CalWORKs recertification pending for weeks after submitting docs - How long is too long?

theres supposed to be what they call 'aid paid pending' if you turned everything in on time!!! which means they HAVE to keep paying you while they review stuff. happened to me last year and they had to give me retroactive payments for the months they messed up. keep calling!!

Thanks, I didn't know about 'aid paid pending'! Do you know where that rule is written so I can mention it when I finally reach someone? And did you have to file some kind of complaint to get the retroactive payments?

County offices are required to process timely recertifications within 30 days. Since you submitted on 8/4/2022, they should have made a determination by 9/3/2022 at the latest. However, if you submitted everything on time (before the end of your certification period), you're entitled to \

Thank you for explaining this! So I actually have grounds to complain since it's been more than 30 days? I'll try asking for a supervisor. I just wish there was an easier way to get through on the phone.

girl u need to just go in person if u can!! the phone lines r useless most of the time. i had the exact same issue in january and wasted 2 weeks trying to call. finally just went to the office and got it fixed the same day. bring all ur paperwork and receipts showing when u submitted everything

I'd totally go in person but I work during their office hours and can't afford to miss a day of work right now (already tight on money with the benefits being cut off). Really wish they had weekend or evening hours for working parents...

I just went through this EXACT same situation last month! I called and called for 3 weeks straight and couldn't get anyone. Finally I tried Claimyr.com and they got me through to a live person at my county office in less than 30 minutes. I showed them my proof of submission with timestamp from BenefitsCal and they reinstated my Cash Aid that same day. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwEDefinitely mention the \

does that service cost money??? seems fishy tbh

Yes, it does cost money but honestly it was worth it for me - I was about to be evicted and needed my benefits reinstated ASAP. You could also try going in person like someone mentioned, but that didn't work for me since my county office is still requiring appointments for most things.

To directly answer your question: By regulation, the county has 30 days to process a recertification. However, if you submitted your documentation before the deadline (which you did on 8/4), they are required to continue your benefits under \

Thank you SO much for this detailed info! I didn't know about MPP Section 22-072.5 - that will be really helpful. Is the State Hearing request something I can do online or do I need to call/mail something in?

You can request a State Hearing online at https://acms.dss.ca.gov/, by phone at 1-800-743-8525, or by requesting a hearing form from your county office. Make sure to clearly state that you submitted your recertification on time (8/4/2022) but your benefits were incorrectly discontinued. Keep copies of EVERYTHING and document all your attempts to resolve this with the county.

They're ALWAYS doing this!! The system is designed to make us give up. I submitted my recert paperwork early and they still cut me off for 2 months claiming they

this is so true!! happened to me twice last year, they claim its a \

i think its actually 45 days not 30? idk for sure but my worker always tells me to allow 45 days for processing even when i turn everything in on time

There's some confusion around this. For new applications, counties have up to 45 days to process. For recertifications (which is what the original poster is dealing with), they have 30 days. However, if you submitted all required documentation before your certification period ended, your benefits should continue uninterrupted under \

Update: I FINALLY got through to someone at the county! Turns out they had my recertification paperwork logged in their system but it was accidentally assigned to a worker who's been out on medical leave. They've reassigned my case and are expediting the review. They're also issuing emergency Cash Aid for this month that should be on my card within 3 days, and will process the retroactive payment for last month once the recertification is fully approved. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

That's great news! Make sure to get the name of the person you spoke with and a confirmation number for the emergency issuance. Also ask them to send you written confirmation of what they've promised. Unfortunately, verbal promises don't always translate to actual benefits being issued without documentation.

Good point - I did get the worker's ID number and a reference number for the emergency issuance. They said I'll get a notice in the mail within 10 days confirming everything we discussed. I'll definitely follow up if I don't see the payment on my card by Friday.

So glad you got through and got this resolved! This is exactly why I always tell people to keep pushing and document everything. Your situation is unfortunately super common - workers going on leave and cases getting lost in the shuffle. At least now you know your rights about aid paid pending for future reference. Hope your emergency payment comes through on time!