I went through this exact same panic in 2019 when my caseworker told me benefits might be interrupted during the shutdown. Turns out she was completely wrong - my EBT card loaded normally every single month during that 35-day shutdown! CalFresh is considered mandatory spending and the system runs automatically. Even if your county office has reduced staff for your recert interview, they'll work with you to reschedule and won't let your benefits lapse. I have 2 kids myself so I totally understand the fear, but you can breathe easy - your family will not go hungry during a shutdown. The misinformation from caseworkers during these times is honestly inexcusable given how much stress it causes families.

I've been receiving CalFresh for about 2 years now and went through the 2023 shutdown situation. Can confirm that benefits continued normally - my EBT card was loaded on schedule every month without any issues. The automated system that handles benefit disbursements is separate from the political budget battles in Washington. What I learned during that time is that CalFresh (SNAP) is considered an "entitlement program" which means it has mandatory funding that doesn't get affected by temporary shutdowns. The only thing that might be impacted is if you need to speak with a caseworker for changes or new applications, since offices might be short-staffed. But your existing benefits will keep coming. Your caseworker really shouldn't have scared you like that - it's frustrating when the people who are supposed to help us spread unnecessary panic instead of facts.

Great to see you got it resolved! For anyone else having similar issues, I'd also recommend checking if your county has text message alerts for CalFresh. Mine sends reminders about reporting deadlines and sometimes includes backup phone numbers when the app is down. You can usually sign up through your BenefitsCal account under notification preferences. It's been a lifesaver when I've had tech issues with both the website and app at the same time.

Another thing that helped me when I had Edge app issues was making sure I had a strong internet connection. The app seems really sensitive to weak WiFi or cellular data. If you're on WiFi, try switching to cellular data or vice versa. Also, some people have reported that logging out of ALL apps on your phone and then restarting before trying Edge works better - something about memory allocation. And if you're still having trouble after trying all these fixes, you can always fax your SAR7 to your county office. Most county fax numbers are on their websites and it's usually processed just as fast as the app uploads.

This thread has been so helpful! I'm also in California dealing with similar struggles - my rent is eating up most of my income and I kept putting off applying for CalFresh because I assumed I wouldn't qualify. But reading about all these deductions (especially the shelter deduction) has given me hope. @fd111dffc265 I really hope your reapplication goes well now that you know about the net income calculation! It's ridiculous that they don't explain these deductions clearly upfront. @16f1cf625ae2 and @61ec8a31d0a7 thank you for breaking down all the different types of deductions - I had no idea there were so many factors beyond just gross income. I'm definitely going to apply now instead of just assuming I won't qualify. The worst they can say is no, but at least I'll know exactly where I stand.

Reading through all these responses has been incredibly eye-opening! I'm also in California (Orange County) and have been putting off applying because I assumed I made too much at $2,650/month with rent at $1,750. But seeing how the shelter deduction and other factors work makes me realize I might actually qualify. @fd111dffc265 I really hope your reapplication with all the proper deductions works out! It's so frustrating that the initial screening doesn't explain all these options clearly. @16f1cf625ae2 @61ec8a31d0a7 thank you for explaining the net income calculation - I had no idea about the 20% earned income deduction or how the shelter costs factor in. This thread has given me the motivation to actually apply instead of just struggling quietly. It's amazing how much support and knowledge everyone is sharing here!

Congrats on getting through! That's such a relief. I've been in a similar situation where documents somehow went "missing" in their system - it's so frustrating but at least now you're back on track. Since they're expediting it, you should hear back within a few days. Just a heads up though - even after approval, it can take 7-10 days to get your actual EBT card in the mail, so don't panic if there's still a bit of a wait. Fingers crossed everything moves quickly for you now!

That's such great news that you finally got through and they're expediting your case! It's unfortunately super common for documents to get "lost" in their system - happened to me too when I first applied. Since you mentioned your rent went up $250, you might want to ask your caseworker if that change affects your benefit amount at all. Sometimes increased housing costs can actually increase your CalFresh allotment. Also, once you get approved and receive your EBT card, don't forget you can use it at farmers markets too if there are any near you - they often have matching programs that double your buying power for fresh produce!

Just wanted to add another tip that's helped me save money on fees - if your cousin lives near any colleges or universities, many campus bookstores and food courts accept EBT and offer cash back with no fees. I discovered this by accident when I was visiting a friend at UC San Diego. The campus convenience store let me get $40 cash back when I bought a drink, and there was no fee at all. Not every campus location does this, but it's worth checking if he's in the area. Also, for what it's worth, San Diego County's GA program should allow 4 free BofA ATM withdrawals per month before fees kick in. The county office on Broadway downtown sometimes has printed fee schedules available if he wants to stop by in person - sometimes easier than trying to get through on the phone. The staff there seemed more helpful than the eligibility workers at the initial appointment.

This whole thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I had no idea the fee structure was so complicated or that there were so many ways to avoid them. I've been on CalFresh for about 6 months but never had cash benefits before, so this is all new information for me too. One thing I wanted to add that might help your cousin - I recently learned that some Dollar General and Family Dollar stores also offer cash back with EBT purchases, and their limits are usually pretty reasonable (around $40-50). Since there are so many of these stores around, it might give him more options for getting cash without fees, especially if he's in an area without a lot of grocery stores. Also, just want to say how frustrating it is that we all have to crowdsource this basic information that should be clearly explained during the application process. The fact that people are losing money to fees because they weren't properly informed is really messed up. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of practical knowledge that makes a real difference in people's lives!