Late SAR 7 submission for CalWORKs - will I still get September benefits?

You should still get your benefits, but there might be a delay because your SAR 7 was late. This happens a lot with late reports. As long as you submitted it within the same month as your report month (which you did), they should process it and release your benefits. They might just be backed up right now.For immediate help, try going in person to your county office if you can. That's usually faster than phone. Also, call right when they open in the morning - that's when wait times are shortest. Keep trying different times of day to get through.

Thanks for responding. I can't really go in person because I don't have transportation and I have a toddler. Do you know how long the delay might be? I'm so worried about my rent.

I went thru the EXACT same thing last month!!! My SAR7 was 10 days late and I didn't get my cash aid on the 1st like normal. I was FREAKING OUT but then they finally processed it and I got my money on the 7th. So you'll probably get yours but it might be a week late. The system is sooo messed up right now with all the caseworkers quiting.

OMG thank you for sharing that. At least there's hope! Did they send you any notification before they loaded your benefits or did it just show up?

I'm in the same boat right now too! Except mine was only 3 days late. From what I understand, when you're late with the SAR 7, they have to do a \

I checked BenefitsCal and there are no tasks or notices. Just says \

I used to be a CalWORKs eligibility worker. Here's what happens with late SAR 7s:1. If submitted anytime in the same month (even if after the 5th), benefits are typically approved but may be delayed2. The worker needs to process it manually which takes time3. If you submitted by the 19th, there's a good chance you'll still get September benefits, but probably not on the 1stIf you need to reach someone immediately, try calling the main line but press different options - sometimes the \

Thank you so much for the inside info! That makes me feel better. I'll try those other phone options tomorrow morning right when they open.

After dealing with similar frustrations trying to get through to my worker, I started using this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to a real person at the CalWORKs office. The way it works is they hold your place in line and call you back when a worker is available to talk to you. Saved me hours of being on hold and getting disconnected. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwEWorth checking out if you're desperate to get through. I was able to get an update on my late SAR 7 and they told me exactly when to expect my benefits.

Does that really work? I've been trying to get through to my county for weeks about my WTW hours. Might have to try this.

Yep, worked for me twice now. The second time I got through in about 30 minutes when I'd been trying on my own for days.

ugh the system is so broken!!! they expect us to be PERFECT with paperwork but then they don't even answer their phones when we need help??? i was late with my SAR7 in june and got a discontinuance notice but then they still processed it after i called and explained. the whole thing is designed to kick people off benefits i swear

I'm terrified of getting discontinued! Did you have to do anything special to fix it, or just explain why you were late?

just had to explain and they fixed it. but took me 3 DAYS of calling to get thru to someone 😡

Quick tip: if your benefits are delayed and you need emergency help, ask about the Immediate Need program. If you're at risk of homelessness (like can't pay rent), they can sometimes issue emergency funds while they process your regular benefits. You need to specifically ask for this though - they don't usually volunteer the information.

I had no idea about this! Thank you so much for mentioning it. If I don't see my benefits by Monday, I'll definitely ask about this.

UPDATE: Just wanted to share that I finally got through to someone! Called right at 8:00am and selected the option for \

That's amazing news! Thank you for updating. I'm going to try the same approach tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed!

UPDATE FROM OP: I finally got through using the Claimyr service someone mentioned here. My worker confirmed my SAR 7 was processed but said my benefits will be delayed until the 10th. At least I know now! She also said I need to be on time next month or I could risk discontinuance. Lesson learned. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!