What happens after I submit documents to add my baby to CalFresh and CalWORKs? Next steps unclear

You did the right thing by submitting the documents, but I'd definitely follow up with a call to make sure they received everything and are processing the change. When I added my daughter to my case, I thought uploading the docs was enough, but they sat there for weeks until I called. Once you speak with a worker, ask them to confirm they'll add your baby to BOTH programs (CalWORKs and CalFresh). They should increase both benefit amounts once he's added.Also, since you have a newborn, make sure to ask about the diaper stipend! CalWORKs now provides an additional $30 per month for children under 3 years old. And don't wait for your SAR7 - this type of household change should be processed right away since it will increase your benefits.

Thanks for the advice. I've been calling for two days and keep getting the automated system. It's so frustrating! I didn't know about the diaper benefit - that would really help. Does adding him automatically trigger that or do I need to request it specifically?

they should process it in 10 business days but idk they nvr do anything on time lol. do u have a caseworkker asigned to u? if u do email them directly instead of calling. when i had my baby last yr i just put her on my SAR7 form and they added her but I lost food stamps for a while bcuz they said i didnt send proofs but i DID. the system is so broke 🙄

I don't even know who my caseworker is! I've had different people every time I call. That's so frustrating about your food stamps. Did you ever get them back?

Congrats on your baby!! I just went through this in January. Make sure they add him as a \

This is really important advice. Children are mandatory inclusions for CalWORKs unless they receive SSI or foster care payments. The worker was incorrect to say a baby is \

I've been trying to reach someone at county for 2 WEEKS about adding my nephew to my case!!! The phone system is IMPOSSIBLE and I keep getting disconnected after waiting 45+ minutes. I finally found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to a live person at my county office in less than 5 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwESaved me so much frustration and my nephew got added to my case the same day I spoke with someone. Definitely worth trying if you can't get through on your own.

Does this actually work? I'm so tired of being on hold for hours just to get hung up on.

It worked for me! And for my sister too when she needed to fix her Welfare to Work hours. The county worker even told me they get calls from them all the time so they're legit.

Everyone here is telling you to call but honestly? If you already uploaded everything through BenefitsCal you should be able to see in your account if they received it. There should be a message that says

It does say \

They should backdate to when you reported the change (when you uploaded the docs). If they don't, make sure to ask them to! And if it's been a week, definitely call because they're probably just sitting on it.

Here's what you need to know about adding a child to your case:1. For CalWORKs: Your baby is automatically considered part of your Assistance Unit (AU), and should increase your grant by approximately $175-200 per month depending on your current household size. You're also eligible for the $30/month diaper benefit.2. For CalFresh: Adding your baby should increase your SNAP benefits as well.3. Timeline: The county has 10 days to process this mid-period report since it will increase your benefits. The change should be effective the month after you reported it.4. Processing: You don't need to wait for your SAR7. This is considered a \

Thank you for breaking it down so clearly! I didn't know I could request a state hearing if they take too long. Hopefully it won't come to that. I'll keep trying to reach someone at the county.

wait they should of told u if u need anything else? when i added my baby they needed his birth cert and ssn card but also my updated income n rent info. did they ask for any of that stuff? maybe thats why its taking longer. also make sure u check ur mail bcuz sometime they send another packet to fill out even when u do it online. i got a discontinuance notice bcuz i didnt send back some form they mailed me even tho i did the whole thing on benefitscal 😤

No, they didn't ask for updated income or rent info. That's a good point - maybe that's why it's taking longer. I'll keep checking my mail. The whole system is so confusing!

Just as a follow up - once they do add your baby to CalWORKs, make sure you also apply for childcare benefits if you need them! You're automatically eligible for CalWORKs childcare assistance for your baby if you're working or in school/training. The childcare program is separate from your cash aid application, so you'll need to specifically request it. They can cover the full cost of licensed childcare while you work or attend WTW activities.

I do need childcare! I'm starting a part-time job next month and was worried about how I'd pay for it. Do I request childcare through my regular CalWORKs worker or is it a different department?

You'll need to talk to your WTW worker specifically (not your eligibility worker) about childcare. They'll have you complete a childcare request form and help you find providers. Make sure to request it BEFORE you start your job so they can set it up in time!

I went through this exact same situation 6 months ago with my newborn! Here's what I learned: After uploading documents through BenefitsCal, you should get an email confirmation that they received them. If you haven't gotten that, definitely call to confirm. In my experience, it took about 2 weeks for them to actually process adding my baby to both programs, but the benefits were backdated to when I first reported the change. Don't wait for your SAR7 - this needs to be processed now since you're entitled to more money. Keep calling until you get through, and when you do, ask them to put notes in your case file about when you reported the change so there's no confusion later. Also ask specifically about the $30 diaper benefit - they don't always mention it automatically. Good luck!

