SAR 7 processing time frustration - can't reach CalWORKs worker by phone

SAR 7 processing time varies by county, but generally shouldn't take more than 10 business days. Three weeks is definitely on the longer side! The best time to call is usually right when they open (8:00-8:30am) or after lunch (1:30-2:00pm) when workers are just getting back to their desks. Avoid Mondays and the first week of the month when call volume is highest. Did you keep a receipt or confirmation when you dropped off your SAR 7? That's really important because it proves you submitted it on time. Also check your BenefitsCal account - sometimes they'll post messages there about what's missing from your SAR 7.

i had this EXACT same problem last month!!! waited 2.5 wks for sar7 processing and my benefits were late. turns out they needed my paystubs even tho i submitted them WITH the sar7!!! so frustrating. they never even sent a notice asking for them, just let my case sit there. keep calling!!!

try going in person if u can. thats wat i always do cuz u cant trust them to process things right when u just drop stuff off. bring all ur docs with u like paystubs and everything even if u already gave them. the phone system is useless lol

The CalWORKs system is DESIGNED to be this frustrating. They WANT people to give up trying. I've been on Cash Aid for years and the SAR 7 process has gotten worse each year. It's ridiculous that we're expected to report our income on time but then they take FOREVER to process it with zero communication! I've literally had workers tell me "your benefits will be delayed because we have a backlog" like it's no big deal that people might miss rent payments or not be able to feed their kids.

I ran into this problem constantly with my SAR 7 forms until I started using Claimyr to get through to an actual CalWORKs worker. It's a service that calls the county office for you and then connects you once they reach a real person. Saved me hours of frustration! You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE or just go to claimyr.com. I used it last month when my SAR 7 was stuck in processing for weeks, and they got me through to someone who fixed it right away.

Here's some practical advice from someone who's worked with the CalWORKs system: 1. SAR 7 forms should be processed within 10 business days, but many counties are experiencing staffing shortages in 2025, which is causing delays. 2. If your form shows as "pending review" in BenefitsCal, that means it was received but hasn't been processed yet. This is better than if it showed "overdue" or "missing." 3. When you call, select the option for "benefits not received" rather than "general questions." You're more likely to get through. 4. If your benefits are delayed because of county processing times (not because you submitted late), you can request an expedited payment. Make sure to specifically ask for this. 5. Document EVERYTHING - when you call, who you speak with, what they say. This will be important if you need to request a hearing later.

what county r u in? processing times r different depending on where u live. im in la county and they take forever but my sister is in sacramento and hers always goes thru fast

Quick update question - have you checked if your Income Reporting Threshold (IRT) changed? Sometimes when your income is close to your IRT, they need to do additional verification which can delay the SAR 7 processing. If you earned more than your IRT during the reporting period, that could explain the delay.

just wanted to say good luck!! i know how stressful this is when ur waiting on money for basic needs. the system totally sucks sometimes but dont give up!

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone this morning using the "benefits not received" option like someone suggested. The worker told me my SAR 7 was sitting in the queue and nobody had looked at it yet! She processed it while I was on the phone and said my benefits should be issued within 48 hours. She also said they're extremely short-staffed right now which is causing the delays. So relieved this is getting resolved before my rent is due!

So glad you got it resolved! This is exactly why I always recommend the "benefits not received" option when calling - it seems to get you to the right department faster. It's frustrating that your SAR 7 was just sitting there for 3 weeks without anyone looking at it, but at least now you know for next time that sometimes you just have to keep pushing to get things moving. The staffing shortages are real - I've noticed longer wait times at my county office too. Hope your benefits come through on schedule now!

I'm so sorry you went through all that stress, but I'm really glad you got it resolved! This whole thread has been super helpful for me as someone who's still figuring out the CalWORKs system. The tip about calling right when they open and using the "benefits not received" option is gold - I'm definitely keeping that in mind for my next SAR 7. It's honestly shocking that your form just sat there for 3 weeks without anyone even looking at it. Makes me wonder how many people just give up when they can't get through on the phone. The staffing shortage explanation helps it make sense, but it's still really unfair that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get our basic needs met. Thanks for taking the time to update us - it gives me hope that persistence really does pay off!

This thread is exactly what I needed to see right now! I'm dealing with a similar situation - submitted my SAR 7 two weeks ago and it's still showing "pending review" in BenefitsCal. Isaac, I'm so glad you got yours resolved! The tip about calling first thing in the morning and selecting "benefits not received" is incredibly helpful. It's really frustrating that we have to become experts at navigating this broken system just to get our basic needs met, but I appreciate everyone sharing their strategies. The fact that your form sat untouched for 3 weeks is infuriating but unfortunately not surprising. I've noticed the same staffing issues at my local office - longer lines, fewer workers, and it seems like they're all overwhelmed. Going to try the 8am call strategy tomorrow and hopefully get someone who can actually look at my case. Thanks for the update and for sharing what worked!

Reading through this whole thread as someone who just started receiving CalWORKs benefits last month - this is both incredibly helpful and really concerning! Isaac, I'm so relieved you finally got through and got your SAR 7 processed. The fact that it was just sitting in a queue for 3 weeks without anyone even looking at it really highlights how broken the system can be. I haven't had to submit my first SAR 7 yet, but now I know to be prepared for potential delays and to have a game plan. The tips about calling at 8am sharp and selecting "benefits not received" instead of general questions are gold - I'm definitely saving this post for reference. It's honestly shocking that we need to become experts at gaming the phone system just to get our basic benefits processed on time. The staffing shortage explanation makes sense of why this is happening, but it doesn't make it any less stressful when people are depending on these benefits for rent, food, and other necessities. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and strategies - this kind of real-world advice is invaluable for navigating the CalWORKs system!

This is such a valuable thread for anyone dealing with SAR 7 delays! Isaac, I'm really glad you were able to get through and resolve this before your rent was due. The fact that your form sat untouched for 3 weeks is unfortunately becoming way too common across California counties. For anyone else facing similar delays, I'd add a couple more tips: If you're able to visit in person, try going mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) around 2-3pm when it's typically less crowded than mornings or Mondays/Fridays. Also, if you submitted your SAR 7 close to the deadline, make sure to mention that when you call - sometimes they can expedite processing for forms that were submitted on time but are at risk of causing benefit delays. The staffing shortages are real, but that doesn't mean we should accept weeks-long delays as normal. Keep advocating for yourselves and don't give up! Thanks to everyone sharing their strategies - this kind of community support makes such a difference.