The SAR 7, also known as the Eligibility Status Report, is a form that Californians receiving benefits from programs like CalWORKs, CalFresh (SNAP), or Medi-Cal must complete every quarter to confirm their eligibility. Completing the SAR 7 online can ensure your benefits are not interrupted. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to complete your SAR 7 online using the MyBenefits CalWIN website or mobile app.
What is the SAR 7?
The SAR 7, or Eligibility Status Report, is a quarterly form that recipients of certain public assistance programs in California must complete. It is used to confirm your eligibility for benefits from programs like:
- CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids)
- CalFresh (California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP)
- Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program)
By completing the SAR 7, you are providing updated information on your household’s income, property, resources, and living expenses. This allows the county to verify that you remain eligible to receive your current level of program benefits.
SAR 7 reports are mandatory and must be completed once every calendar quarter. Due dates are based on your case number:
| If your case number ends in | Your SAR 7 is due |
|---|---|
| 0 or 1 | February 1, May 1, August 1, November 1 |
| 2 or 3 | February 10, May 10, August 10, November 10 |
| 4 or 5 | February 15, May 15, August 15, November 15 |
| 6 or 7 | February 20, May 20, August 20, November 20 |
| 8 or 9 | February 25, May 25, August 25, November 25 |
If you do not complete your SAR 7 on time, your benefits may be discontinued.
How do I complete the SAR 7 online?
You can now complete your SAR 7 entirely online using the MyBenefits CalWIN website or mobile app. Here are step-by-step instructions:
On the MyBenefits CalWIN website
1. Go to www.mybenefitscalwin.org and log in to your account. If you do not already have an account, you can self-register on the website.
2. Once logged in, click on “Forms” and then select “SAR 7 Status Report” from the menu.
3. Review the basic information in Section A and make any necessary corrections. Be sure your contact information is up-to-date.
4. Answer the questions in Sections B-H honestly, providing details when prompted. Section topics include:
- Household information
- Income
- Property/Resources
- Expenses
- Tax filing status
- School enrollment status
5. For any section, if there have been no changes since your last SAR 7, select the “No Change” box.
6. Review all of your responses carefully on the Summary page. Check the box to agree to the terms and certify that your reporting is true.
7. Select “Submit” and confirm to file your SAR 7. Be sure to print or save a copy for your records!
On the MyBenefits CalWIN mobile app
You can also complete the SAR 7 directly in the MyBenefits CalWIN mobile app:
1. Download the app on your Android or Apple iOS device. Log in using your existing account credentials or self-register.
2. Tap on “Forms” and select the SAR 7 form.
3. Follow steps 3-7 above to complete and submit the form accurately.
4. When finished, be sure to logout of the app to protect your private case information.
SAR 7 tips
Here are some important tips to ensure your SAR 7 is successfully processed:
- Complete all required questions – blank or incomplete forms cannot be processed
- Report all changes in your household since the last time you completed the form
- List all sources of income for each household member
- Double check that all of your information is accurate before submitting
- Submit the form on time – late SAR 7 forms could mean your benefits are discontinued
- Save a copy of your submitted SAR 7 for your records
- If you need to make a correction after submitting, contact your county welfare office right away
You must complete the SAR 7 even if there are no changes to report. Failing to submit your SAR 7 on time could mean:
- Your benefits are discontinued
- Your case is closed
- You may have to reapply and reopen your case
So be sure to note your due dates and schedule time to complete it. If you need help understanding any part of the form, contact your county welfare office.
What changes do I need to report on the SAR 7?
Any changes in your household must be reported on your quarterly SAR 7, including:
- Address – Report any change in your residential or mailing address
- Household size – Report any changes in who lives with you
- Income – List all new or increased income sources and amounts for each household member
- Resources – Report any increases in cash, money in bank accounts, stocks, bonds, retirement accounts, or property. The resource limit for CalFresh is $2250.
- Expenses – List any new deductions for things like child care, child support paid, housing costs, medical expenses (only for CalFresh), etc.
- School status – Report if any teen (age 16-18) in your household has dropped out or is no longer attending school full-time
You must provide verification for any newly reported income or deductions. Failing to accurately report changes could result in overpayments that you will have to pay back.
What if I miss my SAR 7 due date?
If you are late submitting your SAR 7 report, your benefits may be discontinued. Here’s what to do:
- Complete and submit the SAR 7 form immediately, even if late
- Contact your county social services office to explain why the report is late
- If possible, submit verifications to support your explanation for being late
- Request a state hearing if your benefits are discontinued and you disagree with the county’s decision
Some examples of good cause for being late on your SAR 7 include:
- Hospitalization or illness during the submission period
- Loss of your home due to natural disaster or fire
- Domestic violence or trauma prevented you from submitting the form
- You did not receive your form in the mail on time
Providing documentation of your good cause reason along with submitting the late form gives you the best chance of having your benefits reinstated without interruption.
How do I report a change outside of the SAR 7?
While the SAR 7 is used to report quarterly changes, you may need to report certain changes right away that cannot wait until your next form is due.
Examples include:
- A new job or source of income
- Someone moving in or out of your household
- Increased assets that put you over the resource limit
- Loss of income
To report changes like these in between SAR 7 forms:
- Call or visit your county social services office
- Submit verification related to the change
- Follow any other instructions provided by your case worker
Failing to report important changes right away could lead to overpayments or underpayments in your benefits that you will have to repay later.
Can I get help completing the SAR 7?
Yes, if you need help understanding the questions on the SAR 7 or completing the form, assistance is available:
- Contact your county social services office – Speak with your case worker for help over the phone or schedule an in-person appointment
- Call the SAR 7 automated phone system – Call 1-866-673-7705 to hear pre-recorded SAR 7 information and questions
- Get help at your local county office – Visit a regional CalFresh or welfare office near you to get in-person help
- Authorized representatives – You can designate someone you trust to help complete your SAR 7 form
- Online SAR 7 tool – Answer interview questions on the MyBenefits CalWIN site and print your form
- Language assistance – Request a translated SAR 7 form or translation services in multiple languages
Do not let language or confusion prevent you from completing this important form. Reach out to get the help you need to maintain your benefits.
What happens after I submit the SAR 7?
After you successfully submit your SAR 7, here is what happens next:
- The county will review your reported information and verify any changes
- They calculate your benefits amount based on your updated household details
- You will receive a notice informing you of your new benefit amount
- If eligible, your EBT card will be reloaded with benefits on your designated issuance date
- Your benefits are approved for another quarter until your next SAR 7 is due
Most importantly, submitting the SAR 7 on time avoids having your benefits discontinued. As long as you remain eligible based on your reported information, your benefits will continue without interruption each quarter.
Conclusion
Completing the SAR 7 might seem like a hassle, but it is a mandatory part of keeping your public assistance benefits in California. By reporting changes on time, benefits can adjust appropriately to your household’s circumstances. Use the MyBenefits CalWIN website or mobile app to complete your SAR 7 online conveniently and avoid having your benefits discontinued. Reach out for help from your county if you have any questions or need assistance with the form. Consistently submitting your SAR 7 every quarter ensures you maintain your benefits over the long-term.