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

I'm so frustrated right now. Had my CalWORKs phone interview scheduled for 10am today but never received a call. I waited by my phone the entire time with full bars and battery. I called my assigned worker directly - straight to voicemail. After waiting nearly 2 hours on the general line, I finally reached someone who claimed my worker tried calling me TWICE! That's complete nonsense because I had zero missed calls or voicemails (unlike when my CalFresh worker called last month and left a detailed message when I missed it). I'm currently at work and couldn't stay on the phone any longer after already wasting 2 hours. Has anyone successfully requested a different caseworker? This one seems to be making things up. I really need these benefits and can't afford more delays because of their mistakes. Will try calling again tomorrow but worried they'll just keep giving me the runaround.

Isabel Vega

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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 \

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Laila Prince

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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.

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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 \

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Marilyn Dixon

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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.

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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.

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Laila Prince

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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!

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TommyKapitz

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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.

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

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TommyKapitz

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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.

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

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Laila Prince

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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.

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Payton Black

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

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Isabel Vega

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

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Marilyn Dixon

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

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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.

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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

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Laila Prince

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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?

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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!

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