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!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm new to CalFresh and had no idea about these produce incentive programs. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like the key things to remember are: 1) It's extra money on top of your regular benefits, 2) Can only be used for fresh fruits/vegetables, 3) Each location works differently (farmers markets vs grocery stores), and 4) You might need to ask specifically about it since not all cashiers know about the programs. Going to check if my local farmers market participates this weekend!

Just wanted to add something that might help with budgeting - I've been using CalFresh for about a year now and participate in Market Match at my local farmers market. One tip I learned the hard way: the produce incentive money usually expires at the end of each visit/transaction, so you can't save it up like your regular benefits. At farmers markets, if they give you $20 in wooden tokens, you need to spend those tokens that same day or you lose them. This is different from your regular CalFresh balance which rolls over month to month. So when planning your shopping, make sure you can actually use all the bonus produce money in one trip! Also, some markets have seasonal variations - mine does higher match rates during summer when local produce is abundant. Worth asking about!

Just wanted to add that if you're working part-time and your hours fluctuate, make sure to report your AVERAGE monthly income when you apply. Don't just use one paycheck - look at your last few months to get a realistic picture. Also, if you get tips or any cash income, you need to report that too even if it's small amounts. The county workers are pretty understanding about irregular income from part-time work, but being honest upfront will save you headaches later. Good luck with your application!

Just applied for CalFresh last month and wanted to share my experience! I was making about $1,200/month part-time and was approved for $215/month in benefits. The application process was way easier than I expected - I did everything online through BenefitsCal.com and got approved within 2 weeks. One thing that really helped was having all my documents ready before I started: recent pay stubs, rent receipt, utility bills, and bank statements. The online portal lets you upload everything as PDFs which saved me from having to mail or fax anything. Also, don't stress too much about getting the "maximum" benefit - even getting $200+ per month makes a HUGE difference when you're struggling with groceries. That covers most of my fresh produce and protein for the month, which frees up my cash for rent and other bills. Apply as soon as you can because benefits start from the date you submit your application!