I'm still learning about all these programs myself, but I wanted to share something that might help with the grocery costs while you're getting these benefits sorted out. I've heard from other community members that some areas have "mobile food pantries" that visit different neighborhoods on rotating schedules - these can be really helpful for families with young kids since you don't have to travel to a fixed location. Also, if you're comfortable with it, you might want to connect with other foster families in your area. I've noticed that experienced foster parents often share resources and tips about navigating all these different programs. Your local foster parent association or support group might have members who've already figured out the best combination of benefits for your county. It sounds like you're really thinking through all the options to make sure these kids are well-fed, which is so important. The advice here about WIC and excluding the foster kids from CalFresh seems really solid based on what everyone's shared!

I'm also pretty new to navigating benefit programs, but I wanted to add something that might be helpful while you're getting everything set up. I recently learned that many counties have online pre-screening tools for CalFresh and other benefits - you can get a quick estimate of what you might qualify for before doing the full application. It might help you figure out whether to include or exclude the foster kids from your CalFresh application based on your specific income situation. Also, since you mentioned being new to the foster system, your caseworker or the agency you're working with might have additional resources they haven't mentioned yet. Sometimes they have partnerships with local food banks or know about emergency assistance programs specifically for foster families. You're asking all the right questions and it's clear you really care about providing well for these kids. The combination of WIC for the 4-year-old, potentially CalFresh for yourself, and free school meals for the 7-year-old should definitely help with the grocery costs!

Thanks everyone for your advice! I think I'm going to start changing my PIN quarterly as suggested, and be more careful about where I use my card. I had no idea skimming was such an issue with EBT cards. Going to download the app to monitor my balance too. Really appreciate all the information!

Just wanted to add that if you do decide to change your PIN regularly, try using a pattern or system that makes sense to you so you don't forget it. I use the last 4 digits of the month/year plus a number that corresponds to the season (like 0125-1 for January 2025, winter = 1). This way I can always reconstruct it if I forget, but it's still secure and changes regularly. Also, I've found that grocery stores with newer chip readers tend to be safer than older swipe-only machines. Stay safe everyone!

I'm so relieved to find this thread! I'm pretty new to using CalFresh (just got approved last month) and had the exact same thing happen at the Aldi near me two weeks ago. I was already feeling anxious about using my EBT card for the first time in public, and then when it got declined I was mortified. The cashier kept trying to swipe it and other customers in line were getting impatient. I ended up just leaving without buying anything and went home feeling like I had done something wrong with my application. Reading everyone's experiences here makes me realize it wasn't my fault at all! Thank you all for sharing - this community has been so welcoming and informative. I'm going to download that CalFresh app to check for the green checkmarks and maybe try that other Aldi location that someone mentioned has the updated system. It's such a relief to know I'm not alone in this!

This whole thread has been such a lifesaver! I've been dealing with the same issue at my local Aldi for about three weeks now. What really gets to me is how the staff sometimes act like it's YOUR fault when the card gets declined - like one cashier actually rolled her eyes and said "maybe you should check your balance" even though I had just checked it on my phone and had over $180 available. It's so frustrating when you're already feeling vulnerable using benefits and then you get treated like you're trying to pull a fast one. I'm definitely going to try that manual entry trick next time, and the credit instead of debit option sounds promising too. Really grateful for everyone sharing their experiences because it makes you realize you're not alone in dealing with this stuff. Can't wait for May 15th when hopefully this will all be resolved!

This is such a great thread to find! I'm currently waiting on my CalFresh decision (applied 2 weeks ago) and had no idea about WINS being separate. This totally explains why some people in other forums mention getting small amounts first before their main benefits. I'm definitely going to save this info so I don't panic if I see a $10 notification before hearing about my regular benefits. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's so helpful to hear from both recipients and an actual eligibility worker!

This thread is incredibly valuable! As someone who went through the exact same confusion about 6 months ago, I can totally relate to that panic of thinking $10 was going to be my entire food budget. The lack of clear communication from the system really does cause unnecessary stress during what's already a difficult time for most applicants. One thing I'd add for future readers - if you're in a similar situation and need food immediately while waiting for your EBT card, many food banks and pantries don't require you to already be receiving benefits. They can help bridge the gap while you're waiting for the system to catch up. Also, some grocery stores will let you check your EBT balance by phone even before your physical card arrives if you have the card number from your approval notice. It's so great to see this community helping each other navigate these confusing processes. Posts like this probably save dozens of people from the same worry and confusion!

Also, make sure to report ALL your utility expenses when you update your housing information. If you pay for heat, electricity, water, garbage, or phone service separately from your rent, make sure to tell your worker about ALL of these costs. In many cases, you can get the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) added to your CalFresh calculation if you pay for heating or cooling, which can significantly increase your benefit amount.

Congrats on getting housed! That's amazing after 8 months on the streets. Just want to add that when you call to report the change, ask your worker about the Homeless Shelter Deduction if you qualify. Since you were recently homeless, you might be eligible for certain transitional benefits or expedited processing. Also, if you have any moving expenses or security deposit costs, keep those receipts - sometimes they can help with your case. The fact that you're working part-time actually helps show you're making efforts toward self-sufficiency, which workers generally view positively. Don't stress too much - the system is designed to help people transition from homelessness to stable housing, not penalize them for it!