CalWORKs discontinued over allegedly incomplete SAR7 - called 6 times but no resolution

This exact thing happened to me last year. The system is broken. They kept telling me my SAR7 was incomplete but couldn't tell me WHAT was missing. Every worker gave different answers. You need to immediately request a State Hearing - don't wait! You only have 90 days from the Notice of Action date to request it. Call the State Hearing Division at 1-800-743-8525 or request it online. Also, ask for "aid paid pending" which means they have to continue your benefits while waiting for the hearing if you request it within 10 days of the notice date. Though it might be too late for that part.

omg the same thing happened to my sister!! they kept saying her SAR7 was missing something but nobody could tell her what. she ended up havitng to go physically to the office and wait ALL DAY but finnaly got someone who fixed it. bring all ur paperwork!!

Could your SAR7 have been late?? Sometimes they say "incomplete" when actually they mean it was turned in after the deadline. Then you have to do a restoration request instead of just fixing the SAR7. Ask specifically if the system shows it was RECEIVED by the deadline (5th of the submit month). If it was even ONE day late they can cut you off.

I've worked in the system (not for CalWORKs directly but close enough) and these situations are exactly why Claimyr exists. It sounds like you're hitting the email black hole. When workers email each other, there's often no tracking or urgency. Try using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual supervisor DIRECTLY without the regular phone tree. Their service places you on priority callback lists so you don't waste hours on hold. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE At this point, you need to speak to a supervisor or manager, not just regular workers who make promises to email someone else.

I recommend doing THREE things immediately: 1) File for a state hearing as others mentioned - call 1-800-743-8525 or do it online through cdss.ca.gov/hearing-requests. This creates a formal record of your dispute. 2) Contact your county Board of Supervisors office. Each county has elected supervisors who can often intervene in these situations. Google "[your county] Board of Supervisors constituent services" and explain your situation to their staff. 3) Go in person with ALL documentation: the SAR7 copy, the discontinuance notice, proof of submission (email confirmation), and any other relevant paperwork. Ask for a supervisor immediately - don't waste time with front desk staff. Also important: if you get your benefits reinstated, make sure they backdate it to December 1st so you receive the benefits you missed during this period. They should issue those as supplemental payments.

There's a glitch in the system right now with SAR7s that were submitted through BenefitsCal!!! My worker told me this is happening to lots of people. Something about the system not properly transferring all the info to the county systems even though it looks complete on BenefitsCal. The system shows it as "received" but then flags it as incomplete for the workers. My worker had to manually override it in her system. Keep pushing to speak to someone who knows about this specific issue!

They did this to me and I found out they were saying a signature was missing but THE SIGNATURE WAS CLEARLY THERE when I looked at my saved copy!! They just didn't look at the second page!!! ALWAYS SAVE COPIES OF EVERYTHING YOU SUBMIT!!!

After reading your responses to others, I strongly suggest mentioning the BenefitsCal system glitch specifically when you reach someone with authority. Ask if they can check if your SAR7 is showing as "received but incomplete" in their system despite being complete in BenefitsCal. This is a known issue they should be aware of. Also, remind them that California regulations require them to contact you before discontinuing benefits if there was a question about your SAR7. They should have called or sent a form asking for the specific missing information. If they didn't do this (sounds like they didn't), mention it in your state hearing request as it strengthens your case.

just wanna say im so sorry ur going thru this. the system is BROKEN. i had to apply 3 times before they even processed my application right. hang in there and be persistent!!