Can't find CalWORKs recertification forms on BenefitsCal - where to get them?
I just got a letter saying my CalWORKs recertification is due in 2 weeks but I can't find the actual forms anywhere on BenefitsCal. I logged in and clicked everywhere but there's nothing about recertification forms. Last time my worker just mailed them to me but I haven't received anything this time. I called the county 3 times this week but keep getting stuck in the automated system that eventually hangs up on me. Has anyone else had this problem? Where are you supposed to get the recert forms if they're not on BenefitsCal? My benefits will get cut off if I don't turn this in soon!!
24 comments


Rami Samuels
they should mail them to u automatically. i got mine in the mail like a month before my due date. did u move recently??? maybe they have wrong address. ur case worker can resend them if u ever get thru on the phone. the whole recert packet is like 20 pages so its not something u can just print at home easy
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Tami Morgan
•I did move 3 months ago but I updated my address online through BenefitsCal and got the reminder letter at my new address. So they have the right info. Just no actual forms! The letter just says I need to complete my SAR7 and recertification but doesn't include the forms themselves.
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Haley Bennett
You can actually start the recertification process directly on BenefitsCal! Log in, go to 'My Benefits' and look for the option to 'Renew My Benefits.' It should allow you to complete everything online without needing paper forms. If your renewal is available, you'll see it there. If not, sometimes the system doesn't update right away when you're eligible for recertification.
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Tami Morgan
•Thank you! I looked under 'My Benefits' but I don't see any 'Renew My Benefits' option anywhere. It just shows my current benefits and says 'Active' but nothing about renewal or recertification. Is it supposed to appear automatically when you're due?
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Douglas Foster
The BenefitsCal website SUCKS!! I had the same problem last month. The renewal option doesn't show up for everyone even when it should. Try clicking on 'Actions' next to your CalWORKs benefit - sometimes it's hidden there. If you don't see it, you can go to your county office in person and ask for the forms. That's what I ended up doing. Bring ID and they'll print everything for you right there.
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Tami Morgan
•Ugh that's frustrating! I clicked on 'Actions' already and the only options are 'View notices' and 'Report changes.' Nothing about recertification. Going to the office is hard with my work schedule but might have to do that if I can't get through by phone.
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Nina Chan
Hey! I work for a community organization that helps with benefits. For CalWORKs recertification, you have two options if BenefitsCal isn't showing the renewal option: 1. You can download the SAWS 2 PLUS form here: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/SAWS2PLUS.pdf 2. For the SAR 7, you can download it here: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/SAR7.pdf Print these out, fill them out completely, and submit them to your county office with any required verification documents. You can submit them in person, by mail, or by fax. Just make sure to keep proof of submission!
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Tami Morgan
•Thank you so much!!! I didn't know I could download these directly. This is super helpful. I'll print these out today and get started on them. Should I also fill out another form to request the childcare assistance renewal? That was part of my CalWORKs benefits too.
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Nina Chan
Yes, for childcare you'll need the CCP 7 form which you can find here: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/CCP7.pdf Make sure to include all your childcare expenses and provider information. And don't forget to attach proof of any income you've had in the past month when you submit everything!
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Tami Morgan
•Perfect, thank you! I'll download that one too. So much easier than trying to get through to my worker.
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Ruby Knight
OMG I hateeee trying to get through to workers on the phone!! 🙄 I spent 4 HOURS last week trying to reach someone about my WTW hours and kept getting disconnected. Finally I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me through to a real person in like 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE - it was soooo worth it because I needed to talk to someone ASAP about my childcare approval. Might help if you still need to talk to your worker directly!
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Diego Castillo
•is that service free? because i'm not tryin to pay money just to talk to someone at the county office that I'm entitled to speak with anyway 😤
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Logan Stewart
just so u know if your recertification is late they have to give u 10 days to provide any missing info before they can cut your benefits. it's called "adequate notice" so even if u submit on the due date but are missing something they have to tell u whats wrong and give u more time to fix it. don't let them tell u different! my worker tried to cut me off right away last year when i was missing my pay stubs and i had to fight to get the extra 10 days.
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Tami Morgan
•That's good to know! I'm still going to try to get everything in on time, but that gives me a little peace of mind. Thanks!
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Haley Bennett
Another important tip: When you submit your recertification forms, ask for a receipt or proof of submission. If you drop them off in person, they should give you a stamped copy. If you mail them, use certified mail so you have proof of delivery. This has saved me multiple times when the county claimed they never received my paperwork!
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Tami Morgan
•Smart! I'll definitely get proof when I submit. I've had issues before where they said they never received things I turned in. Learned that lesson the hard way.
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Rami Samuels
also make sure u answer EVERY question on those forms even if its just to write N/A. they'll send it back if u leave stuff blank and that just wastes more time. and double check that u sign and date EVERYWHERE theres a signature line. they r super picky about that stuff and will use any excuse to delay processing!!!
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Tami Morgan
•Thanks for the warning! I'll go through everything super carefully and make sure it's all filled out completely.
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Nina Chan
Just wanted to check - were you able to get your forms printed and start the recertification process? Remember that for the 2025 reporting year, CalWORKs recipients need to report any income that exceeds the Income Reporting Threshold (IRT) within 10 days, even between regular reporting periods. They should have included your specific IRT amount in your approval notice.
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Tami Morgan
•Yes, I was able to print everything out! Already finished the SAR 7 and working on the SAWS 2 PLUS now. And yes, my IRT is $2,845 for our household size - I keep that letter on my fridge so I don't forget. Thankfully haven't had any income changes that big to report yet. Thanks for checking in!
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Isabella Brown
Great to hear you got the forms printed and are making progress! Just a heads up - when you submit your SAWS 2 PLUS, make sure you include verification for any bank accounts you have, even if the balance is low. They'll want to see statements for the month you're reporting. Also, if you have any changes to your household composition or living situation since your last recert, make sure to note that clearly on the forms. The county workers are really strict about cross-referencing everything between the SAR 7 and SAWS 2 PLUS, so consistency is key. You're doing great getting this done early instead of waiting until the last minute!
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Sofia Morales
•Thank you for the reminder about bank statements! I almost forgot about that. I have two accounts - my checking and a small savings account with like $50 in it. Should I include statements for both even though the savings barely has anything? Also, when you say "the month you're reporting" - is that the current month or the month that just ended? My recert is due next week so I want to make sure I get the right timeframe.
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Daniel Washington
•Yes, definitely include statements for both accounts! Even if your savings only has $50, they want to see everything. For the timeframe, they typically want the most recent full month that ended before you submit - so if you're submitting next week, you'd include statements for February. But double-check your recert letter because sometimes they specify which month they want. Better to have too much documentation than not enough! Also, if you get direct deposit for any benefits, make sure those deposits are clearly visible on your bank statements so they can see exactly what's coming in.
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William Rivera
If you're still having trouble getting through to your caseworker by phone, try calling right when they open in the morning - usually 8 AM. I've found that's when you're most likely to get through before the phone lines get jammed. Also, some counties have walk-in hours for urgent issues like recertification deadlines. You might want to check your county's website to see if they offer that option. It sounds like you're on the right track with downloading and filling out the forms though! Just make sure to submit them with plenty of time before your deadline in case there are any issues.
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