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GalaxyGlider

How long after my CalWORKs application gets assigned to a worker until benefits arrive?

So my application just got assigned to a worker today I was told .. n it might take 15 days for me to get my benefits .. does anyone know if it actually takes that long or not ? I'm stressing because my rent is due next week and I was counting on this cash aid to help. The guy at the office said they have 30 days from when I applied to make a decision but now that a worker got assigned it's 15 more days?? That doesn't make sense to me. Applied almost 3 weeks ago already. Anyone know the real timeline once a worker gets assigned?

Mei Wong

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it took me 9 days after worker assignment to see my cash on my card. but my friend waited like 3 weeks. depends on your worker and if they need more verifications from u

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GalaxyGlider

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omg 3 weeks??? did ur friend have to call them or anything to speed it up? im so worried cuz my landlord is NOT patient

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Liam Sullivan

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The standard processing time for CalWORKs is 30 days from the date of application to approval. Once your application is assigned to a worker, they need to review all your documents, possibly request additional verification, and then make an eligibility determination. The 15 days you were told is likely the remaining time in your 30-day processing window, not an additional 15 days. If your application is approved, benefits are typically issued within 3 business days of approval, sometimes sooner. If your case is urgent due to housing instability, ask your worker about expedited processing or immediate need payments.

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GalaxyGlider

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ok that makes more sense... so since im already at like 21 days from application they should finish by day 30? do they ever go over the 30 days??

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Liam Sullivan

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Yes, they should make a determination by day 30, but unfortunately they sometimes do exceed the 30-day timeframe, especially if they're waiting on verification documents or if they're experiencing high caseloads. If day 30 is approaching and you haven't heard anything, I'd recommend calling to check on your status.

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Amara Okafor

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I jst went thru this!!!! they took the ENTIRE 30 days then had audacity to send me a letter asking for more proof of my address that I ALREADY GAVE THEM at my interview!!! Had to wait another week after that!! Make sure u have submitted EVERYTHING they could possibly ask for - birth certificates, ID, proof of income (or no income), residency proof, school enrollment for kids, etc. They will use ANY reason to delay!!!

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Mei Wong

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omg yes same happened to me they kept asking for the same paperwork i already gave them like 3 times

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Have you tried calling your worker directly? Sometimes they actually process the benefits faster than they say, especially once assigned. I was told the same 15-day thing, but I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to my worker instead of waiting on hold forever. Showed them my video demo (https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE) and my benefits were processed in 5 days instead of 15! Seriously made a huge difference since I was also waiting on rent money.

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GalaxyGlider

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i didnt know u could even reach ur worker by phone! i'll check this out, thank u!

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Amara Okafor

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does this actually work? i tried calling my worker like 100 times and always got voicemail

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They told me 15 days and it took 17. But I got retroactive benefits from when I applied so check ur EBT card balance carefully when u do get approved

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StarStrider

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The 30-day application processing timeframe is mandatory per state regulations. The worker assignment is just an internal step in that process, not a restart of the clock. However, here's what affects your timeline now: 1. If your verification documents are complete, you could be approved much faster than the remaining time 2. If they need additional verification, they must give you 10 days to provide it 3. If you have an immediate need situation, request an immediate need payment (can be issued within 3 days if approved) 4. Your first month's benefits will be prorated from your application date If you're concerned about rent, specifically mention housing instability to your worker - they can sometimes prioritize cases where housing is at risk.

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GalaxyGlider

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thank u so much for explaining! i will definitely mention my rent situation when i call tomorrow

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my application took 14 days total from start to finish because I had all my paperwork perfect lol. but my sister's took the full 30 days + extra 5 days because they "lost" her paystubs and she had to resubmit. have u tried calling BenefitsCal to check your status? sometimes the online status is updated before they call you

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GalaxyGlider

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i checked benefitscal but it just says "pending" still... been that way since i applied

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Liam Sullivan

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Just to clarify something important - once approved, your benefits will be backdated to the date of application. So even if it takes the full 30 days, you'll receive benefits for that entire period. For example, if you applied on May 1 and get approved on May 30, you'll receive benefits for all of May in your first payment.

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Jasmine Quinn

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Hey! I just went through this exact same situation last month. My worker was assigned on a Tuesday and I got my benefits the following Monday - so about 6 days. BUT I think it really depends on how complete your paperwork is and honestly your worker's caseload. I'd recommend calling first thing in the morning (like 8 AM sharp) to check in with your worker about your status. Also, make sure to mention your rent situation - they can sometimes push urgent cases through faster. Don't stress too much though, most people I know got theirs within 7-10 days of worker assignment. You got this!

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