Missed SAR 7 & lost CalWORKs benefits - will I still get my WTW job retention bonus?

Unfortunately when your CalWORKs case closes, your Welfare to Work participation also ends. You'll need to be re-referred to the WTW program once your new application is approved. However - and this is important - you should immediately contact your former WTW counselor and explain the situation. In some counties, they can make exceptions if the gap between your cases is very short, especially since you're so close to reaching that 90-day milestone. Bring documentation showing your continuous employment during this period. The job retention bonus policies can vary by county, but I've seen cases where they've made exceptions.

the same thing happen to me last summer!!! I was working at target and missed turning in paperwork. i had to reapply and start everything over, took like 3 weeks to get approved again. i lost my job bonus too and my worker said I had to start the whole 90 days over again once i got back in the program... but maybe its different in your county??

I work for a community organization that helps with benefits issues. Here's what you should do: 1. Submit a statement with your new application explaining that you simply forgot the SAR 7 and have maintained continuous employment 2. Request expedited processing due to having a child and pending rent payment 3. Your specific situation (being just 2 weeks away from the job retention milestone) might qualify for what's called an "administrative error exemption" if you can prove you were actively participating in WTW requirements 4. Bring pay stubs showing consistent employment throughout this period Most counties have flexibility with the job retention bonus if you can show continuous employment with no actual break in your participation, just a paperwork lapse. The key is to act quickly and document everything.

try claimyr.com to reach ur worker faster! i was in a similar situation with calworks getting cut off & couldnt get through on the phone for days. claimyr got me connected to a real person in like 20 mins. they have a video showing how it works https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE - way better than waiting on hold all day! good luck!

One more thing - when you reapply, make sure to check the box requesting "restoration of aid" due to a procedural discontinuance. This specific situation (missing the SAR 7 deadline but submitting an application within 30 days of discontinuance) can sometimes qualify for expedited processing and potentially backdated benefits to cover the gap. Some counties can even approve your new application with minimal verification if all your information is still current in their system. Also, set calendar reminders on your phone for future SAR 7 deadlines - they're always due on the 5th of your reporting month!

Hey there, I went through this exact nightmare last year! What worked for me was physically going into the county office with my child (yes, bring your 2yo if possible) and requesting an emergency meeting with a supervisor. Explain that this was a one-time mistake and you're about to get evicted if they don't expedite your case. The job retention bonus is trickier - in my county they would NOT budge on that and made me restart the 90 days 🙄 But I found out later I could have filed for a state hearing to challenge that decision. Might be worth trying if they deny you.

btw make sure u reapply for calfresh too! a lot of people dont realize calworks and calfresh are seperate and u need to do both applications if they both got cut off

Update on the job retention bonus question - I checked with a colleague who works directly with WTW and she confirmed that under MPP Section 42-717, counties have discretion to count your previous WTW participation toward the job retention milestone if your reapplication is approved within 30 days of discontinuance. The key is having your previous WTW counselor document that you were in good standing in the program and maintaining continuous employment. Don't just accept a denial if your new worker isn't familiar with this provision - ask to speak with the WTW supervisor if necessary.

i don think ur gonna get that bonus tbh. when u miss the SAR they close evrything and u gotta start from scratch. thats how the county rolls lol. u should focus on getting ur regular benefits back first tho.