CalWORKs phone interviews never happen at scheduled time - missed my call during work hours
I am SO frustrated with these CalWORKs phone interviews! Got a text 4 days ago saying my interview was scheduled for today at 9am. I arranged my work schedule around it (which wasn't easy), waited until 9:30 with no call, then had to start my shift. Naturally, they called at 10:03 when I couldn't answer! Now I'm panicking because my benefits end 10/31 and they told me to submit my recertification by 10/15. I already submitted my application through BenefitsCal last week. What confuses me is why schedule an interview NOW before I even turned in my renewal application? Shouldn't the interview happen AFTER they receive my application? I've been calling the customer service number for an hour and can't get through to reschedule. Has anyone else dealt with this? Will they automatically reschedule or will my benefits just stop? I can't afford to lose my Cash Aid right now.
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Amina Diallo
same thing happen to me but tey called 2 hrs early when i was in da shower 🙄 county workers dont care bout our schedules
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Paolo Conti
•Did they eventually reschedule you? I'm worried they'll just cut off my benefits without giving me another chance for the interview.
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Oliver Schulz
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.
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Paolo Conti
•Thank you for explaining! That makes more sense. I've been calling all morning but keep getting the automated message saying call volume is too high. Do you know if there's a better time of day to call?
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Natasha Kuznetsova
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
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AstroAdventurer
•does this really work??? im always on hold for like 2 hrs and then get disconnected
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Javier Mendoza
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!!!!
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Emma Wilson
•While it's definitely frustrating, there is a process to resolve missed interviews. The county has interview targets they need to meet, so they actually don't want to miss connections. But they're often understaffed. If you miss an interview, you'll receive a NOMI (Notice of Missed Interview) in the mail, and you have 10 days from that notice to call and reschedule before they take negative action on your case. Always keep documentation of when you call and who you speak with.
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Malik Davis
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.
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Paolo Conti
•Thanks for the suggestion about documenting everything. I've started keeping notes of all my call attempts with times and dates. Finally got through this afternoon and rescheduled for Monday. The worker admitted they're behind schedule with interviews because they're short-staffed.
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Amina Diallo
i hate the whole system its like they trying to make it hard on purpose so u give up
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Isabella Santos
just wondering did u submit ur SAR7 too? cuz thats different from recertification and if u miss that they cut u off no questions
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Paolo Conti
•Yes, I submitted my SAR7 last month - that was processed already. This is specifically for the annual recertification which includes the SAWS2 plus all the verification documents. Thanks for checking though!
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Emma Wilson
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.
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Paolo Conti
•Thank you so much for the detailed advice! I managed to get through this afternoon around 2pm after trying all morning. My interview is rescheduled for Monday at 11am, and I've requested they note that I cannot miss work, so please call at the scheduled time. I have all my verification documents ready to go - paystubs, rent agreement, utility bills, and my child's school enrollment.
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Ruby Knight
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!
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