Which is faster for CalWORKs recertification - BenefitsCal online or mailing the paper packet?

I always do mine online through BenefitsCal now. Processing is WAY faster - when I used to mail in the paper packet, they'd take forever to scan it in and half the time they'd claim they never got it. With BenefitsCal, you get a confirmation number right away when you submit it. You can also upload verification docs directly instead of mailing copies. The online system lets you save your progress too, so you don't have to finish it all at once like the paper packet. Just make SURE you hit the final submit button at the end - I've seen people think they completed it when they only saved a draft.

Online!!! I sent my paper recert in twice and they kept saying they didnt get it even tho i took pics of the envelope before mailing it. Wasted 3 weeks and almost got cut off. The BeneficalCal site is actually pretty easy. Just take pics of ur documents with ur phone and upload them.

Honestly it depends on your county. I'm in Los Angeles County and the online system works great for me - my recertification was processed in about 5 days last time. But my sister is in a rural county (won't name which one) and she says their online system is terrible and things get "stuck" all the time. If you do the online route, make sure you call your worker a week after submitting to confirm they received everything. Don't just assume it went through, even with the confirmation number. The big advantage of paper is that you can write notes and explanations in the margins if your situation is complicated. Online forms don't always allow for that kind of context.

BenefitsCal is definitely faster in most counties, but here's a tip: do the online application AND call your worker to let them know you submitted it. The system is supposed to automatically notify them, but sometimes those notifications get lost. For urgent situations where you need to reach your worker quickly and can't get through on the county lines, I've had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that helps you reach CalWORKs workers without waiting on hold for hours. You can see how it works in their video: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE I used it during my last recertification when I couldn't get through for days and needed to confirm they received my documents. Got through to a real person in about 10 minutes.

I work at a nonprofit that helps ppl w/ benefits and we ALWAYS tell clients to do BenefitsCal. Here's why: 1. You get a confirmation # instantly 2. Workers process online apps first most of the time 3. You can take pics of docs right from your phone 4. No chance of mail getting lost 5. You can check status online instead of calling BUT!!!! Take screenshots of EVERYTHING as you go. Every page, every confirmation. Trust me on this. If something goes wrong, you'll need proof of what you submitted and when.

i tried the online thing lasst month and it kept freezing on me when i tried to upload my paystubs!!! wasted like 3 hours and had to start over twice. ended up just dropping the paper packet at the office directly. but my phone is really old so maybe thats why the site didnt work for me lol

Just realized I should mention - if you do choose to mail it, send it certified mail with tracking! It costs a few extra dollars but gives you proof they received it. I've had workers claim they never got my paperwork until I showed them USPS tracking confirmation with the name of who signed for it.

mail it in!!! the website always crashes for me and i hate it. my worker said most people just mail the packets so they expect it that way. i think it depends how comfortable u r with computers tho