I'm completely new to this community and just started my CalWORKs application last month. This whole thread has been absolutely eye-opening! I had no clue that BenefitsCal could be so unreliable with status updates - my caseworker never mentioned anything about potential delays or inaccuracies in the online portal. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both incredibly helpful and honestly pretty shocking. It's wild that in 2025 we're dealing with government systems that are this glitchy and unreliable, especially when people are depending on these benefits for basic necessities like rent and food. The stress that Liam went through (and that so many others have experienced) shouldn't be necessary just because a website can't sync properly with the actual case management systems. I'm definitely saving all the practical tips from this discussion - taking detailed notes during interviews, asking for confirmation numbers, checking EBT balance before payment dates instead of trusting BenefitsCal, and most importantly, trusting what the worker tells you verbally rather than what shows up online. This kind of real-world advice is exactly what new applicants like me need but never get from official sources. Thank you all for creating such a supportive space where we can learn from each other's experiences. It's clear that community knowledge is way more valuable than any official documentation when it comes to actually navigating these confusing systems successfully!

I'm new to this community and honestly this entire thread has been such a reality check! I'm in the middle of my CalWORKs application process right now and had no idea that BenefitsCal could be so unreliable. Reading about everyone's experiences with the system delays and inaccuracies is both helpful and pretty concerning - it's crazy that people have to stress about whether their basic needs will be met just because a government website can't update properly. The practical advice shared here is gold - taking notes during interviews, getting confirmation numbers, checking EBT balance instead of trusting the portal, and most importantly trusting what workers tell you verbally rather than what shows up online. It's honestly frustrating that we have to learn these survival strategies from each other instead of getting proper guidance from the system itself. Thank you all for being so open about sharing your experiences and creating such a supportive space. It's clear this community knowledge is way more valuable than any official resources when it comes to actually navigating these confusing systems. I'll definitely be bookmarking this thread for when I get to my own recertification!

I'm new to this community and going through the exact same situation right now! Applied for both CalWORKs and CalFresh about 10 days ago and just got word that my expedited food benefits were approved but cash aid is still pending. Reading through all these responses has been SO helpful - I had no idea about picking up a temporary EBT card at the office instead of waiting for mail! @JaylinCharles I'm really glad you got your $768 food benefit loaded! That must be such a relief. I'm going to head to my county office tomorrow to get my temp card and hopefully the benefits will already be there. One question for anyone who's been through this - when they say they need "verification documents" for CalWORKs, do they usually tell you exactly what's missing or do you have to guess? My caseworker was pretty vague on the phone and just said "we need more paperwork" but didn't specify what. I'm worried about submitting the wrong things and causing more delays. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences here - this process is so overwhelming when you're doing it for the first time, but this community makes it feel way less scary!

Hey there! I just went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago with my daughter. The expedited CalFresh is such a relief when you need it - sounds like you're already on the right track getting that temp EBT card! For the CalWORKs verification, definitely get a specific checklist from your worker. In my experience, they usually need proof of identity for everyone in the household, income verification (like those paystubs you mentioned), proof of housing costs (your rental agreement), and sometimes utility bills or bank statements. The key is getting it ALL in at once rather than piecemeal - that's what caused delays for me the first time around. One tip that really helped me: when you submit documents through BenefitsCal, name your files clearly like "Smith_Rental_Agreement_March2025.pdf" instead of random numbers. Makes it easier for them to find and process everything quickly. Also keep checking your account online - sometimes they'll update your case status there before calling you. The cash aid approval really can take the full 30 days, but once it comes through it's such a weight off your shoulders. You're doing everything right by staying proactive and asking questions here. This community was a lifesaver for me when I was navigating all this for the first time. Hang in there!

Wow, what an emotional rollercoaster this thread has been! Ava, I'm so incredibly relieved you got your benefits restored - reading through your entire journey from panic to resolution really highlights both the worst and best parts of navigating these systems. The fact that you were cut off for being just $47 over your IRT while they were sending notices to the wrong address is a perfect example of how the system can fail people who are doing everything right. It's maddening that they discontinued your entire benefit instead of just reducing it, especially when the communication breakdown was on their end! But what really stands out to me is how this community came together to help you. From Miguel's initial insight about the IRT, to Zainab's detailed action plan, to everyone sharing their own experiences - it's proof that peer support can make all the difference when you're dealing with bureaucratic nightmares. As someone who's been on CalWORKs for about 8 months, I'm definitely taking notes from this thread: submit pay stubs proactively, verify addresses across ALL departments, know my exact IRT, and never give up on fighting for what I'm entitled to. Your persistence in going to the office and waiting 3 hours shows what it sometimes takes to get real help. Thank you for sharing your full story and keeping us updated. Stories like yours help all of us better navigate these complicated systems and remind us that we're not alone in these struggles!

