Missed CalWORKs phone interview - will they reschedule or do I need to call?

This happens all the time unfortunately. They're required to send you a "Notice of Missed Interview" (NOMI) in the mail if they attempted to call but couldn't reach you. But honestly, DON'T WAIT for that notice - call them ASAP tomorrow morning. They might have called from a blocked number or had the wrong phone number. If you wait too long, they could deny your recertification for failure to complete the interview process.

Same exact thing happened to me in January! I waited by my phone the whole time and no call. Turns out my worker was out sick that day and no one bothered to tell me or reschedule. Definitely call them back ASAP!

Here's what you need to do: 1. Call your county office first thing tomorrow morning (try right when they open at 8am) 2. Explain that you were waiting for your redetermination interview but never received a call 3. Ask them to document in your case notes that you're proactively following up 4. Request a specific date and time for the rescheduled interview 5. Get the worker's name and ID number for your records If you can't get through, you can also upload a message through your BenefitsCal account explaining the situation. Make sure to check your contact information in the system is correct too. Per CalWORKs regulations, they should give you at least 10 days before the end of your certification period to complete the interview. They cannot discontinue your benefits without giving you another opportunity to interview if the missed interview wasn't your fault.

i had this happen and kept calling for THREE DAYS before i got thru!!! so frustrating! ended up having to go to the office in person and wait 4 hours but finally got my interview done that way. bring all ur paperwork if u go that route

Be careful - if you miss your interview and don't contact them quickly, they can deny your recertification for "failure to complete the interview process" even if it was their fault for not calling. The system is designed to disqualify people. Make sure you document everything - take screenshots of your phone showing you were available during the scheduled time, note exactly when you call them to follow up, and request everything in writing. Unfortunately, with CalWORKs you have to be super proactive or they'll use any excuse to cut your benefits.

Another important thing - check your CalWORKs renewal packet to see if there's a direct number for your assigned eligibility worker. Sometimes they list it there, and it's much better than calling the main line. If they sent you the appointment letter through BenefitsCal, you might be able to see the worker's contact info there too.

btw dont forget they usually require updated verification documents at redetermination too - rent receipt, utility bills, pay stubs, etc. make sure u have all that ready when u do get the interview rescheduled so u dont have to scramble later

Just wanted to add that if they do send you a Notice of Missed Interview (NOMI), you have a right to request an expedited rescheduling of your interview. The county is required to accommodate you before your certification period ends. Don't let them push your interview date too close to your benefit expiration date - that can cause a gap in benefits even if you're approved. Also, make sure to complete and return your SAR 7 form if that's due around the same time as your redetermination!