How long does CalWORKs take to process SAR 7 reports? Mine's been pending for weeks

they shud process it within 10 days acording to my worker. did u turn in all the paperwork with it? i forgot my paystubs once and they didnt tell me for like 3 weeks and almost cut me off

CalWORKs should process a complete SAR 7 within 10 business days in most counties. Since you have confirmation they received it and your benefits are still coming, you're probably fine, but it's definitely worth checking on the status. A few things to know: - If there were NO changes reported on your SAR 7, sometimes they just process it without updating the status in the system - If you reported income changes, they should process it and send you a Notice of Action showing your new benefit amount - If something was missing, they're required to send you a form telling you what's needed Since you got a receipt with a checklist, you're in good shape if there's ever a dispute. But I'd still try to talk to your worker to make sure everything's on track, especially with redetermination coming up.

Yes, they are required to provide proof of receipt when you submit documents in person! Always ask for one if they don't offer. That receipt is your proof if they later claim they never received your paperwork.

This literally just happened to me!!! I submitted my SAR7 over a month ago and when I finally got through to someone they said they never received it even though I UPLOADED IT THROUGH THE BENEFITSCAL WEBSITE!! I had to resubmit everything and almost lost my benefits. The system is so broken it's ridiculous.

I had to go in person and wait for like 4 hours to meet with someone. They processed it while I was there but only because I refused to leave until they did. They kept saying I was being difficult but I couldn't risk losing my benefits again.

I've had this issue a few times with SAR 7 processing. What I've found is that if you actually need to talk to someone at the CalWORKs office about your SAR 7, use Claimyr.com - it's the only way I've successfully gotten through to a real person without spending my entire day on hold. They'll call the office for you and connect you once they reach someone. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE that shows how it works. Last time my SAR 7 was "pending" for almost 3 weeks, I used their service and found out there was a pay stub question they needed to clarify. Got it resolved in one call instead of waiting for a letter that might never come.

Yes it works for LA County! That's where I am too and their phone system is the worst. It worked for me when I couldn't get through for weeks.

To give you a complete answer on SAR 7 processing times: 1. By regulation, counties have 10 business days to process a complete SAR 7 2. If they need more information, they must send you a "SAR 7 Incomplete" notice 3. You then have 10 days from receiving that notice to provide the missing info But here's what's REALLY happening in most counties in 2025: - Due to staffing shortages, many counties are taking 15-20 business days to process SAR 7s - Some counties prioritize processing SAR 7s that report changes vs. ones with no changes - The system often shows "pending" even when they've actually processed it Since your cash aid is still coming through, that's a good sign. But definitely follow up, especially with redetermination coming soon. You don't want these two processes to overlap and create confusion. When did you submit your SAR 7 - beginning or end of the month? If you submitted early in the month for the next month's benefits, that might explain the delay too.

omg i hate the sar 7 process so much!!! i submitted mine 3 different times last quarter and they kept saying they didnt get it even tho i had proof!! then they cut off my benefits for "failure to submit" and i had to appeal. took 6 weeks to get my money back and my kids went hungry. the whole system is designed to make us fail i swear

yeah i got backpay but what good is that when my kids were hungry for weeks?? cant explain to a 4 year old that mommy will have grocery money "eventually" 😡

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies. I called the office using that service someone mentioned and FINALLY got through to my worker. Turns out they had processed my SAR 7 two weeks ago but never updated the status in the system! She said everything is fine and my redetermination appointment is still scheduled for next month. Such a relief but so frustrating that I spent all this time worrying for nothing.