This whole thread has been such a valuable learning experience! Ava, I'm so glad you were able to get your benefits restored - your persistence really paid off. As someone who just applied for CalWORKs last week, reading through everyone's advice here has given me a much better understanding of what to watch out for. The fact that you were discontinued for being just $47 over the IRT while they sent verification to your old address really shows how easy it is to get caught up in bureaucratic errors. I'm definitely going to be extra careful about keeping my address updated everywhere and submitting documentation proactively. What really impressed me is how supportive this community is - everyone jumped in with such practical advice from personal experience. The detailed action plan for visiting the office was clearly crucial in getting this resolved quickly. I've bookmarked this thread as a reference guide! Thank you for taking the time to update us with the resolution. It gives me confidence that even when the system fails, persistence and community support can help get things back on track. Wishing you continued success as you work toward your goals!

Welcome to both of you! I'm also relatively new to this community but it's been such a valuable resource. I went through the CalWORKs application process about 6 months ago and I wish I had found this group sooner - would have saved me so much anxiety! For anyone still waiting on approval, I wanted to mention that if you're really struggling to reach someone by phone, some offices have specific "call back" hours where they're less busy. In my county (Orange County), calling right at 8 AM when they open or around 2 PM seemed to work better. Also, if you have to leave a voicemail, mention that you're concerned about meeting rent deadlines - sometimes that gets prioritized. The retroactive payment really is a lifesaver when it finally comes through. Just make sure to keep all your receipts and documentation during the waiting period in case they ask for anything additional. You're both going to get through this! The waiting is the absolute worst part, but once you're approved the ongoing process is much smoother. Keep supporting each other - this community has been such a source of hope for me during tough times. ❤️

I just wanted to jump in as someone who's been through this process recently in LA County! I applied for both programs in January and had a very similar timeline to what others have described - CalFresh approved in less than a week, but CalWORKs took about 2.5 weeks after I submitted my verification docs. The good news is that LA County has actually been processing applications faster lately compared to 2023. I think they hired more staff or streamlined something because my case worker mentioned they're trying to get most complete applications processed within 2-3 weeks now. A few things that helped me during the wait: - I called the general CalWORKs line every few days just to confirm they had received my documents (even though BenefitsCal showed they were received) - When I finally got through to someone, I asked them to add notes about my urgent housing situation to my file - I kept a simple log of all my calls and what they told me each time The retroactive payment really does cover everything from your application date, so even though waiting is stressful, you won't lose money for the time period. I know it's hard when rent is due soon, but try to remember that this is temporary and the system does eventually work! Sending you positive thoughts that your approval comes through quickly! 🙏

I'm so sorry you're going through this - 45 days is absolutely unacceptable and you shouldn't have to stress about this while caring for your kids. After reading through all the responses here, I'm convinced it's definitely the child support cooperation requirement that's holding up your case. This seems to be such a common issue where people complete their interviews thinking everything is fine, but then get stuck because some crucial form wasn't properly processed or explained. The advice from the case worker about asking specifically for your child support cooperation status is exactly what you need. I'd also suggest when you call tomorrow, ask them to read back exactly what forms they have on file for you - sometimes they'll say they have everything when they're actually missing key documents. Don't accept "everything looks fine" as an answer when your case has been pending for 45 days! If the phone calls don't work, definitely try going in person with all your paperwork. Bring copies of everything you've already submitted and ask to speak with a supervisor if the first person can't give you specific answers. You've been more than patient and your kids need those benefits. Keep fighting for what you deserve!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation! 45 days is way too long and you absolutely deserve answers at this point. After reading through all the helpful responses here, it really sounds like the child support cooperation requirement is most likely what's holding up your case - this seems to be such a common issue that trips people up. The advice from the case worker about asking specifically about your child support cooperation status and form CW 2.1 is spot-on. When you call tomorrow morning, definitely use those exact questions they provided. Also, I'd suggest asking them to confirm what specific documents they have on file for you, because sometimes there are missing forms that nobody mentions. If you can't get through on the regular number, that Claimyr service that multiple people have recommended sounds like it might be worth trying. And if phone calls don't work, going in person with all your paperwork is definitely the way to go - don't leave without concrete answers about what's holding up your case. You've been incredibly patient for 45 days and your kids need these benefits. Keep advocating for yourself and don't let them brush you off with vague responses. This community is rooting for you to get this resolved quickly! Please update us when you find out what the holdup is.