California CalFresh

Thank you everyone for all the advice! I've compiled everything and shared it with my neighbor. She's going to the TAD office tomorrow morning and will also call Catholic Charities and 211. I'm going to help her gather all her documents tonight so she's prepared. I'll update if we find a solution that might help others too.

Good luck to your neighbor! One more thing that might help - if she's struggling with utilities too, she should ask about LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) at the same time she applies for other assistance. Sometimes getting help with the electric/gas bill can free up enough money to catch up on rent. Also, many food banks in the Rialto area (like the one at Grace Community Church) provide groceries which can stretch her CalFresh benefits further and leave more cash available for rent. The combination of multiple small assistance programs sometimes works better than waiting for one big rental assistance approval.

Just wanted to add that some gas stations and convenience stores also participate in RMP if you're eligible! Places like 7-Eleven, Circle K, and some Shell stations have hot food counters that accept RMP benefits. It's not just sit-down restaurants - you can also get prepared hot meals from these locations if your EBT card is coded for the Restaurant Meals Program. Might be helpful for folks who qualify but don't want to go to traditional fast food places.

Does anyone know if there’s a Wendy's in Sacramento that takes EBT?

Your rent is WAYYY too high for your income! Financial advisors say housing should be MAX 30% of income which means you should pay like $840/month not almost $2000!!! The whole system is broken!!

I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - housing costs are absolutely crushing families right now. While CalFresh can't directly pay rent, maximizing your food benefits does free up more of your paycheck for housing costs, which is smart thinking. A few things that might help immediately: Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they have a database of local emergency rental assistance programs beyond just ERAP. Also, check if Sacramento has any tenant protection ordinances that might limit how much your landlord can raise rent at once. For your CalFresh, make sure you're getting the maximum amount by reporting any changes in your situation. Sometimes people don't realize they can get more benefits when their housing costs go up significantly. And definitely apply for CalWORKs - even with the requirements others mentioned, the cash assistance could be a lifeline right now. You're doing everything right by reaching out and exploring all options. Don't give up - there are people and programs designed to help prevent exactly this situation.

To clarify some of the information being shared: The 2025 fiscal year COLA for SNAP/CalFresh has been announced at approximately 3.6% which is indeed lower than last year's adjustment. For a one-person household, the maximum monthly allotment will increase from $292 to $303 starting October 1st. However, your actual increase will depend on your specific benefit calculation, which factors in your income and deductions. The notices are being mailed in batches throughout September, so not everyone receives them at the same time. If you haven't received yours by September 25th, I would recommend contacting your county office.

Just wanted to add that if you're not getting your notices reliably, you can also call the CalFresh customer service line at 1-877-847-3663 to get your current benefit amount and ask about any upcoming changes. They can tell you over the phone what your new amount will be starting October 1st. I've had to do this before when my mail was delayed and it saved me from worrying about my budget. Also, the increase should show up on your EBT card automatically on October 1st even if you don't get the paper notice, so you can always check your balance that day to see the new amount.

btw if u get approved make sure u ask them bout the arrearage forgiveness program too. they can sometimes help with old utility debt not just the current bill. my cousin got like $700 of old bills wiped out

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble getting through to anyone, try calling first thing in the morning (like 8 AM) when they open. I work part-time at a community center and we always tell people the phone lines are clearest in the first hour. Also, don't give up if the first agency you call is out of funding - there are usually multiple organizations in each county that administer these programs. I've seen people get help from their 3rd or 4th try when the first few places were tapped out. Keep a list of everyone you've called so you don't repeat yourself. Good luck with the 14-day deadline - that's really stressful but there are definitely options out there!