Denied CalWORKs but still got an interview scheduled - what's happening with my case?

This happens sometimes - the system automatically generates denial notices when certain conditions are met, but your case is still being processed. Definitely keep that interview! The denial letter was likely sent because: 1. Your application was incomplete (missing verification documents) 2. The system auto-denied you after the previous discontinuance but a worker reopened your case 3. You hit some other technical requirement that triggered a denial notice Bring this up at the beginning of your interview. The worker can tell you exactly why the denial letter was sent and what you need to do to get your benefits restarted. Make sure you have all your verification documents ready - ID, income proof, children's info, etc.

same thing happened 2 me last summer,, the denial was bcuz i didnt turn in my proofs but they still gave me the interview to try and fix it. ended up getting approved after i showed my pay stubs during the call

The county systems are a MESS! They send out automated notices without checking if they contradict other notices. I got FOUR different letters in one week - discontinuance, approval, appointment, and another asking for verification I'd already submitted!! When I finally got through to my worker she admitted their system was generating notices automatically that weren't supposed to go out. It's RIDICULOUS how they treat us!!

I had this exact issue in January! The denial letter was because I didn't submit verification documents they wanted within the timeframe, but they still scheduled the interview to give me a chance to provide them. During the interview, I explained I never received the verification request (turns out they sent it to my old address), and the worker gave me an extension to submit everything. Got approved 2 weeks later. Make sure to ask the worker exactly what documents they need. Also, when was your last SAR7 due? If you're reapplying within the same month, sometimes they can restore benefits without a gap if you have good cause for missing the deadline.

Definitely attend the interview! The notices often go out automatically based on whatever information (or lack of information) is in the system at that exact moment. The worker who scheduled your interview probably saw that you reapplied and set up the interview to get your case back on track, but the computer system might have already sent out the denial letter. Also, I'd suggest calling before your interview to confirm what verification documents they need so you're fully prepared. Trying to reach CalWORKs by phone can be frustrating though - I spent 4 hours trying last week and kept getting disconnected.

I just checked the denial letter more carefully and it says "Reason for denial: Failure to provide required verification." But I don't remember them asking for any verification documents? Unless they sent something that I missed? Now I'm worried I won't have what they need for the interview.

i bet they sent a verification request to ur old address haha they ALWAYS do that even when u update ur info 🙄 happened to me 3 times!!! the county never gets anything right 🤦‍♀️

This is actually fairly standard procedure with CalWORKs. When your benefits discontinue due to a missed report like the SAR7, the system automatically starts the denial process. However, when you reapply within a certain timeframe (usually 30 days), they'll often process it as a restoration rather than a brand new application. The interview is a good sign! It means they're working on your case. During the interview: 1. Explain why you missed the SAR7 deadline 2. Ask if you qualify for "good cause" for the late report 3. Request expedited processing if you're at risk of homelessness 4. Bring up the denial letter and ask specifically what's missing If they approve you during the interview, benefits can sometimes be issued within 3-5 business days. If your case was only discontinued recently, they might even be able to restore benefits from the date of discontinuance, avoiding any gap in aid.

Health issues can absolutely qualify as good cause for a late SAR7! Make sure to mention this during your interview. The worker might ask for some basic details about how your health affected your ability to submit the report on time. You don't need to provide extensive medical documentation for good cause in many cases - a reasonable explanation is often sufficient. If they approve your good cause claim, they might be able to restore your benefits without a gap, depending on how long it's been since the discontinuance. This would be ideal since you wouldn't have to wait for a new application to be processed.

I work at a county eligibility office and can confirm this is totally normal! The denial letter and interview scheduling often happen simultaneously because they're processed by different parts of the system. The denial is usually automatic when certain deadlines are missed, but caseworkers can still schedule interviews to give you a chance to provide missing information or establish good cause. Since you mentioned health issues caused you to miss the SAR7 deadline, definitely bring this up right away in your interview. Health problems are one of the most common and accepted reasons for good cause. The worker will likely ask you to briefly explain how your health affected your ability to submit the report on time. Also, since you reapplied within the same month, there's a good chance they can restore your benefits retroactively if they approve your good cause claim. This means you might not have any gap in aid at all. Make sure to ask about this specifically during your interview. One tip: if the worker approves your case but says it will take a while to process, ask about emergency aid if you're facing eviction or utility shut-off. Counties have some flexibility to provide immediate assistance in crisis situations.