CalWORKs phone interviews never happen at scheduled time - missed my call during work hours

same thing happen to me but tey called 2 hrs early when i was in da shower 🙄 county workers dont care bout our schedules

The system is really frustrating but I can explain what's happening. They schedule interviews before the 15th because they need time to process your recertification before the 31st. Your text appointment was actually for your recertification interview, not for a new application. They should send you a notice of missed interview (NOMI) and you'll have 10 days to contact them to reschedule. Your benefits won't stop immediately as long as you complete the interview before the end of the month. But don't wait for the NOMI - keep trying to call them to reschedule ASAP. Make sure your SAR7 and recertification forms are complete with all required verification documents. This will speed things up when you do get your interview.

Try using Claimyr to get through to CalWORKs! I was in the exact same situation last month - missed my interview because they called an hour late when I was already at work. I spent days trying to get through on my own with no luck. Then someone told me about claimyr.com and it actually worked! They have this system that calls for you and gets you through to a real person. Saved me from losing my benefits. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE

They do this ALL THE TIME!!! I've NEVER had them call me at the actual appointment time in 3 years on CalWORKs!!! It's either super early or way late. And guess what happens when YOU miss the call? They act like it's all your fault and make it so hard to reschedule! But if THEY miss calling at the right time it's just "oh well too bad" for us. The whole system is designed to trip people up so they can deny benefits!!!!

This happened to me during my last recert. The worker called 45 mins late when I had already left for work. I called back and left a message with my case number explaining I was at my appointment time but they weren't. Got lucky and my worker called me the next day and we did the interview. Make sure to document everything - what time they were supposed to call, what time they actually called, and all your attempts to reach them. If they try to discontinue you, you can file for a state hearing.

i hate the whole system its like they trying to make it hard on purpose so u give up

just wondering did u submit ur SAR7 too? cuz thats different from recertification and if u miss that they cut u off no questions

To directly answer your questions: 1. Yes, they will reschedule your interview. You won't lose benefits just because you missed ONE call, especially if they called outside the scheduled time. 2. The interview is actually part of your recertification process, not for a new application. Your current certification period is ending 10/31, and they need to complete your interview before then. 3. Call them as early as possible in the morning (right when they open at 8am). That's when call volume is lowest. 4. Make sure all your income verification, rent/housing costs, and any other required documents are ready for your rescheduled interview. 5. If they don't reschedule soon, you can request an expedited interview by explaining your benefits will lapse at the end of the month. If you have trouble getting through on the main line, try calling your assigned worker directly if you have their extension. Also check if your county has an online portal where you can request a callback.

That's great that you got rescheduled! Just a heads up - when they call on Monday, have your case number ready and be prepared to go through your entire household situation again. They'll ask about income, expenses, household composition, and any changes since your last certification. The interview usually takes 15-30 minutes. If they try to rush you or if the call quality is bad, don't hesitate to ask them to slow down or repeat questions. You have the right to understand everything they're asking before you answer. Good luck with your Monday interview!

I'm new to CalWORKs and just reading through this thread because I'm terrified the same thing will happen to me! I have my first interview scheduled for next week and I work retail with a really strict manager who doesn't understand government stuff. Can I ask them to schedule my interview for a specific time that works better with my schedule, or do I just have to take whatever time they give me? Also, if I explain my work situation upfront, are they more likely to actually call on time? This whole process is so stressful when you're already struggling financially.

I'm dealing with something similar right now! I've been on CalWORKs for about 8 months and this is my third time having interview scheduling issues. What I've learned is to always call the main number first thing in the morning (like 8:05 AM) and if you can't get through, try calling back every 30 minutes. One trick that worked for me last time - when I finally got through to reschedule, I asked the worker to put a note in my case file that I work specific hours and requested they call within a 15-minute window of the scheduled time. It actually helped! They called right on time for my rescheduled interview. Also, don't panic about the October 31st deadline. As long as you get your interview done before then and all your paperwork is in order, your benefits should continue. The system is frustrating but they do try to work with you if you're persistent about following up. Hope you get through soon!

I've been on CalWORKs for about 2 years and this exact scenario has happened to me at least 4 times! It's like they have a different definition of "scheduled time" than the rest of us. What I've found helpful is immediately calling back when you miss their call and leaving a detailed voicemail with your case number, the scheduled time vs when they actually called, and your availability for a makeup interview. Don't just wait for them to call you back. Also, if you have a smartphone, screenshot that original text message with the 9am time - that's your proof that you were available at the correct time if they try to blame you for missing the interview. I learned this the hard way after they tried to say I was a "no show" when they called 2 hours late. Keep trying to get through on the phone, but also consider going to your local office in person if the phone lines stay jammed. Sometimes showing up physically gets faster results than waiting on hold for hours. You've got this - don't let them intimidate you into thinking you did something wrong!

