Can't reach anyone at CalWORKs since BenefitsCal replaced CalWIN - anyone else stuck?

Omg yes, it's been IMPOSSIBLE since they switched! I've been trying to reach someone about my SAR7 that they claim they never received (even though I uploaded it through the portal AND have a confirmation number). My CalWORKs and CalFresh both got cut off and I can't feed my kids. They're so quick to discontinue benefits but impossible to reach when it's their mistake 😡

try calling right when they open at 8am, thats what i did and only waited 30 mins

The BenefitsCal transition has definitely caused some issues across different counties. A few things that might help: 1. Try the Message Center feature directly in BenefitsCal instead of calling. Some counties are responding within 1-2 business days through that system. 2. Check if your county has a specific email address for the CalWORKs department. Many have set these up to handle the increased volume during the transition. 3. For income reporting errors specifically, you can submit another SAR 3 form through BenefitsCal with the correct information and upload any supporting documents (pay stubs, etc). 4. If it's truly urgent, you can request an expedited hearing by submitting the form on the back of your Notice of Action. The transition has been tough, but they legally have to resolve income calculation errors once you've provided the correct documentation. Make sure you're documenting all your attempts to contact them!

In most counties, a SAR 3 should be processed within 10 calendar days. You should also know that if they made an error in calculating your benefits and you reported your income correctly, you're entitled to retroactive benefits from the date of the error. One more thing - make sure you're uploading your documents to the correct case. Sometimes in BenefitsCal, people accidentally upload to their CalFresh case instead of CalWORKs or vice versa, and then the documents don't get processed correctly.

I had the EXACT same problem last month when I was trying to add my newborn to my CalWORKs case. Couldn't get through on the phone no matter what I did. I ended up trying Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it worked pretty well. They have this system that basically calls for you and then connects you once there's an actual human on the line. Saved me hours of waiting on hold just to get disconnected. You can check out how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE I was skeptical at first but it got me through to a worker who fixed my case that day and I got the increase for adding my baby the next benefit period.

They started the process on the call. They had to verify my baby's birth certificate so I had to upload that, but the worker I talked to actually waited on the phone while I did it through the BenefitsCal app. Once she confirmed she received it, she told me the increase would show up on my next payment and it did.

The change has been a mess! I've had issues with my Welfare to Work hours not being recorded properly, and my worker keeps saying I'm not meeting my participation requirements even though I AM. I'm worried they'll sanction me and reduce my Cash Aid when I'm doing everything I'm supposed to! 😫 Does anyone know if there's a direct line to the WTW department? The main number never works...

I work for a community organization that helps people with benefit issues, and we've been absolutely flooded with cases since the BenefitsCal transition. Here's what I can tell you: 1. Each county is struggling differently with the transition. Some are weeks behind in processing documents. 2. If your income was reported incorrectly, specifically request an "Income Calculation Review" when you do reach someone. This is faster than a regular case review. 3. If your benefits were reduced without proper notice, you can request a "benefit restoration" based on lack of timely notice. 4. Use very specific language in your Message Center communications: "This is an urgent request regarding an incorrect benefit calculation resulting in significant hardship." 5. Document EVERYTHING - take screenshots of your BenefitsCal submissions, note the dates/times of your calls, and keep copies of all paperwork. The system is overwhelmed right now, but you have rights and they do have to fix errors.

This whole system was designed 2 make it HARDER for people 2 get help!! I've been on CalWorks for 3 years and this is the WORST it's ever been. My worker used to answer my calls but now it's like she disappeared off the face of the earth. I filed a complaint with the county supervisor's office last week because this is ridiculous. We all got bills to pay and kids to feed and they act like we're just asking for handouts!!! 😡😡😡

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone today! I tried that Claimyr service that someone recommended here, and it actually worked. Took about 45 minutes but I got connected to a real person who looked at my case. Turns out they had recorded my last two paychecks as weekly income instead of bi-weekly, which is why my benefit amount was so much lower! The worker fixed it and said I should see the corrected amount plus the back pay for last month on my next payment. So relieved! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

I'm so glad you were able to get this resolved! This is exactly the kind of systemic issue we're seeing with the BenefitsCal transition - simple data entry errors that have huge impacts on families. Your experience highlights how important it is for everyone to keep detailed records of their income reporting. For anyone else dealing with similar issues, weekly vs bi-weekly income calculation errors are unfortunately common right now. Always double-check that your pay frequency is recorded correctly in the system, and don't hesitate to ask the worker to verify how they're calculating your income when you're on the phone with them. Thanks for updating us - it gives hope to others who are struggling with the same problems!