CalWORKs worker access gone - impossible to reach anyone about submitted documents!

I feel your pain! This happened to me in January when I had to verify my new job income. The county is severely understaffed right now, which is why they switched to this pooled worker system. One thing you can try is to log into BenefitsCal and check your document status there. Sometimes they update the system to show "received" even before they process anything. Also, try calling right when they open (usually 8am) - that's when you have the best chance of getting through to someone before voicemails fill up.

ya this new system is trash!!! i been on calworks 4 years and it was WAY better when u had ur own worker. now nobody knows ur case and u gotta explain everything every single time. i submitted my SAR7 and they lost it TWICE and almost discontinued me even tho i had the receipt they gave me when i dropped it off!! KEEP UR RECEIPTS PPL!!!

Have you tried using Claimyr? It's been a lifesaver for me with the CalWORKs phone system. It basically waits on hold for you and calls you back when a real person is on the line. I was skeptical but watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE) and decided to try it after spending 3 hours on hold myself. Got through to a worker in about 45 minutes while I was doing other things. So much better than waiting on hold all day or dealing with full voicemails. Just search for claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

not having a worker assigned is THE WORST!! and btw going to the office might not even help, i went last month and waited 4 HOURS just to be told they couldn't help me with my specific question and i should call... the same number that never answers. its like they dont want us to get help 🙄

I work with clients on CalWORKs and this is a common problem right now. Here's what I recommend: 1. If you're submitting verification documents, always use the BenefitsCal app/website and take screenshots of your confirmation pages 2. When you absolutely must speak to someone, call the Customer Service center but use this trick: when the automated system asks why you're calling, say "Welfare to Work appointment" even if that's not your reason. Those calls get prioritized and you're more likely to reach a person. 3. If you're still struggling, contact your county's CalWORKs ombudsperson. Every county has one, and they can often help resolve communication issues. 4. As a last resort, contact your state assembly member's office. They have caseworkers who can expedite benefit issues. The worker assignment system changed because of staffing shortages post-pandemic, but there ARE ways to get help if you know the system.

Quick update on this issue - I just had my CalWORKs redetermination interview last week and asked about this. The worker said they're planning to bring back assigned caseworkers by the end of 2025 because the current system isn't working well. She said they've had huge turnover since COVID and are still training new staff. Until then, she suggested always asking for a "ticket number" whenever you call or submit anything, which gives you proof and a way to follow up.

i had the same exact problem last month!!!! i submitted my paystubs for my WTW and they kept saying they didnt get them but i KNOW i uploaded them on benefitscal cause i took a picture of the confirmation screen!!! the whole system is a JOKE they expect us to follow all these strict rules but then they can just lose our stuff and not answer calls??? i ended up having to take a day off work (losing money) to go sit in the office for FIVE HOURS just to talk to someone for like 10 minutes. and my boss was mad at me for missing work. they act like we dont have lives!!!!!

One thing that might help - if you've already submitted documents through BenefitsCal, you can call and request to speak with a supervisor specifically about your submitted documents. Be polite but firm that you need confirmation they were received. Supervisors can often see documents in the system before they're fully processed by eligibility workers. Also, if your CalWORKs case is connected to Welfare to Work activities, try contacting your WTW case manager (if you have one). Sometimes they can check on document status or at least connect you with someone who can help. Hang in there - the system is frustrating but there are usually workarounds if you're persistent!