I'm going through something similar right now with my 2-month-old! I submitted all the documents through BenefitsCal about 10 days ago and finally got through to someone yesterday. They told me they had received everything but it was still "pending review" - which seems to be code for "sitting in a pile somewhere." The worker did confirm that once it's processed, my baby will be added to both CalFresh and CalWORKs automatically, and the benefits should be backdated to when I first reported the change. She also mentioned the $30 diaper benefit that others have talked about - apparently it's automatic once they add a child under 3 to your case, you don't have to request it separately. My advice is to keep calling until you get through, and when you do, ask them to give you a timeline and put notes in your file. The worker I spoke with said to call back if I don't see the change within 2 weeks. It's frustrating how long this takes when you need the extra help now!

I just went through this exact process last month! After uploading documents through BenefitsCal, I had to call multiple times before getting through (took about 4 days of trying). When I finally reached someone, they confirmed they had my documents but said it would take 10-15 business days to process. The key thing is to ask them to confirm they're adding your baby to BOTH programs at the same time - don't assume they'll do it automatically. In my case, they processed CalWORKs first and I had to call back about CalFresh being delayed. Also, make sure to ask about the effective date - they should backdate it to when you first reported the change (when you uploaded the docs). My benefits increased by about $180 for CalWORKs plus the $30 diaper benefit, and my CalFresh went up by around $90. Don't wait for your SAR7 - this is considered a mid-period change that increases benefits, so they're required to process it right away. Keep calling until you get through, and when you do, ask them to send you a written notice confirming the changes and timeline. Good luck!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - just had my baby 6 weeks ago and trying to get her added to my benefits. From what I've learned lurking in this group and talking to other parents, here's what helped me: First, definitely keep calling even though it's frustrating. I used the tip someone mentioned about calling right when they open (usually 8 AM) - got through on the third try that way. When you do reach someone, ask them to email you a confirmation of what documents they received and what the next steps are. This way you have it in writing. Also, I found out that sometimes they need additional verification even if you uploaded everything - like proof of your baby's citizenship status or updated household composition forms. Make sure to ask if there's ANYTHING else they need so you're not playing phone tag for weeks. The worker I spoke with said the 10-day processing timeline starts from when they have ALL required documents, not when you first upload something. So if they're missing anything, the clock hasn't even started ticking yet. Hope this helps and congratulations on your little one!

I just went through this process 3 months ago when I had my daughter! Here's what worked for me: After uploading documents through BenefitsCal, I called the county office within 2-3 days to confirm they received everything. The key is to be persistent - I had to call multiple times over several days before getting through, but it was worth it. When you do reach someone, ask them to: 1) Confirm they received all documents, 2) Give you a specific timeline for processing, 3) Verify they're adding your baby to BOTH CalFresh and CalWORKs (don't assume they'll do both automatically), and 4) Ask about the $30 diaper benefit for kids under 3. In my case, it took about 12 business days total, but the benefits were backdated to when I first reported the change. My CalWORKs increased by $185 and CalFresh by about $95. Don't wait for your SAR7 - this is considered a mandatory mid-period change that increases benefits, so they have to process it within their 10-day guideline. Also, check your BenefitsCal account regularly for any messages requesting additional documents. Good luck and congrats on your baby!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now with my 4-month-old! I uploaded all the documents through BenefitsCal about a week ago and have been struggling to get through to anyone by phone. Reading through all these responses is so helpful - I had no idea about the $30 diaper benefit or that this should be processed as a mandatory mid-period change within 10 days. I'm definitely going to try calling right at 8 AM tomorrow morning like someone suggested, and I'll make sure to ask for email confirmation of what documents they received. It's frustrating how confusing this whole process is when you're already dealing with a newborn and need the extra support. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and specific timelines - it really helps to know what to expect and that persistence does pay off eventually!

Just wanted to add my experience from when I added my son to my case 4 months ago - one thing that really helped was asking the worker to give me their direct extension when I finally got through. That way when I had follow-up questions or needed to check status, I didn't have to go through the main phone system again. Also, if you're having trouble getting through by phone, try going to your local county office in person if possible. I know it's hard with a baby, but sometimes showing up physically gets faster results than waiting on hold for hours. When I went in person, they were able to pull up my case immediately and confirm that my documents had been received and were being processed. They also gave me a paper receipt showing what had been submitted and when. One more tip - if your benefits don't show up on your EBT card by the date they promise, call immediately. Don't wait another week thinking it might just be delayed. In my case there was a system glitch that required a supervisor to manually push the update through. Good luck and hang in there - the extra money really does make a difference once it comes through!

I'm in a very similar situation with my 2-month-old! I submitted all the documents through BenefitsCal about 5 days ago and have been calling every day since with no luck getting through. Reading all these responses is giving me hope that persistence will eventually pay off. I had no idea about the diaper benefit or that they're supposed to process this within 10 days as a mandatory change. I'm definitely going to try the 8 AM calling strategy tomorrow and ask for email confirmation when I do get through. It's so frustrating that we have to work this hard just to get our babies added to benefits we're already receiving, especially when money is already tight with a newborn. Thanks to everyone for sharing their timelines and specific dollar amounts - it really helps to know what to expect and that the benefits do get backdated. Fingers crossed we all get our cases processed soon!