Hey StarGazer101! I'm new here but I've been dealing with the same issue. I found that the LA County DPSS also has a text service that might help you get info faster than calling. You can text "CASE" to 211411 with your case number and they'll send you basic payment info. It's not as detailed as calling but at least you can get some info without waiting on hold forever! Also, if you go to any LA County library, they have computers where you can access your BenefitsCal account and sometimes the "pending transactions" section shows up better on the full website than on mobile. Hope this helps!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share what worked for me recently! I was having the exact same problem trying to find out when my next CalWORKs payment was coming. After trying all the phone numbers people mentioned here, I finally had luck with a different approach. I went to my local DPSS office first thing in the morning (around 8:30 AM) and asked them to print out my payment schedule. The worker was super helpful and gave me a sheet showing all my upcoming payment dates for the next 3 months for both CalWORKs and CalFresh. She said they can always do this for you in person, even if you can't get through on the phone. It took about 15 minutes total including the wait. The office address finder is on the LA County DPSS website if you need to find your local office. Hope this helps other people who are struggling with the phone system!

I moved from California to Utah last year while on CalWORKs and learned this the hard way - definitely report your move BEFORE you leave! I waited until after I got to Utah and it caused so many problems. My CA benefits got terminated immediately once I reported, but Utah's application process took almost a month. The gap was really tough financially. One thing that helped me was calling Arizona's DES office before I would have moved to ask about their application process and what documents to bring. They told me I could actually start the application process online before arriving, which saved some time. Also make sure to get copies of all your CA paperwork (verification of income, rent receipts, etc.) because Arizona will want to see recent documentation even though you're starting fresh with their system. The benefit amounts are definitely different too - Arizona's cash assistance is lower than CalWORKs, so budget accordingly. But you're absolutely doing the right thing by asking these questions and planning to report everything properly. Your sister is lucky to have you looking out for her!

Just want to echo what others have said about reporting this ASAP - I work at a county eligibility office (not as a worker but in admin) and I see these situations all the time. The key thing is getting that written notice submitted before you move, even if it's just a few days before. You can submit the AR 3 form through BenefitsCal online which gives you a confirmation receipt, or you can email it to your worker if they accept email submissions. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - make sure you ask your CA worker about any outstanding requirements you might have, like work participation hours or appointments. Sometimes when people move out of state with incomplete requirements, it can affect their ability to get benefits in the new state if there's a "sanction" that follows them. Arizona will likely ask if you've ever been sanctioned or had benefits terminated in another state. Also, keep all your documentation from the move organized - lease agreements, proof of when you reported the change, etc. If there are any questions later about overpayments or timing, having that paper trail will protect you. Good luck with everything and I hope your sister's health improves!

UPDATE: My benefits just hit my account about an hour ago!!! I'm so relieved I can't even explain it. Thank you everyone for your help and advice. This whole system is so stressful but I'm just glad I can pay my rent on time now.

So glad your benefits came through! This is exactly why I always tell people not to panic too much when workers say it's "being processed" - it usually means you're in the final stretch. The system is definitely stressful and they really need to improve communication about timelines, but at least you got your money before the weekend. Definitely take everyone's advice about documenting everything for next time - photos of submitted docs, notes about phone calls, etc. It really helps when these delays happen again (and unfortunately they probably will). Hope your next recertification goes much smoother!

Hey Aria, I just wanted to share my recent experience that might help ease your worries. I turned in my SAR 7 about a week late last month (my mom was hospitalized and I was at the hospital with her constantly). I was terrified about losing benefits, but here's what happened: I called the main CalWORKs line and explained it was a medical emergency with good cause. The worker I spoke to was actually really understanding and put a priority flag on my case. My benefits came through just 2 days late - not ideal, but way better than I expected. The key things that helped me: 1) I called multiple times until I got someone who could actually help (not just take a message), 2) I had my documentation ready (hospital paperwork showing the dates), and 3) I emphasized that it was preventing a housing crisis. Since your son's illness is definitely good cause and you got it in within the same month, I think you have a really good chance of getting your benefits processed without major delays. The fact that you've never been late before should work in your favor too - they can see you're normally compliant. Hang in there! The system isn't perfect but it does have protections for situations exactly like yours.

I'm a case worker for CalWORKs and wanted to give you some reassurance - you're likely going to be fine! Submitting your SAR 7 just a few days late with a valid good cause reason (your son's illness) should not result in benefit termination, especially since you got it in before the end of the month. Here's what I recommend: Call the office first thing tomorrow and ask to speak with ANY available eligibility worker, not just yours. Explain that you submitted a late SAR 7 due to your child's illness and that you need expedited processing due to rent being due. Most counties have protocols for urgent housing situations. If you can't get through by phone, definitely go in person. Bring any documentation you have about your son's illness (doctor visit receipts, school absence notes, etc.) and a copy of your lease showing the rent due date. This helps workers understand the urgency and good cause. The system has safeguards specifically for situations like yours - you're not the first parent who's had to prioritize a sick child over paperwork deadlines. Stay persistent and don't give up after one phone call or visit. You've got this!

So glad you got it sorted out! This is exactly why going in person is usually the best option when there are issues like this. The address mix-up is super common - I've seen it happen with "Street" vs "St.", apartment numbers being wrong, or zip codes getting transposed. The county workers can fix these issues immediately when you're there in person, but it's nearly impossible to resolve over the phone. Your experience will definitely help other people who run into the same problem!

This is such a valuable thread for anyone dealing with EBT card issues! As someone who's been through the CalWORKs system, I can confirm that address errors are incredibly common - even tiny differences like "Ave" vs "Avenue" or missing apartment numbers can cause cards to get returned to sender. The key things that worked for me and others I know: 1) Always go in person when possible - phone calls rarely resolve these issues quickly, 2) Use the specific terms like "immediate need" and "emergency issuance" that Niko mentioned, and 3) Bring ALL your paperwork including your approval notice and ID. Don't be discouraged if the first person you talk to can't help - sometimes you need to ask for a supervisor. The system has problems but there ARE solutions when you know what to ask for!