CalWORKs recertification stuck for 15+ days - benefits discontinued! Help?

this is happening to EVERYONE rn, the county is such a mess after they switched systems. my worker took 22 days to process my recert last month and i almost got evicted. keep calling everyday and also try calling right when they open at 8am, thats how i finally got somone on the phone

Unfortunately this is happening a lot lately, but there are steps you can take. When your recertification is submitted on time but not processed before the end of the month, your benefits should be restored retroactively once they complete processing. I recommend three things: 1. File a formal complaint. Call the CalWORKs Customer Service line and specifically ask to file a complaint about delayed processing. This creates an official record. 2. Request an expedited review due to imminent harm (potential eviction). Use those exact words when you speak to someone. 3. Ask to speak with a supervisor. When you call, immediately ask for a supervisor rather than explaining your situation to the frontline staff again. If your benefits were discontinued even though you completed everything on time, this is an administrative error that should be corrected with retroactive benefits.

I've seen a lot of cases like yours lately. The county offices are severely backlogged with recertifications. Here's what you need to know: 1. If you submitted everything by the deadline, you're entitled to continued benefits even if they haven't processed your recertification yet. This is called "aid paid pending" and it's your right. 2. Request an immediate supervisor review by calling your county office and saying "I need to speak to a supervisor about discontinued benefits despite timely recertification." 3. If you're facing eviction, ask about Emergency Housing Assistance through CalWORKs - you may qualify since this disruption in benefits was the county's fault. Make sure to document EVERYTHING - dates you submitted paperwork, names of workers you spoke with, and confirmation numbers from BenefitsCal.

This happened to me but with calFresh not calworks. it took them 19 days to fix it and i got no food stamps for almost 3 weeks! i ended up having to go to a food bank. the system is broken and they dont care about us at all

I got so tired of these exact situations that I finally tried Claimyr when my last recert was stuck in limbo. It's a service that gets you connected to a real CalWORKs worker on the phone instead of waiting on hold forever or getting disconnected. Costs a few bucks but saved me DAYS of stress. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE - I got through to someone in about 10 minutes when I'd been trying for a week on my own. Once I actually got through, they were able to expedite my recert that had been sitting in someone's queue for 12 days. Worth checking out at claimyr.com if you're desperate - especially since you've already wasted time going to the office twice.

Omg the SAME EXACT THING is happening to me right now!!! I did my recert Oct 14 and still nothing. I called like 20 times and can't get a person. It's like they want us to fail and be homeless!!

Just to clarify something important: When your CalWORKs benefits are discontinued even though you completed recertification on time, you are entitled to retroactive benefits for any months missed. Make sure to specifically request this when they finally process your case. Also, you can request "Immediate Need" assistance if you're facing eviction or utility shut-off. This is separate from your regular benefits and can be processed within 3 business days in emergency situations. You'll need to complete a separate Immediate Need request form at the county office, but it can provide emergency funds while your recertification is still pending.

I work at a non-profit that helps ppl with benefits and we're seeing this ALL THE TIME with CalWORKs lately. The 'discontinued' status sometimes happens because the system automatically discontinues benefits at the end of your certification period even when you've done everything right. Here's a trick: ask specifically for an 'administrative restoration' due to 'timely recertification with delayed processing' - using these exact terms can get someone to look at your case faster.

Update: I finally got through to someone at the CalWORKs office this morning! I used those specific terms about 'administrative restoration' and 'timely recertification with delayed processing' and the worker immediately knew what I was talking about. Apparently my recertification has been sitting in someone's queue for processing and just hadn't been reviewed yet. They're expediting it now and said I should have benefits restored within 48 hours, including retroactive payment for what I missed. They're also helping me apply for Immediate Need assistance today to cover my rent. Thank you all SO MUCH for the advice - I never would have known to ask for these specific things without your help!