Submitted SAR7 multiple ways but CalWORKs still discontinued - is the BenefitsCal system broken?

The benfitscal site is useless!!! I put my stuff on there 2 and nobody looks at it. i think they just built it to look like they care but the workers don't check it. u have to go in face to face or ur case gets closed everytime thats what mine does

This happens all the time unfortunately. The county offices are severely understaffed and BenefitsCal uploads often don't get matched to the right case fast enough to prevent discontinuance. Here's what you should do: 1. Call your worker directly (not the main line) if you have their direct number 2. Request an "expedited restoration" of your benefits due to administrative error 3. Ask for retroactive payments for the month you missed 4. Request a supervisor review if your worker is unresponsive Also, for future reference, always get a receipt when you submit documents in person. They should have given you a date-stamped copy that proves you submitted the documents. Without that proof, it's harder to fight a wrongful discontinuance.

@SadConfusedUser Yes, it's absolutely real. If your benefits were incorrectly discontinued due to an administrative error (like them not processing documents you submitted on time), you have the right to request immediate restoration without reapplying. Many workers don't tell clients about this option because it creates more work for them. The specific regulation is in the CalWORKs Eligibility Manual section 40-125.33. Print that out and bring it with you if they try to claim otherwise.

I had this exact problem last year! The BenefitsCal system is totally broken and the workers are drowning in cases. I found a service called Claimyr that got me through to my worker in about 10 minutes when I'd been trying for days. It works by navigating the phone tree for you and waiting on hold so you don't have to. Costs a bit but saved my sanity when my benefits got cut off. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE or just go to claimyr.com. Way better than losing another day of work to sit at the county office!

I work as a benefits advocate (not for the county) and see this issue constantly. Here's what's happening: Counties are required by law to process SAR7s timely, but most are so understaffed they prioritize physical documents over BenefitsCal uploads. It's not right, but it's reality. You have rights here. Request a state hearing immediately by calling 1-800-952-5253. You only have 90 days from discontinuance to request one. In the hearing, explain you submitted documents multiple ways and the county failed to process them. Bring all evidence - screenshots of BenefitsCal uploads with dates, any receipts, etc. In the meantime, call your County Board of Supervisors office. They often have constituent services staff who can intervene in benefits issues. This has resolved cases much faster than waiting for a hearing in my experience.

Yes, bring all documentation to the hearing - bank statements, pay stubs, screenshots showing when you uploaded them, everything! For the Board of Supervisors, every county has one - search "[your county name] Board of Supervisors" and look for a phone number. Ask to speak with someone about constituent services. Be clear and direct: "I'm a CalWORKs recipient whose benefits were wrongfully discontinued despite submitting verification multiple ways. I need assistance getting my case reinstated immediately as my family is now facing eviction." They often have dedicated staff who can cut through red tape.

its not benefitcals fault its the workers they just DONT CARE about us. i am a single mom with 4 kids and they cut me off 3 TIMES this year even tho i turn everything in early. they want us to fail thats why they make it so hard. the systems not broken its DESIGNED this way to kick people off. you have to fight and fight and fight just to get what ur already eligible for

Hey have u tried checking ur benfitscal messages? sometimes they send message saying what else they need but dont call u. My worker does this all the time he never calls just leaves messages on there but doesnt tell me theres a message!!! so dumb

One more thing to try while you're working on the hearing process: Call the CalWORKs office first thing when they open (usually 8am) on Monday morning. The call volume is typically lowest then. Ask specifically for a "Case Review Due to Discontinued Benefits Despite Timely Document Submission." Use those exact words. This triggers a different workflow than a general inquiry and often gets faster attention. Also send an email to your county's general welfare email address with "URGENT: Wrongful Discontinuance" in the subject line. Include your case number, the dates you submitted documents (all methods), and request immediate review and backdating of benefits. The more paper trail you create, the better.

Just sharing what worked for me with Claimyr since someone asked. I was skeptical too but it actually did get me through to my worker. What it does is call the county office for you, navigate all the annoying menus, wait on hold, and then call your phone when it reaches a real person. I was able to explain my situation and got my benefits restored within 3 days (including backpay for the missed month). Definitely worth it when you're desperate. Check out their demo at claimyr.com - you can see exactly how it works before deciding.