I'm in a similar situation and have been researching this extensively! One resource that might help is the CalFresh Policy Manual (available online) which has the actual income limits and calculation formulas. For 2025, the gross income limit for a 1-person household is $2,430/month, so you'll definitely still qualify at $1600. What really helped me was calling 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they have CalFresh specialists who can walk you through benefit estimates over the phone for free. They're usually much easier to reach than the county office and really know their stuff. Also, since you mentioned medical costs - if you're approved for SSDI, you might also qualify for Medicare, which could actually reduce your out-of-pocket medical expenses and potentially help with your CalFresh calculation in the long run. Just something to keep in mind as you're planning! The fact that you're thinking ahead shows you're being really responsible about this. Even if your benefits do drop, having that SSDI income security will be such a relief after waiting so long for approval.

I'm also waiting for SSDI approval and really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here! One thing I wanted to add that helped me prepare is that you can request a "benefit estimate" from your county CalFresh office before your income actually changes. I called and explained my situation (waiting for SSDI approval) and they were able to run a hypothetical calculation based on my expected new income. This gave me peace of mind because I could see the actual numbers instead of just guessing. In my case, they showed me that even with a significant income increase, I'd still qualify for benefits - just reduced from my current amount. Also, @Sean, since you mentioned being stressed about the change - remember that if you do end up getting less CalFresh than expected, you have the right to request a fair hearing if you think there was an error in your calculation. I learned this from a legal aid workshop for disability recipients. Hope your approval comes through soon! The uncertainty is definitely the hardest part, but it sounds like you're doing all the right things to prepare.

I wanted to add some important information about the consequences of the county's delay. When your application is finally approved, you should receive benefits retroactive to your application date. Make sure to keep all grocery receipts during this waiting period as evidence of your food expenses. If they don't automatically backdate your benefits to your application date, cite the MPP Section 63-503.13 which mandates retroactive benefits for delayed applications. Also, don't be discouraged from applying for emergency CalFresh (expedited service) even at this point - you can still request it if you meet the criteria mentioned earlier. The county must conduct an expedited service screening for all applications regardless of how the application was submitted.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - been waiting 7 weeks for my CalFresh interview in San Bernardino County. Reading all these responses is both helpful and frustrating because it confirms this isn't just bad luck, it's a systemic problem. I had no idea about the 30-day federal requirement or that I could request expedited processing. @Sofia Martinez I really hope you get this resolved soon. It's unconscionable that people are being forced to choose between rent and food while bureaucrats sit on applications. I'm going to try calling every day like @Yara Khoury suggested and specifically ask about expedited service. We shouldn't have to become experts in government regulations just to get basic food assistance, but here we are. Has anyone had success with contacting their county supervisor's office? I'm wondering if political pressure might help move things along faster.

Welcome to the group! You're definitely not alone in this confusion - the EBT system can be really confusing when you're new to it. Everyone here has given you excellent advice already. I just wanted to add that when you do call to update your information, make sure to ask them to walk you through exactly how your current benefit was calculated. Sometimes caseworkers miss deductions during the initial application process, especially if the interview was rushed. With $2,200 rent + $1,100 childcare for a family of 3, you should definitely be getting more than $66/month unless your income is quite high. Don't feel bad about not knowing this stuff - the system is complicated and they don't always explain it well during the application process!

Hey LilMama23! Don't worry, this is actually one of the most common questions we see here - you're definitely not alone in the confusion! 😊 The midnight withdrawal posts are referring to CalWORKs cash aid, which is totally separate from CalFresh food benefits. Your $66 CalFresh can only buy food, never cash. But honestly, $66 for a family of 3 sounds way too low! With $2,200 rent and $1,100 childcare, you should probably be getting several hundred dollars more per month. Those childcare costs alone should bump up your benefits significantly. Definitely call and get that updated ASAP - you might be missing out on a lot of grocery money that your family really needs! The Claimyr suggestion is solid too if you're having trouble getting through to your county office. Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes! 💪

The whole program is confusing. I got the extra money too but when I tried to use it at Walmart they said they don't take it, only regular CalFresh. Then I went to Target and same thing! Wasted so much time and gas going to stores that don't even accept it. The county should give us a clear list of stores instead of making us guess.

Just to clarify some confusion I'm seeing in the comments: There are actually a few different but similar programs that might be getting mixed up: 1. California Fruit & Vegetable EBT - The extra benefits loaded directly to your EBT card automatically 2. Market Match - A farmers market program where they match your CalFresh spending (usually up to $10) 3. Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) - Sometimes gives paper vouchers for specific populations To check your California F&V EBT balance, use the CalFresh EBT app. For Market Match, just ask at the info booth at participating farmers markets. They usually give you tokens or vouchers to spend that day.

Hey Madison! I just went through this exact situation when I moved from CA to Arizona last fall. Here's what worked for me: Call your CA county office ASAP (don't wait for SAR7) and give them your exact move date. I called mine 3 weeks ahead and they were super helpful. Your EBT card will definitely work in Colorado for any remaining balance. For Colorado SNAP, I'd recommend applying online about 2 weeks before you move - they'll need your new address but you can explain you're relocating. Also, keep all your CalFresh paperwork! Colorado asked me for my previous benefit history during their application process. One thing that really helped - I stocked up on non-perishables the month before moving using my CA benefits, which bridged the gap perfectly. Colorado's processing time was actually faster than CA's was initially. You'll do great, and Denver has amazing food resources too if you need backup during the transition!

I went through this same situation 6 months ago moving from California to Oregon! Here's what I learned: definitely report your move immediately - don't wait for the SAR7. I made the mistake of waiting and it created confusion with my case. Your California EBT will work in Colorado for existing benefits, but like others said, no new benefits once you move. For Colorado SNAP, I'd suggest calling their office directly after you apply online - they were super helpful and walked me through exactly what documents I needed. One tip nobody mentioned: if you have any CalFresh overpayments or issues on your CA case, resolve those BEFORE you move because it can complicate your new state application. Also, Colorado has some great food banks in Denver if you need help during the transition period. The whole process was less scary than I thought it would be once I got organized with all my paperwork. You've got this!