< Back to CalWorks

CosmicCadet

CalWORKs reapplication timeline after case closure due to late income verification?

So I messed up big time. I got busy with my kids' school stuff and completely forgot to send in my pay stubs for my CalWORKs redetermination. By the time I realized what happened, they had already closed my case (got that lovely discontinuance notice in the mail). I reapplied through BenefitsCal last Thursday, but I'm freaking out because my rent is due in 2 weeks and I was counting on that cash aid. Has anyone gone through having to reapply after a case closure? How long did it take for them to process your application and get benefits started again? Did they expedite it since they already had most of your info in the system? I have 2 kids depending on this money and I'm seriously stressing. Already tried calling but got stuck in the automated system for 40 minutes before getting disconnected.

same thing happened to me back in january!!!! took them exactly 30 days to approve me again which is the maximum time they r allowed to take. so frustrating bcuz they already had all my info! good luck

0 coins

30 days?! That's what I'm afraid of. Did you have to do another interview or anything? I'm hoping maybe they'll process it faster since I just had an annual redetermination interview like 2 months ago...

0 coins

When your CalWORKs case is discontinued for late verification and you reapply, they technically have up to 30 days to process the new application. However, in my experience working with families in your situation, it often moves faster than a brand new application since they already have most of your information in the system. Make sure you've submitted ALL verification documents with your new application so there's no reason for delays. Also, if you're facing financial hardship (like potential eviction), mention this when you speak with a worker - they can sometimes prioritize urgent cases. I suggest trying to connect with your county office again to check on your application status and express your urgent need for assistance with your rent deadline approaching.

0 coins

Thank you! I uploaded all my documents with the application this time, so hopefully that helps. Do you think I should try going in person instead of calling? The phone system is impossible.

0 coins

Try calling right when they open in the morning (usually 8am). That's when wait times are shortest. Make sure to specifically ask if they can expedite your case due to the fact it's a reapplication rather than a new application. Also, don't forget that when your CalWORKs is approved, they'll issue benefits from the date you submitted your application, so even if approval takes the full 30 days, you'll still get the full amount you're entitled to from your application date. Have you called your assigned worker directly rather than the main line? Sometimes they'll give you their direct extension after your first interview.

0 coins

I don't have my worker's direct number, just the main line. And good point about getting benefits from the application date - that helps a little, but I still need the money for rent that's due before then. I'll try calling right at 8am tomorrow.

0 coins

i think they take the same time as a new application cuz technically that's what it is. but u should ask about immediate need when u call. if u prove ur facing eviction or have no food they mite rush it for u

0 coins

omg yes ask about immediate need! I totally forgot about that option. If u have an eviction notice or utility shutoff notice they can sometimes give u emergency aid while the application processes.

0 coins

I had this EXACT problem last year but with both my CalWORKs AND CalFresh (forgot to upload my last paystub and they closed both). So frustrating because I had to start all over! It took them 17 days to approve my CalWORKs again, and I had to do another phone interview even though I'd just had one 2 months before. The system is so broken - they'll close your case over one missing document even when they have years of your information already on file! When I finally got through to someone, they acted like I was trying to commit fraud or something, not just a busy mom who forgot ONE DOCUMENT. Ugh. Honestly the calling situation is a nightmare. I spent 3 days trying to get through before I finally got a person.

0 coins

17 days is better than 30 at least! But still way too long when you're depending on that money for basic needs. Did they make you submit all your ID documents again too? I'm worried they'll want new copies of birth certificates, social security cards, etc.

0 coins

I found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to a human at the CalWORKs office when my case got closed last year. They have this system that waits on hold for you and calls you when a real person picks up. Saved me from spending hours on hold. Check out their site at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE that shows how it works. Definitely worth it in my opinion since getting through to someone directly can sometimes speed up your application, especially if it's just a reapplication after closure. Once I actually talked to a real worker, they were able to expedite my case since they already had most of my info in the system. Didn't take the full 30 days.

0 coins

does that actually work? ive never heard of it before but im so sick of waiting on hold forever just to get disconnected.

0 coins

When you reapplied, did you check the box for Immediate Need? There's an option on the application where you can request emergency aid if you're at risk of homelessness, have no food, or utility shutoff. If you have less than $100 and need to pay rent, you might qualify. They're supposed to give you an answer within 3 days if you request Immediate Need.

0 coins

I don't think I saw that option when I reapplied! I'll definitely call and ask about it tomorrow. Do you know if I need to provide any specific documentation for the Immediate Need request?

0 coins

To answer your question about documents - for a reapplication within 30-60 days of case closure, they typically don't need new copies of permanent documents like birth certificates or Social Security cards as long as they already have them on file. However, they will need updated income verification (like those pay stubs you missed submitting) and possibly updated residency verification if anything has changed. And regarding Immediate Need, yes, you'll need to demonstrate financial hardship - typically bank statements showing less than $100 in resources and documentation of the urgent expense (like a rental agreement showing amount due).

0 coins

That's a relief about the documents! And thank you for the info about Immediate Need requirements. I'll get those documents ready before I call tomorrow.

0 coins

update us when u find out! I hate how diffrent every county is with calworks. my friend in LA county got approved in like 10 days after reapplying but took me the full 30 in san bernardino

0 coins

That's a good point about county differences. Processing times can vary significantly depending on which county you're in and their current caseload. Some counties are much more efficient than others with reapplications.

