How long do CalWORKs workers take to process uploaded birth certificate? Cash Aid shut off while waiting

Unfortunately, it can take anywhere from 3-10 business days for a worker to process uploaded documents, even for something as critical as a birth certificate. Because your case is already discontinued, it doesn't get prioritized in the same way as active cases with pending verifications. I'd recommend calling your county office first thing in the morning (right when they open) and ask to speak with a worker about an urgent discontinuance. Make sure to have your case number and the date you uploaded the documents ready. Also, ask them about expedited processing since you have a young child.

omg i had the exact same thing happen with my twins last yr. took them 8 days to look at my stuff and another 5 to turn my benefits back on. its ridiculous!!! try going in person if u can, thats what finally worked for me

Have you tried calling your worker directly? I know you uploaded the birth certificate, but did you also submit a CW 2219 form (Request to Restore Cash Aid)? That's a separate form they require when your case has been discontinued, even if you're just providing verification they asked for. Most people don't know about this form, but it can be the reason for delays in getting benefits turned back on.

I had luck using Claimyr to get through to a CalWORKs worker when my case was discontinued last year. Instead of waiting on hold forever, they call and wait on hold for you, then call you when they get a real person. Saved me hours of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE US FAIL!!! They demand documents then take FOREVER to process them while our kids go hungry. I've had workers LOSE my birth certificates TWICE and then blame me! One time they claimed they "never received" something I uploaded and had confirmation for. ALWAYS SAVE SCREENSHOTS of your uploads with timestamps and confirmation numbers. And don't trust the online system - call every single day until someone helps you.

I work as a benefits advocate, and here's what you need to do: 1. Upload the birth certificate again AND submit a CW 2219 form (Request to Restore Cash Aid) 2. Call the Customer Service number and specifically ask for the Expedited Document Review team due to having a case discontinuance with a young child 3. If you can't get through by phone, try emailing your county office through their secure portal 4. Request expedited processing due to imminent eviction risk 5. Contact local legal aid if your benefits aren't restored within 3 more business days They're required to process verification documents for discontinued cases within 10 calendar days, but can expedite in hardship situations. Most county offices now have special teams that handle urgent document processing for families with young children.

Also make sure you're submitting the actual certified birth certificate and not just the hospital record/footprint paper. I made that mistake and they rejected it. Has to be the official one from vital records with the seal. And double-check that the name on the birth certificate exactly matches what you wrote on your CalWORKs application - even small spelling differences can cause delays.

while ur waiting, call 211 and ask about emergency diaper banks in ur area. they can usually give u a week supply of diapers to get by until ur benefits come back on

I just want to update you - I checked the Welfare & Institutions Code, and for discontinued cases where the client provides verification within 30 days of discontinuance, they are required to process it and restore benefits without requiring a new application. The CW 2219 form helps, but technically they should be able to reactivate your case just with the birth certificate since it's what they requested. If you continue having trouble, mention "W&I Code Section 11265.4" to your worker when you speak with them.