Missed CalWORKs phone interview but worker claims they called twice - can I request a different caseworker?

You absolutely can request a different worker! When you call tomorrow, specifically ask for a supervisor and explain that you suspect your worker is documenting calls that never happened. Say you need a \

Thank you!! I'm going to try this approach tomorrow. Do you know if requesting a new worker will delay my application processing? I'm really worried about getting approved in time for next month's rent.

omg they do this ALL THE TIME!! my worker said she called me 3 times but my phone never rang once. then they tried to discontinue my case for \

Same happened to me!! I think they just say they called when they didn't have time to make all their scheduled calls. My worker was handling like 300+ cases she told me once.

Make sure you check if they have the right phone number in the system. I missed my interview because they had transposed two digits in my phone number. When I finally got through to someone, they showed me the number they were calling and it was wrong even though I entered it correctly on my application. Also, if you downloaded the BenefitsCal mobile app, check your messages there - sometimes they send interview instructions through the app portal instead of calling.

I double checked and they have the correct number - same one my CalFresh worker used successfully last month. I'll check the app though, didn't think of that!

I went through this exact nightmare last year. Wasted so much time trying to reach workers who claimed they called when they absolutely didn't. After weeks of getting nowhere I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real person at the county office in minutes instead of hours. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE - basically they wait on hold for you then call you when they reach a real person. Saved me so much frustration trying to deal with my CalWORKs application issues.

does this actually work??? im so tired of waitin 3+ hours just to get disconnected

Yes! I was skeptical too but it actually connected me to a supervisor who helped fix my case. Definitely worth it when you're dealing with something important like getting your worker changed.

If your application gets delayed because of their failure to conduct the interview properly, you can request \

Thank you so much for this detailed information! I didn't know about the multiple contact methods requirement or the expedited determination option. I'll definitely mention both tomorrow and request written confirmation of everything.

Good luck dealing with them!!! I had 2 call every day for a WEEK straight b4 getting my interview rescheduled after they \

This is good advice. Emergency assistance requests have different timelines. Just make sure you can document your emergency situation (eviction notice, utility shutoff, etc).

hey does anyone know if they record the outgoing calls? cuz if they say they called u twice there should be proof right??

Yes, the county office keeps logs of all attempted contacts, including timestamps and call duration. If a worker documents a call that didn't occur, that's falsification of records. That's why it's important to escalate to a supervisor who can review those logs.

I had something similar happen and what worked for me was going IN PERSON to the county office. I know it's a pain especially if you're working, but I was able to get my interview done on the spot after waiting a few hours. They couldn't claim they

That's a really good idea. I might have to take a day off work to do this, but it might be worth it to get this resolved once and for all. Did you need an appointment or did you just walk in?

I just walked in, but I went early (like right when they opened). Had to wait about 2 hours but they eventually helped me. Make sure you bring ID and any paperwork they've sent you!

I've been through this exact situation and it's so frustrating! A few things that helped me: 1) When you call tomorrow, ask them to verify the phone number they have on file while you're on the call - sometimes there are data entry errors. 2) Request that they document in your case notes that you were available at the scheduled time and never received a call. 3) Ask for the supervisor's direct number so you don't have to go through the main line again. 4) If possible, try to get your next interview scheduled for a specific time window (like between 10-10:30am) rather than just "morning" - this makes it harder for them to claim they called at a different time. Don't let them make you feel like this is your fault when you know you were waiting by the phone!

This whole situation is sadly way too common with CalWORKs. I had a similar experience where my worker claimed they called multiple times but I had zero missed calls or voicemails. What finally worked for me was calling first thing in the morning (right at 8am when they open) and immediately asking to speak with a supervisor. Don't let them transfer you back to your regular worker - be firm that you need to speak with management about documentation issues. When I did this, the supervisor was able to see that no outgoing calls were actually logged to my number despite what my worker had written in the case notes. They reassigned me to a different worker that same day and I had my interview completed within 48 hours. Also, make sure to get the supervisor's name and ask them to email you confirmation of your new interview time - having it in writing prevents any "he said, she said" situations later. Don't give up - you have every right to receive the services you're eligible for!

I'm dealing with something similar right now with my CalWORKs worker! They keep saying they called me but I never get any calls or voicemails. It's like they just mark it down without actually calling. I've been documenting everything - taking screenshots of my call log, writing down exact times I was available, and even recording myself waiting by the phone during scheduled appointment times. When I finally got through to someone last week, they admitted that some workers have "heavy caseloads" and sometimes "communication issues occur." That felt like code for "yeah, they're not actually calling everyone they're supposed to." I'm going to try the supervisor route that others mentioned here. Has anyone had success with filing a formal complaint through the state if the county office doesn't resolve it? I'm worried this is affecting my application timeline and I really can't afford any more delays.