Confusing CalWORKs recertification timeline - interview on 23rd but May 1st appointment?

The worker probably meant the 23rd of this month. Usually they schedule interviews 1-2 weeks after you submit your recertification, not a whole month later. the May 1 appointment mite be something totally different like maybe welfare to work?

Thank you! That makes sense about the 23rd. I didn't think about the May appointment being for WTW. I've been meeting all my hours but maybe it's a check-in? I'll try calling tomorrow to confirm both dates.

my worker keeps doing this to me too!! they make us wait for interviews then say we missed our appointment dates its like they WANT us to lose our benefits 😤 this system is so broken

I know it's frustrating, but they actually do have a schedule they follow for recertification interviews. Submit on the 1st-15th = interview scheduled after the 16th. Submit on the 16th-31st = interview scheduled after the 1st of next month. It's confusing but there is a method to the madness.

Based on what you've described, it sounds like the 23rd is your recertification interview date (and yes, likely this month since they try to complete recertifications within 30 days). The May 1st appointment is probably something else entirely.Possible explanations for the May 1st appointment:1. It could be a WTW (Welfare to Work) appointment if you have work requirements2. It might be a followup from your recertification if they need additional verification documents3. Sometimes they schedule general check-ins for case maintenanceDefinitely call to confirm both appointments so you don't miss anything important. Write down the worker's name and any confirmation numbers they give you for each appointment.

Thank you for breaking this down! That helps a lot. I'll definitely call tomorrow and make sure I know exactly what each appointment is for. I've had my benefits discontinued before because of missed appointments and it was a nightmare to get them back.

Omg I went through the EXACT same confusion last month! I submitted on BenefitsCal, then tried getting an interview right away. Worker told me to wait until a specific date. The system is weird because your general appointment on May 1st might actually BE your interview if you don't get one on the 23rd. My advice: call the CalWORKs office now to confirm both appointments. I spent 3 hours on hold last month trying to reach anyone :

you can use claimyr.com to get through to the calworks office without waiting on hold for hours. I used it last week when I had a similar confusion with my recertification dates and they connected me in like 10 minutes. they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE that shows how it works. saved me from getting my benefits cut off because I was able to actually talk to someone and get it straightened out.

Ok so here's what's happening (I used to work for the county). When you submit a recertification on BenefitsCal, the system doesn't automatically schedule your interview. The worker has to process your submission first and THEN schedule the interview. The 23rd is most likely when your interview will be scheduled (this month), and the May 1st appointment could be:1. A backup date if they can't reach you on the 23rd2. A WTW appointment if you have participation requirements3. A general check-in that was already in the system before you did your recertificationDefinitely call to confirm both dates, and make sure to have your case number ready when you call.

Thank you so much for the insider perspective! That makes way more sense now. I'll call with my case number ready to confirm both dates. Really appreciate the help!

Wait did you just submit the application or did you already have ur interview scheduled before? because sometimes they send you a letter with the interview date before you even submit the recertification online.

I submitted the application online today but I never got a letter beforehand with an interview date. It sounds like from what everyone's saying, the 23rd is probably when they'll call me for the interview, and the May 1st is something separate.

make sure you answer your phone on the 23rd!!! they call from blocked numbers sometimes and if you miss it they might mark you as not cooperating. happened to my sister and they discontinued her case even though she was HOME waiting for the call!

This is good advice. They often call from blocked or unknown numbers. I'd recommend answering ALL calls on your interview day, even if you don't recognize the number. If you miss their call, immediately call the office back and explain you're available for your interview.

Update: I called this morning and finally got through after an hour on hold. The worker confirmed my recertification interview is on the 23rd of THIS month (thank goodness). The May 1st appointment is actually a mandatory WTW orientation because my youngest just turned 2 and I'm no longer exempt. Wish they would've explained that clearly! Thanks everyone for your help - at least now I know what's going on.

Thanks for updating us! I'm glad you got it sorted out. Make sure to prepare for that WTW orientation - bring copies of your ID, social security card, and any education credentials you have. They'll go over your participation requirements and possible exemptions if you're in school or have other qualifying activities. Good luck!