CalWORKs case disappeared during recertification - system asking me to start new application

same thing happnd to me last month! freaked me out too but turned out to be a glitch in benefitscal. my case was still active when i called.

This is actually a known issue with BenefitsCal during recertification periods. Your case isn't really gone - it's still in the county's actual system (CalSAWS). What's happening is a technical problem with how BenefitsCal displays cases that are in active recertification status. Don't start a new application! That could actually create problems and delay your benefits. Instead, you need to call your county office directly and let them know what's happening. They can confirm your recertification is still being processed and that your case is active. If you've already submitted your recertification paperwork (SAR7 form and any verification documents they requested), your benefits should continue without interruption even though the website is showing this error.

DONT TRUST THE WEBSITE!!! This happend to me TWICE during recerts and the county workers act like its no big deal. One time I DID apply again like it said and ended up with TWO cases and had to spend MONTHS fixing it because they said I committed fraud by having 2 applications!!! The system is DESIGNED to get people kicked off benefits!!!

I just wanna add that sometimes your case can disappear if you missed something important. Did you get any notice in the mail about missing verification? I thought my case got deleted once but actually turns out they sent me a request for additional documents that I missed and they discontinued me.

This happens frequently during recertification periods. Your case is likely still active in the county's system (CalSAWS), but the BenefitsCal portal is having display issues. Here's what you need to do: 1. Don't create a new application - this will complicate things 2. Call your county worker directly to confirm your recertification status 3. Ask them to check if they've received your SAR7 and verification documents 4. If they haven't scheduled your recertification interview yet, request one 5. Document the call (date, time, who you spoke with) Keep in mind that even if your recertification isn't processed by May 1st, you should still receive your benefits if you submitted everything on time. They have to give you a 10-day notice before discontinuing benefits, and there's a grace period for submitting recertification documents.

I had this exact problem trying to reach someone about my recertification last month when the system was showing my case disappeared. After spending three days trying to get through on the county line, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real worker in about 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE It was worth it because the worker confirmed my case was still active and that the website glitch wasn't affecting my benefits. She even helped me schedule my recert interview right then instead of waiting for them to call me. Definitely beats sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected!

ok so i work in a community org that helps ppl with calworks and this is super common with BenefitsCal. the county and state systems dont talk to each other right. but here's what u need to know - as long as u submitted ur SAR7 before the due date ur benefits have to continue even if they havent processed it yet. its the law. so dont panic and DONT start a new application!!!!

UPDATE: I finally got through to a worker! She confirmed my case is still active and the recertification is in process. She said they're having major issues with BenefitsCal showing cases as missing during recertification. My interview is scheduled for next Monday. Thank you all for the help and keeping me from panicking and starting a new application!