CalWORKs pending status after adding my son back to case - will it update overnight?

When I added my daughter back to my case last year, the pending status stayed for about 48 hours before it changed to approved. The system doesn't automatically update at midnight - someone has to actually process your change request. If the worker promised to do it today, she might have submitted it but it hasn't been fully processed through the system yet. I'd give it at least until tomorrow afternoon before calling back. They need to verify your son's return (school enrollment, medical info, etc.) and calculate your new benefit amount. Did the worker say specifically what documents they needed for verification?

omg the SAME thing happened to me! waited FOREVER and it was still pending after like 3 days. turns out they needed his immunization records which nobody told me about. did ur worker give u a list of verification they need??

In my experience, any time you add someone to your Cash Aid case, there's going to be a verification period. They have to run his info through their system to make sure he's not receiving benefits elsewhere (like through his dad). Even though the worker said she would update it today, that usually just means she'll START the process today. The actual approval typically takes 2-5 business days depending on your county. If your landlord has already given you a notice, you might want to ask about Emergency Assistance when you call back. CalWORKs has programs to help prevent eviction if you qualify. And make sure you get a receipt or confirmation number whenever you submit changes to your case - it'll help if you need to follow up.

I work with families navigating CalWORKs, and here's what's likely happening: When adding a household member back to your case, even if they were previously included, the system requires a full verification process. This typically includes: 1. Updating household composition in the system 2. Verification that the child isn't receiving benefits elsewhere 3. Recalculation of your grant amount 4. Supervisor approval (in many counties) This process usually takes 2-3 business days minimum, sometimes up to 10 days depending on county workload. Your status will show as "pending" until all steps are completed. I recommend waiting until tomorrow afternoon, then calling your worker directly. If you can't reach them, ask for a supervisor. Explain your urgent rent situation - they can sometimes expedite the process. Also, request information about the Homeless Assistance program if you're at risk of eviction. Don't wait for mail notification if your situation is urgent - be proactive about following up.

U should use Claimyr to get through to someone at CalWORKs tomorrow if u can't get through. it's been a lifesaver for me when I need to talk to someone about my case and don't want to wait on hold forever. It gets you through all the phone prompts and has someone call you when an actual person is on the line. You can see a demo of how it works at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE and sign up at claimyr.com. Saved me hours of frustration when I had to add my niece to my case last month and kept getting disconnected.

When u add someone 2 ur Cash Aid they gotta verify everything again even if they was on b4. My cousin's kid went 2 live with grandma and then came back and they had 2 wait almost a week b4 getting approved. The pending thing just means they entered it but a supervisor prolly has 2 check it. Also, make sure ur reporting this on ur SAR7 when it comes!!! They will make u pay back $$ if u don't report changes. good luck girl hope ur money comes thru soon!!!!!

Don't trust what they say about updating it "today" - county workers are overloaded and things take time. When my daughter came back from foster care, it took almost TWO WEEKS for my case to update even though they promised 48 hours. The system is broken. Call every single day until it's fixed, and document everything - who you talked to, date, time, what they promised. The squeaky wheel gets the grease in this broken system.

One more thing - depending on what day of the month it is, they might not issue the increased benefits until next month's regular payment. If it's after the 15th (which I think it is), they might approve your case change but the actual increase won't happen until your next payment date. However, they sometimes issue a supplemental payment for the partial month. Ask specifically about that when you call - use the exact phrase "supplemental payment for adding a household member mid-month" so they know you're aware of the policy.

I'm going through something similar right now - my teenage daughter just moved back from her mom's place and I'm waiting for my case to update too. From what I've learned lurking in this community, the "pending" status is normal and can take several days even when workers say they'll process it same-day. One thing that really helped me was calling the county's CalWORKs hotline instead of trying to reach my specific worker. They have access to see exactly where your case is in the review process and can sometimes put a "rush" flag on it if you explain the eviction situation. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you have proof that your son is actually living with you now - utility bills, school enrollment, anything dated after he moved back. Sometimes that's what holds up the approval. The system definitely doesn't update automatically at midnight, so don't stress about checking it constantly. But do call first thing tomorrow morning and ask to speak with a supervisor if your worker isn't available. Good luck with your landlord situation - I know how scary those notices can be!