CalWORKs benefits suspended for 3+ months during recertification - can't reach anyone!

same thing happened 2 me last year got stuck in recert hell for almost 4 months!! they kept saying they needed more verification but never told me what exactly?? ended up having to go physically stand in line at 5am to get seen... total bs

I'm so sorry you're going through this. The recertification backlog is especially bad right now after the system update they did in November. A few things to try: 1) File for an administrative hearing immediately - this often gets attention faster than regular channels. You can request this through BenefitsCal or call the state hearing division at 1-800-743-8525. 2) Contact your county Board of Supervisors office - they can sometimes expedite cases that have been pending too long. 3) Specifically ask for "immediate need" assistance when you go in person, as this requires them to address your case within 3 working days if you have no income. 4) Make sure all your verification documents are uploaded to BenefitsCal AND bring physical copies when you go in. Don't give up! They legally have to process your recertification, and you should receive retroactive benefits for any months you were eligible.

This is absolutley CLASSIC CalWORKs behavior!!! They WANT you to give up so they dont have to pay you. My sister had her benefits cut off during recert and when she FINALLY got through 2 months later they claimed they "never received" her SAR7 even though she had the receipt from when she dropped it off!!! The system is DESIGNED to be impossible to navigate and they know it. Don't let them win!!

Have you tried calling right when they open? I had a similar issue with my CalWORKs recertification and I found if I called exactly at 8:00am, I had better luck getting through. Also, I discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually calls the office for you and then connects you once a real person answers! Saved me from hours of hold time. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE Also, write down the name of ANYONE you talk to, even if it's just the receptionist. Having names gives you leverage when you have to follow up.

I deal with this situation frequently with clients. Here's what you need to know: if your recertification was submitted on time (even if they claim documents were missing), you should receive "aid paid pending" until they make a determination. This means your benefits continue while they process your recertification. Call the main line and specifically request to speak with a supervisor about "aid paid pending" for your recertification. Be clear that you submitted everything on time and have had no formal denial notice. Also request an "expedited benefit determination" due to hardship. If they don't resolve this within 48 hours, contact your county's Department of Social Services Ombudsman office. They have authority to intervene in delayed cases.

try the local legal aid office? they helped my cousin when her calworks got stopped for no reason they have lawyers who deal w this stuff for free

I understand your frustration completely. I'd recommend documenting everything meticulously from this point forward. When you call, note the time, date and reference number. When you go in person, ask for something in writing confirming you were there seeking assistance with your recertification. One often-overlooked approach is contacting your state assembly member's office. Their constituent services staff can often work wonders with benefits issues. Google "[your county] state assembly member" and call their district office. Also, make sure you understand what specific documents they need. Sometimes the hold-up is something simple like missing a particular verification that wasn't clearly communicated. Check your BenefitsCal account for any notices showing what might be missing.

just so u know when they finally fix it they OWE U all the money from the months they didnt pay!!! dont let them tell u different!!! my friend had 6 months of back benefits when they finally fixed her case and she got like $4800 all at once! make sure they pay u for EVERY month u were eligible!!!