Is BenefitsCal website down for anyone else trying to submit CalWORKs verification?
I've been trying to upload my paystubs and change of address form on BenefitsCal for the past 2 days and keep getting error messages. Anyone else having issues with the website? My recertification is due next week and I'm worried my CalWORKs cash aid will get discontinued if I can't submit these docs in time. Called the county office but after waiting 45 minutes I got disconnected. Is the site working for anyone? Should I just take the paperwork to the office in person?
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StarStrider
its not working for me either!! tried uploading my kids school enrollment yesterday and just kept getting the spinning circle thing... cant login today at all
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Ethan Clark
AuthorAt least it's not just me! Have you tried calling your worker directly? I can't reach mine and I'm getting really stressed about my deadline.
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Yuki Sato
BenefitsCal has been super glitchy this month. I had the same issue last week when trying to report my new job for my SAR7. The website would freeze every time I tried to upload my paystub. ProTip: Take screenshots of the error messages as proof you tried to submit. Then email your worker directly AND drop off physical copies if possible. I've learned the hard way that "system issues" aren't considered a valid excuse for late reporting, and you don't want your CalWORKs discontinued over this.
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Carmen Ruiz
This is really important advice about documenting your attempts. I'd also suggest faxing your documents if you can access a fax machine (libraries sometimes have them). Faxes create a paper trail with timestamp that can protect you if they claim you didn't try to report on time.
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Andre Lefebvre
omg this KEEPS happening!!! i been on calworks for 3 years and the website breaks EVERY MONTH when its reporting time!! i think they do it on purpose to kick ppl off so they don't have to pay benefits!! my cash aid got cut off twice because of "failure to submit" when I DID SUBMIT but their stupid website lost my docs!!!
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Zoe Alexopoulos
While I understand your frustration, I don't think they're deliberately causing website problems. The system handles millions of applications and gets overloaded sometimes. But I do agree it's a serious problem when people lose benefits because of technical issues. Always keep proof you tried to submit - screenshots, call logs, etc. These can help if you need to file for a state hearing to restore benefits.
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Jamal Anderson
I work with CalWORKs clients as part of my job, and this is unfortunately a common issue with BenefitsCal. Here's what you should do: 1. Take screenshots of any error messages you get (with date/time visible if possible) 2. Try using a different browser or the mobile app if you haven't already 3. Take physical copies to your county office and get a receipt - this is crucial! 4. Document every call attempt with date/time 5. Email your worker if you have their direct email Most importantly, don't wait until the last day of your deadline. If BenefitsCal is still down tomorrow, definitely go in person with physical copies of everything. Better to spend a few hours at the office than lose your Cash Aid for a month!
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Ethan Clark
AuthorThank you for such detailed advice! I'll definitely try a different browser, and if that doesn't work I'll go to the office tomorrow. Really don't want to sit there for hours but obviously can't risk losing my benefits. Would a county office have to accept my documents even if it's not my assigned office?
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Mei Wong
I had the same issue when trying to update my address for CalWORKs last month. The BenefitsCal site kept timing out. I tried calling for DAYS and couldn't get through - just endless hold music then disconnected. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with my county worker. They have a service that holds your place in line and calls you back when a worker is available. Saved me hours of being on hold, and I got my address change processed right away. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE Just sharing since it helped me avoid losing my cash aid when I couldn't get the website to work!
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StarStrider
does it actually work?? ive never heard of this. do they need all ur personal info?? kinda worried about giving out my case details to random sites
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Mei Wong
It worked for me! You just need to enter the county office phone number you're trying to reach, and they connect you when an actual person answers. I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for days to get through. Better than losing my benefits because I couldn't reach anyone!
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Yuki Sato
Just a heads up - I just tried BenefitsCal again (10:30pm) and it's working now! Maybe they fixed whatever the issue was. Try again if you can!
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Ethan Clark
AuthorTHANK YOU for the update!! Just tried it and was able to upload my paystubs. Still got an error on the address change form though, so I'll have to go to the office for that part tomorrow. But at least the most important verification is in!
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Zoe Alexopoulos
For future reference, there's a status page for BenefitsCal that shows when the system is experiencing issues: https://www.benefitscal.com/status (I'm not sure if this is actually a real page, but many government sites have status pages) Also, I want to clarify a common misconception: If you're submitting verification for CalWORKs recertification and there's a documented system issue, you can request a 'good cause' extension. Make sure to document all your attempts to submit (screenshots, call logs, etc.) and contact your worker as soon as possible to explain the situation. Welfare to Work participants especially need to know that system issues can qualify as 'good cause' for missing deadlines as long as you've made a reasonable effort to comply and report the issue promptly.
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Ethan Clark
AuthorI didn't know about requesting 'good cause' extensions - that's really helpful information. Is there a specific form to request this or do I just tell my worker?
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Zoe Alexopoulos
You can verbally request good cause from your worker - no specific form needed initially. However, they might ask you to provide a written statement explaining the circumstances. The key is notifying them BEFORE your deadline passes whenever possible. If you request good cause after a discontinuance, it becomes much harder to get approved.
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QuantumQuasar
this happens every month lol welcome to the system. i dont even try online anymore i just go in person and get a receipt. yeah it takes forrrrever but at least i know my stuff is turned in
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Ethan Clark
UPDATE: BenefitsCal is working now! I was able to upload my paystubs, but still had an issue with my address change form. Went to the office this morning and they were able to process everything. Thanks everyone for your help and advice! For anyone with similar issues - definitely try different browsers, and don't wait until the last minute like I did!
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Carmen Ruiz
Great to hear you got it worked out! One more tip - always take a screenshot of your confirmation page when uploading documents to BenefitsCal. I've had workers claim they never received documents that were definitely uploaded, and having that proof saved me from a benefit discontinuance.
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Miguel Castro
I've been having the same issues with BenefitsCal! It's so frustrating when you're trying to stay compliant and the system won't cooperate. I learned from experience to always keep backup plans - I now save digital copies of everything on my phone AND keep physical copies ready to go. One thing that's helped me is clearing my browser cache and cookies before trying to upload documents. Sometimes the site gets stuck with old session data. Also, if you have a smartphone, try using the mobile browser instead of desktop - sometimes one works when the other doesn't. Really glad you got everything sorted out in the end! This thread is super helpful for anyone dealing with similar tech issues.
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