Missed SAR-7 form for CalWORKs - benefits stopped and need to upload paystubs ASAP!

You can definitely submit your SAR-7 through the BenefitsCal website even if you didn't get the paper form. Log into your account, click on "Reports" and you should see an option for Semi-Annual Report (SAR-7). You can upload your paystubs directly through there. Make sure you have all paystubs for the report month (usually the 5th month of your certification period). Your benefits probably got cut off because they didn't receive your income verification by the deadline.

The same thing happened to me last year. Even if you submit it online now, it might take some time for them to process it and restore your benefits. If you're in a rush, I'd recommend calling your caseworker directly to let them know you've submitted the information. You can also ask for an immediate restoration once they verify your info. If you're having trouble getting through on the phone (I always did), I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to a real person at the CalWORKs office in under 5 minutes. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE. Saved me so much time compared to waiting on hold for hours.

they always do this!!! I swear they "lose" our SAR-7 forms on purpose to kick people off the system. happened to me TWICE last year and I had to go physically to the office both times to get it fixed. the system is designed to frustrate us so we'll give up

Just FYI - make sure you're reporting ALL your income on the SAR-7, not just uploading paystubs. If you started working at Target 2 months ago, that's considered a change in income that should have been reported within 10 days if it put you over the Income Reporting Threshold (IRT). That might be another reason your benefits stopped - not just the missing SAR-7 but also potentially not reporting income changes within the required timeframe.

Your IRT (Income Reporting Threshold) should be listed on your last approval notice. It's basically the maximum amount your household can earn in a month before you have to report it mid-period (not waiting for the SAR-7). If your monthly income from Target exceeded that amount, technically you should have reported it right away. But don't panic - just make sure you include ALL your paystubs when you submit now. Be honest about when you started working. Sometimes they'll just calculate an overpayment rather than imposing a penalty, especially if this is your first time.

hey i had same problem last month. i uploaded my stubs on benefitscal but my worker never saw them so i still got cut off. make sure u call after uploading to tell them u did it. they hav like a thousand cases each so stuff gets lost

Also, once you get this sorted out, make sure to sign up for electronic notifications through BenefitsCal so you don't miss future SAR-7 deadlines. You can get text or email reminders when your reports are due. This has been a lifesaver for me since the paper notices are so unreliable. If your benefits were discontinued, they should be restored back to the date you submit the complete SAR-7 with all required verification (like your paystubs). They won't be retroactive to when they were cut off unless you can prove you had good cause for the late submission (like being hospitalized or having your mail stolen).

Once you submit your SAR-7 and paystubs online, I'd recommend taking a screenshot or printing the confirmation page. In my experience working with benefit programs, having proof of submission can be crucial if there's any dispute later about whether you submitted on time. Also, don't forget to include information about any changes in your household composition, housing costs, or other income sources - not just your new job. The SAR-7 requires reporting all changes that occurred during the report month.

Hassan, definitely get that moving expense and rent change reported along with your Target paystubs! Since you moved to a cheaper place, that could actually help your case since lower housing costs might mean you qualify for more benefits. When you're filling out the SAR-7 online, there should be a section for housing expenses where you can update your new rent amount. Also, if you have any receipts from your move (truck rental, deposits, etc.) keep those handy in case they ask for verification. The combination of new job income + lower rent might actually work out better for your benefit amount than you think!