I feel your frustration! I'm relatively new to CalWORKs (about 6 months) and had a similar experience with my first recertification interview. They scheduled me for 2pm, I took time off work, and they called at 3:45pm when I was already back at my job. What helped me was calling the customer service line right at 8am the next morning - I got through in about 10 minutes instead of waiting hours. When I explained the situation, the worker was actually pretty understanding and rescheduled me for the following day. She also put a note in my file about my work schedule. One thing I learned is that you can also try calling your county's main CalWORKs office directly instead of just the general customer service number - sometimes those lines are less busy. Also, if you have your worker's direct extension from any previous paperwork, try calling that too. Don't stress too much about the October 31st deadline - as long as you complete your interview before then, your benefits should continue. The system is definitely broken when it comes to scheduling, but they do want to help people maintain their benefits once you're in the system. You'll get through this!

This whole thread is so helpful! I'm currently dealing with CalWORKs for the first time and was dreading the interview process, but reading everyone's experiences and tips makes me feel more prepared. It's frustrating that the system seems so disorganized with scheduling, but it's reassuring to know that they will work with you to reschedule if you're persistent. I especially appreciate the advice about calling right at 8am, documenting everything, and asking them to put notes in your case file about your work schedule. I'm going to screenshot all these tips before my interview next month. It's unfortunate that we have to become experts at navigating bureaucracy just to access basic assistance, but at least we have communities like this to share strategies and support each other through the process. Paolo, I hope your Monday interview goes smoothly and you get your benefits sorted out before the deadline!

I'm going through my first CalWORKs recertification right now and this thread has been so eye-opening! I had no idea the scheduling issues were this common - I thought it was just bad luck when they called me 20 minutes early last week while I was still commuting to work. Thankfully I was able to answer from the bus, but the connection was terrible and we had to reschedule anyway. Reading everyone's strategies here is really helpful, especially the tip about calling right at 8am and asking them to put notes in your case file about your availability. I'm also going to start screenshotting those appointment texts as documentation - that's brilliant! It's frustrating that we have to work so hard just to access benefits we qualify for, but I'm grateful for communities like this where people share real solutions. Paolo, hoping your Monday interview goes perfectly and you get everything sorted before your deadline!

I'm dealing with my first CalWORKs recertification and honestly feeling overwhelmed by all the scheduling chaos everyone's describing! It's crazy that missed/late calls seem to be the norm rather than the exception. One thing I'm wondering - has anyone tried asking for email confirmations of their rescheduled appointments? Like, I know they send those initial text messages, but after you reschedule over the phone, do they send any written confirmation? I'm paranoid about another miscommunication happening and want to have as much documentation as possible. Also, for those who've been through multiple recertifications - is there any way to request the same worker for future interviews? It seems like building a relationship with one person might help avoid some of these scheduling mix-ups, especially if they already know your work situation and availability. Paolo, really hoping your Monday interview goes smoothly! This whole thread has been such a lifesaver for understanding what to expect and how to navigate the system.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - it's incredibly frustrating when the system fails you like that! I've been on CalWORKs for about a year now and have experienced similar scheduling nightmares. The fact that you arranged your work schedule around their appointment time and they still called over an hour late is completely unacceptable. Here's what I've learned from my own experiences: First, keep calling that customer service line - try early morning (right at 8am) or late afternoon around 4pm when call volumes tend to be lower. When you do get through, be very clear that THEY missed the scheduled time, not you. Ask them to put a note in your case file documenting that you were available at 9am as scheduled but they called at 10:03. Don't panic about your benefits ending - they will reschedule you, and as long as you complete the interview before 10/31, your benefits should continue. The interview is part of your recertification process, which is why it's happening now even though you just submitted your application. One tip that's helped me: when you reschedule, ask them to put specific notes about your work hours in your case file so future workers know your availability constraints. Also screenshot or save that original 9am appointment text - it's proof you were prepared to take their call at the scheduled time. You're doing everything right by staying on top of this. The system is broken, but you'll get through it!

This is such a common problem and it's so frustrating! I've been dealing with CalWORKs for about 6 months now and the scheduling issues seem to be getting worse, not better. What really bothers me is how they expect us to be completely flexible with our schedules while they can't even stick to the times THEY set. One thing that helped me when this happened during my last recertification - I called back immediately after they missed their scheduled time and left a very detailed voicemail explaining exactly what happened. I included my case number, the original scheduled time, when they actually called, and emphasized that I had arranged my work schedule around THEIR appointment. When the worker called me back the next day, she was actually apologetic and said she could see from my case notes that I had been responsive to all previous appointments. Keep documentation of everything - the original text, your attempts to call back, even write down the times you tried calling customer service. If they try to give you any trouble about this being a "missed appointment" on your part, you'll have proof that you did everything right. The system is definitely designed to be confusing and make people give up, but don't let them discourage you. You've got this! And this community is proof that we can help each other navigate these ridiculous bureaucratic obstacles.