10-year-old CalFresh overpayment claim - Is there really no statute of limitations?

There's a difference between the state and federal statute of limitations for CalFresh overpayments. The 3-year limit you found online might be referring to state-funded portions, but CalFresh is primarily federally funded, which has different rules. In my experience working with clients, they can absolutely pursue collections on federal benefit overpayments beyond 3 years. However, you should request a detailed breakdown of how they calculated the overpayment and verification of when they first attempted to notify you. If they can't prove they tried to collect before now, you might have some options.

omg this SAME THING happened to my cousin last month but it was from 2016!!! she ended up just setting up a payment plan for like $25 a month cuz she didnt wanna deal with fighting it. so messed up they can come after u after all this time 😡

YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY FIGHT THIS!! The county CANNOT just bill you after 10 years without proof they tried to collect before. Request ALL their documentation immediately. Ask specifically for: 1. Original overpayment notice (they had to send one when they discovered it) 2. Proof of their collection attempts over the years 3. Detailed breakdown of the alleged overpayment 4. Administrative hearing request form I had a $1,900 overpayment from 2018 that I got dismissed because they couldn't prove they sent me the original notice. The system is BROKEN but you have rights!!

theres definately a statute of limitation on this stuff. my brother in law works for the county and he says they cant go back more than 3 years for most stuff but sometimes theres exceptions. you should ask for a fair hearing, thats your right. good luck!

I've helped many clients with CalFresh overpayment claims. Here's what you need to know: 1. For FEDERAL programs like CalFresh, there is indeed no statute of limitations on collection, according to federal regulations at 7 CFR 273.18 2. However, they must have evidence of the overpayment calculation, proof they notified you at your address of record at the time, and documentation of collection attempts 3. You have the right to request a fair hearing within 90 days of receiving this new notice 4. You can request a payment plan if the claim is valid - they must accept reasonable offers based on your current financial situation Your best approach is to request a full Administrative Hearing and demand complete documentation. If they can't produce records showing they properly notified you at the time, you may have grounds for dismissal under procedural requirements.

I had this happen but with unemployment not calfresh. Try calling ur county worker direct but GOOD LUCK actually reaching a person lol I tried for weeks!!!

wait i just remembered something!!! my friend who works at legal aid told me that if u can prove "administrative error" the debt can be waived. like if they made the mistake not u? worth asking about!!

I'm still FURIOUS they can come after people after TEN YEARS!!! What about the interest you could have earned on that money if you'd known about this debt?? The system is COMPLETELY biased against recipients. FIGHT THIS ALL THE WAY!!! And report back what happens please!!

I'm going through something similar right now with a 2015 overpayment claim that just showed up last month. After reading through all these responses, I wanted to add that you should also request a "waiver of collection" if you're experiencing financial hardship. Even if the overpayment is valid, they're supposed to consider your current ability to pay. I found out about this from a paralegal at our local legal aid office - apparently it's in the federal regulations but they don't advertise it. Also, document EVERYTHING from this point forward - every phone call, every letter, every interaction. Good luck fighting this!