0 coins

I went through this same situation about 6 months ago - missed my redetermination deadline by just 3 days and they closed my case immediately. It's so stressful when you have kids depending on that money! In my experience, the reapplication took about 3 weeks to get approved, which was faster than the full 30 days but still felt like forever when bills were due. A few things that helped me: 1. I called every few days to check status and let them know about my urgent housing situation 2. Made sure to mention I had kids when speaking to workers - they do seem to prioritize families with children 3. Had all my documents ready to upload immediately if they requested anything additional Also, don't forget that you might still be eligible for emergency food assistance through CalFresh even while your CalWORKs is processing. That can help stretch your budget while you wait. Hang in there - I know it's incredibly stressful but you'll get through this!

0 coins

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It's reassuring to hear from someone who went through the exact same thing. 3 weeks is definitely better than the full 30 days. I really appreciate the tips about calling regularly and mentioning the kids - I'll make sure to emphasize that when I call tomorrow. And you're right about CalFresh, I should check if I can get emergency food assistance while waiting. It's just so frustrating that they close cases so quickly over one missed document when they know we're struggling families trying to juggle everything!

0 coins

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress! I had my CalWORKs case closed for a similar reason about 8 months ago (missed uploading one bank statement during redetermination). The uncertainty when you have kids depending on that money is just awful. My case took about 19 days to get approved after reapplication. A few things that seemed to help speed it up: - I called the day after submitting my reapplication to confirm they received it and ask about expedited processing since it was a reapplication rather than brand new case - When I finally got through to a worker, I emphasized that I had two young children and was facing potential eviction - I made sure to submit every single document they could possibly want upfront so there wouldn't be any delays for additional verification The worker told me that reapplications do sometimes process faster since they already have your case history, but it's not guaranteed. Also definitely ask about the Immediate Need option that others mentioned - I wish I had known about that when I was in your situation. Keep calling early in the morning (8am sharp) and don't give up. You've got this mama! 💪

0 coins

Thank you so much for the encouragement and practical advice! It really helps to hear from other parents who've been through this exact situation. 19 days is definitely more manageable than 30. I love your tip about calling the day after submitting to confirm receipt - I hadn't thought of that but it makes total sense to get on their radar early. I'm definitely going to emphasize the kids and potential eviction when I call. It's so frustrating that we have to go through all this stress over one missed document, but hearing success stories like yours gives me hope. I'll update everyone once I hear back!

0 coins

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress - I know exactly how overwhelming it feels when you have kids depending on that money! I went through a similar situation last year when my case got closed for missing income verification during redetermination. A few things that might help while you're waiting: 1. Contact your local food bank or 211 for emergency assistance - they often have programs specifically for families waiting on benefit approvals 2. Reach out to your landlord ASAP to explain the situation - many are understanding if you communicate early and can show you've reapplied 3. Check if your county has any emergency rental assistance programs running - some have separate funding for urgent situations like this Also, when you call tomorrow at 8am, ask specifically about "expedited processing for reapplication" - use those exact words. Sometimes workers don't automatically consider faster processing unless you specifically request it. The waiting is terrible but remember that once approved, you'll get backpay from your application date. You're doing everything right by staying on top of it. Hang in there! 🙏

0 coins

These are all excellent suggestions! I hadn't thought about contacting 211 or local food banks while I wait - that's really smart. And you're absolutely right about talking to my landlord early rather than waiting until the last minute. I'm going to call them today to explain what's happening. I really appreciate the tip about using the exact phrase "expedited processing for reapplication" when I call tomorrow - sometimes it really does matter how you phrase things to get the right response. Thank you for the reminder about getting backpay too, that helps with the anxiety a bit. It's just such a relief to know other families have gotten through this same situation successfully!

0 coins

Kylo Ren

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! My case got closed 2 weeks ago because I was late submitting my quarterly report (life got crazy with my youngest getting sick and I completely spaced on the deadline). I reapplied immediately but I'm in that awful waiting period where you don't know when the money will come through. One thing that's helped me is keeping a detailed log of every call I make - date, time, who I spoke with, what they told me. It's helped me track progress and also gives me something to reference when I call back. The workers seem to appreciate when you're organized about it too. Also, if you haven't already, make sure to keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit. I learned that lesson the hard way during my first application years ago when they somehow "lost" my documents and I had to resubmit everything. The stress is real when you have kids counting on you. Sending you strength while you navigate this bureaucratic nightmare! Keep us updated on how your call goes tomorrow.

0 coins

Oh wow, we're basically in the exact same boat! I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress too. The keeping a log idea is brilliant - I'm definitely going to start doing that when I call tomorrow. It's so smart to have everything documented, especially when you're dealing with multiple workers who might give you different information. And yes, keeping copies of everything is such important advice! I've heard horror stories of documents getting "lost" in the system. It's crazy how one missed deadline can throw everything into chaos when you're already juggling so much as a parent. Thank you for the solidarity - it really helps to know I'm not alone in this. I'll definitely update everyone after my call tomorrow morning. Hope your situation gets resolved quickly too! 🤞

0 coins

CalWorks AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
20,087 users helped today