How long until CalWORKs interview after applying? Applied last week
I submitted my CalWORKs application through BenefitsCal last Friday. Its now wednesday and i havent heard anything from them yet. I'm getting nervous because rent is due in 2 weeks and my kids need summer clothes. How long does it usually take to get an interview scheduled? This is my first time applying and I have 2 kids (ages 4 and 2). Do they email or call to setup the interview? Really need this cash aid to come through soon.
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Rajiv Kumar
It can take 7-10 business days for them to contact you about scheduling an interview. With CalWORKs, they're required to make a determination within 45 days of your application date, but the interview is usually scheduled much sooner. Check both your email and regular mail - some counties still send paper notices. Also check your phone for missed calls since they might try to call to schedule.
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Isabella Russo
•Ok thx. Should I call them to check on status or just keep waiting? Nobody answers when I call the main number on the website.
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Aria Washington
i applied in march and they called me after like 5 days but it depends on how busy they are tbh. make sure ur phone is on and u answer even if its unknown numbers because thats how they call. they left me a VM when i missed the call
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Isabella Russo
•I've been answering all calls even spam ones just in case! Did they schedule your interview right away when they called or was it for later?
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Aria Washington
•they scheduled it for the next week, but it was a phone interview so i didnt have to go in. just make sure u have all ur docs ready when they call - rent receipt, birth certificates, id, income proof, all that stuff
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Liam O'Reilly
In my experience, the county is TERRIBLE about reaching out to schedule interviews. They claim they called when they never did, then blame you for missing the call. If you're in desperate need, there's a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that can get you through to a real person at the county office instead of waiting on hold forever. I used it to finally get my interview scheduled after waiting 2+ weeks with no contact. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE
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Chloe Delgado
•Is this legit? Seems sketchy to pay for something that should be free. The county SHOULD be answering their phones!
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Liam O'Reilly
•I thought the same thing at first, but it actually works. And yeah, the county SHOULD answer, but good luck with that. I spent 4 hours on hold before giving up. With this I got through in about 15 minutes. Worth it when you're desperate and need your benefits processed.
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Ava Harris
One time when I applied they never called me at all and then sent a denial letter saying I missed my interview!!! Make sure you call them if it's been more than a week. They're so disorganized.
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Jacob Lee
It varies by county, but here's what you need to know: 1. They're required to schedule your interview within 10 calendar days of receiving your application 2. You can request an expedited interview if you're in an emergency situation (less than $100 in resources, facing eviction, or utilities being shut off) 3. Make sure your contact info is correct on BenefitsCal - many counties now send text messages for interview scheduling 4. While waiting, gather your documents: ID, birth certificates, proof of residence, income verification, and childcare expenses if applicable If it's been more than 7 business days, I recommend calling your county office early in the morning (right when they open) as that's when wait times are shortest. Ask specifically about the status of your interview scheduling.
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Isabella Russo
•This is super helpful, thank you! I didn't know about expedited interviews. We only have about $80 left in our account so I think I might qualify. Is there a special number to call for expedited interviews?
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Jacob Lee
•There's no special number - you just need to call the regular CalWORKs number for your county and specifically tell them you need an expedited interview due to your financial emergency. Be prepared to verify your bank balance. If they try to tell you that expedited service is only for CalFresh (which some workers incorrectly say), politely ask to speak with a supervisor. Under MPP Section 40-129.8, they should expedite the interview when you have less than $100 in resources and your rent/utilities are at risk.
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Emily Thompson
omg i waited 3 weeks once lol. the system is broken AF. good luck gettin any help from them!!
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Isabella Russo
Update: I finally got through today after calling repeatedly this morning! They scheduled my interview for next Tuesday. The worker said they're backlogged because of staffing issues. Thanks everyone for the advice - especially about the expedited interview! I mentioned my financial situation and that's why they're getting me in next week instead of later.
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Rajiv Kumar
•Great news! Make sure you have all your documents ready for the interview. They'll likely need: - Your ID and Social Security cards - Birth certificates for your children - Proof of residence (lease/utility bill) - Bank statements - Any income verification - Information about the children's father for child support purposes The more prepared you are, the faster they can approve your benefits. Good luck!
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Isabella Russo
•Thank you! I have most of those ready. I don't have contact info for my youngest's father though - will that delay things? We haven't been in contact for over a year.
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Jacob Lee
•You can request a "good cause" exemption from the child support cooperation requirement if you don't have contact with the father or if cooperation would put you or your children at risk. You'll need to fill out a CW 51 form explaining your situation. This won't delay your benefits as long as you're willing to sign the form stating you have good cause for not providing the information. They may ask for some details about why you don't have contact.
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