How to check if CalWORKs paperwork is due without contacting my worker?

Yes! You can check for yourself in multiple ways: 1. Log into your BenefitsCal.com account - any pending verification requests or upcoming reports will show under the 'Tasks' section 2. Check the CalWIN self-service portal (if your county uses it) - shows upcoming deadlines 3. Call the general CalWORKs customer service number (not your worker's direct line) and ask them to check your case for pending verifications 4. SAR7s are due in the 6th month of your certification period. If your recert is in August, you should have a SAR7 due in February (or thereabouts, depending on when your certification period started) Keep a calendar with your reporting months! SAR7s are generally due by the 5th of your report month, and you should receive them around the 1st of that month.

Just a quick tip, i went through this EXACT same thing last month. the benefitscal site dont always show everything thats due sometimes. i had a wtw appointment that never showed up on there but they still discontinued me when i missed it smh

If ur mail is dissapearing, u need to tell ur worker that ASAP!!! They have to send important notices to u and if someone is stealing ur mail thats actually a federal crime. I had this happen at my old apartment complex and i ended up having to get a PO Box. Its worth it cuz missing important Calworks paperwork means ur benefits get cut off with no warning.

One thing no one mentioned yet - you can sign up for text message alerts! Text messages will remind you about upcoming SAR7s and recertifications. Just make sure your phone number is updated in your case file. You can update it through BenefitsCal or next time you talk to anyone at the office. Also, I'd recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to reach your worker directly. It's a service that waits on hold for you with the CalWORKs office and calls you back when someone picks up. I was skeptical but it worked great when I needed to reach my worker about a verification issue. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE - seriously saved me hours of hold time frustration.

the county office has those kiosks in the lobby where u can look up ur case info without waiting in line. its way faster than waiting to talk to someone. u can see if u have anything due there

Everyone's provided great suggestions! I'd also recommend checking the CalWORKs handbook online (just Google "[Your County] CalWORKs handbook") to familiarize yourself with exactly what paperwork is required and when. Knowledge is power! For the standard reporting schedule: - SAR7s are due once every 6 months - Recertification (SAWS 2) is due once every 12 months - Income change reports are only required if you go over your Income Reporting Threshold (IRT) - Add any WTW activity requirements to your calendar when assigned This way you'll know what to expect and when, even if notifications get lost.

Yes, the SAR7 is different from recertification. The SAR7 is a simpler mid-period report that verifies your continued eligibility by updating income, household composition, etc. Recertification is a more comprehensive review of your entire case that happens annually. And you're exactly right about the IRT (Income Reporting Threshold). It's the maximum amount your household can earn before you must report it, even if it's not your regular reporting month. Your IRT amount should be listed on your approval notices - it's based on your household size and is set at 130% of the Federal Poverty Level. If your income ever exceeds this amount, you must report it within 10 days. One thing to keep in mind: even though you only have to report certain changes during your report months, keeping your worker updated on things like address changes should be done immediately. Missing notices is one of the biggest reasons people lose benefits unexpectedly.

U should ask 4 ur workers email!!! My worker lets me email her questions and she usualy responds in a day or 2. Way easier than calling!!!!