Does BenefitsCal show SAR7 due dates for CalWORKs? Confused about reporting schedule

Yes, the SAR7 (Semi-Annual Report) is due every 6 months for CalWORKs. You should get it in the mail about 45 days before the due date. BenefitsCal does show your reporting months if you go to your case dashboard and look under the 'Upcoming Tasks' section. However, sometimes it doesn't display correctly or update on time. My advice: write down which months you need to submit your SAR7 (it's based on when you were approved) and set calendar reminders. If you were approved in January 2025, your first SAR7 would be due around June 2025. The county should also send you a reminder notice.

The BenefitsCal website is TERRIBLE about showing deadlines!!! I got cut off twice because of this! They might show the date but they dont actually send notifications when its getting close. Its ridiculous that they expect people to remember exact dates when we got so much else going on. my worker told me my SAR7 was due on the 5th but the mail didnt arrive til the 10th! how does that make sense???

Yes, your SAR7 is due every 6 months for CalWORKs Cash Aid. The system is designed to have you report changes twice a year instead of monthly like in the old days. BenefitsCal does list your reporting months, but many people have trouble finding it on the site. To answer your other question - yes, they do mail you the actual SAR7 form about a month before it's due. But you can also download and print it from the BenefitsCal website or get one from your county office if it doesn't arrive. Pro tip: When you get your approval letter, it usually indicates which month your SAR7 will be due. Mark those months on your calendar right away! Even if you don't get the form in the mail, you're still responsible for submitting it on time.

If ur having trouble reaching someone at the CalWORKs office to answer these questions, try using Claimyr.com - I used it last month when I couldn't get through about my SAR7 question. They basically call the county for you and get you connected to a real person instead of waiting on hold forever. They have a video that shows how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE It saved me so much stress when I was confused about my reporting dates. The worker I finally spoke with explained exactly when my reports were due and how to find it on BenefitsCal.

Sounds like your on cash aid for the first time? Welcome to the nightmare of keeping track of paperwork lol. Yes SAR7 is twice a year (semi-annual get it?) but the REDETERMINATION is once a year and thats different paperwork. So you'll have like Jan-SAR7, July-SAR7, but then also Jan-REDETERMINATION which is the big packet with interview. BenefitsCal is hit or miss with showing correct dates. I just put reminder in my phone for 2 weeks before the 5th of my report months. Also their texting system sometimes sends reminders but not always.

I've been on CalWORKs for 3 years now, and here's what I've learned about the reporting system: 1. SAR7 is due twice a year (Semi-Annual Report) 2. It's always due on the 5th of your reporting month 3. BenefitsCal should show your next due date, but it's not always reliable 4. The physical form usually arrives by mail 3-4 weeks before it's due 5. You can also download and print it from the BenefitsCal website 6. You can submit it online through BenefitsCal, in person, by mail, or in drop boxes 7. Always keep a copy or take pictures of what you submit 8. If you don't receive the form, you're still responsible for submitting it The most reliable way to know is to ask your worker during your approval interview which months you'll need to report. Then just remember it's every 6 months from there. Set multiple reminders so you don't forget!

my casewrker told me its always the same 2 months for everyone on calworks. in my county everyone does January and July SAR7. maybe its different in other countys tho?