forever and then disconnect you? This service calls for you, waits on hold, and then connects you when there's a real person on the line. I was skeptical but watched their video demo (https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE) and it actually worked. Got through to my worker who told me exactly what was happening with my case. Saved me so much stress. You should definitely be proactive since the 45-day processing deadline is approaching.

3 weeks isn't bad tbh. Mine took 43 days AFTER they had all my stuff. Then another 2 weeks for my EBT card to arrive. The system is a joke. They expect us to submit everything instantly but then take their sweet time processing. Same with WTW assignments - miss one appointment and they threaten to sanction you, but they can take months to approve childcare assistance!

Waiting for my CalWorks application to process was so stressful. I turned in my final verification (childcare expenses) on December 12 and got approved January 8, so about 4 weeks. BUT! I found out later they weren't actually waiting on anything - my case was just sitting there. When I finally got through to someone, they processed it that same day. Do you know if your case is assigned to a specific worker? Ask for their direct number or extension. Also, if you're really struggling, ask about emergency assistance while waiting for approval. I didn't know about that option until it was too late.

i applied in novemeber and got aproved in december but i only got benefits starting in january? someone told me they are suposed to give you money from when you applied not when they aproved you?? did anyone else get retroactive payments or did I get cheated

I'm in Los Angeles County and it took exactly 45 days from my application date to get approved, which was about 3 weeks after I submitted my final document (child support cooperation form). What helped me was documenting EVERYTHING. Every time I called, I wrote down the date, time, who I spoke with (or if I couldn't get through). Every document I submitted, I got a receipt or took a photo of it at the office. If you reach the 45-day mark and still don't have an answer, you can request a State Hearing. Sometimes just mentioning that you'll need to file for a hearing lights a fire under them. Has anyone gotten approved faster than 45 days recently? I feel like processing times are getting worse everywhere??

UPDATE: I went to the office in person this morning and waited 2.5 hours, but finally got to speak with someone! Turns out my application was approved a week ago but the notice got lost in the mail. My EBT card is being processed and should arrive within 7 days. They're also going to expedite my first payment due to my utility situation. Thanks everyone for your advice and support!

So glad you got this resolved! Going in person really does make a difference - I've had similar experiences where things were approved but notices got lost. For future reference, you can also check your case status online through the county's self-service portal (if your county has one) or by calling the automated phone line which sometimes has more updated info than BenefitsCal. The fact that they're expediting your first payment due to utilities is awesome - not all workers are willing to do that. Make sure to keep all your documentation organized for your ongoing reporting requirements. Welcome to the CalWORKs family and hope things get easier for you and your kids from here!

Emma, I'm so happy to see your update! What a relief that your application was already approved and it was just a mail issue. This is such a perfect example of why this community is so valuable - you got advice from people who've been through the exact same situation, and it led you to take action that got results. Going in person really does work, even though it's a pain with kids and transportation. Your story will definitely help other people who are in that same stressful waiting period. Congratulations and I hope your EBT card arrives quickly!

Emma, I'm so relieved to read your update! This is exactly why I always tell people to go in person when possible - the system has so many communication breakdowns but face-to-face contact usually gets results. It's ridiculous that your approval was sitting there for a week while you were stressing about it, but at least you got it sorted out. For anyone else reading this who's in a similar situation, Emma's experience shows that the 3-week mark is actually pretty reasonable for processing time. Don't panic if you're at that point - but definitely be proactive about following up, especially if you're approaching the 45-day deadline. Also want to echo what others said about documenting everything and asking about emergency assistance if you're really struggling while waiting. The system isn't perfect but there are resources available if you know to ask for them. Hope your EBT card arrives quickly and things get easier from here!

Emma, congratulations on getting your approval! What a relief that must be after all that stress and uncertainty. Your experience really highlights how important it is to advocate for yourself in this system - sitting at home waiting and calling busy phone lines wasn't getting you anywhere, but taking that 2.5 hour trip to the office with your kids got immediate results. I'm going through my first CalWORKs application right now too, and reading everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful. It's frustrating that the system puts families through so much unnecessary stress with poor communication, but threads like this show how valuable it is to have a community where we can share real experiences and advice. Your story gives me hope that persistence really does pay off, even when the process feels overwhelming. Hope your EBT card arrives quickly and things get much easier for you and your kids!

Emma, what an amazing update! I'm so relieved for you and your kids - that waiting period is absolutely brutal when you're worried about utilities and basic needs. It's infuriating that your approval was sitting there for a week while you were stressed out, but I'm glad the in-person visit finally got results. Your experience is such a perfect example of why we need communities like this. Everyone's advice about going in person, documenting everything, and knowing your rights really made a difference. The fact that they're expediting your payment due to the utility situation is fantastic - not all workers go the extra mile like that. For anyone else reading who's in a similar waiting period, Emma's story shows that 3 weeks after submitting final docs is actually pretty normal, but definitely don't just sit and wait if you're struggling. Be proactive, go in person if possible, and don't be afraid to advocate for emergency assistance. Congratulations Emma! I hope your EBT card arrives quickly and this is the start of things getting much easier for your family. Thanks for updating us - success stories like yours give hope to everyone else going through this stressful process!

Emma, I'm so thrilled to see your update! What a huge relief that your application was already approved - though I can only imagine how frustrating it must have been to discover it was just sitting there for a week while you were stressing out. Your decision to go in person despite all the challenges really paid off, and it's wonderful that they're expediting your first payment due to your utility situation. As someone new to this community, I've learned so much from reading through this entire thread. The advice everyone shared about documenting everything, knowing about emergency assistance, and understanding the 45-day timeline has been invaluable. It's really unfortunate that families have to become experts in navigating bureaucracy just to access basic support, but seeing how this community comes together to share real experiences and lift each other up is truly inspiring. Your story gives hope to everyone else who might be in that same nerve-wracking waiting period. Thank you for taking the time to update us - success stories like yours make such a difference for people who are struggling through this process. I hope your EBT card arrives quickly and things continue to get easier for you and your kids!