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!