This thread is so helpful! I had no idea that CalFresh could be used at places like Mother's Market - I've been limiting myself to just the big chain grocery stores. And the tip about screenshotting promotions is brilliant. I'm going to start doing that for any store deals I want to try. It's really encouraging to see how everyone came together to help solve this issue and share knowledge about navigating EBT with different retailers and promotions.

This whole thread has been such an eye-opener! I've been on CalFresh for about 6 months now and I had no idea that health food stores like Mother's Market even accepted EBT, let alone had promotions we could use. I've been shopping at the same Walmart and Safeway this whole time because I thought those were my only options. Now I'm realizing I should explore more stores in my area - maybe I can find better deals and healthier options than I thought possible. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge here, especially about advocating for yourself when stores mess up the promotions. This community is such a valuable resource!

The IRT isn't a form - it's a specific income amount that's calculated for your household. If your monthly income ever exceeds that amount, you must report it within 10 days, even if it's not time for your SAR7 yet. It should be clearly stated on your approval notice, usually in bold or highlighted. For a household of 2 in 2025, it's typically around 130% of the Federal Poverty Level, which would be approximately $2,450/month. But your specific IRT might be different based on your situation.

This is such great information everyone is sharing! I'm new to CalFresh too and had no idea about all these reporting requirements. @Melody Miles - it sounds like you're in good hands with all this advice. One thing I'd add is to keep copies of everything - your application, approval notice, any correspondence from the county. I learned that the hard way when I had a question about my benefits and couldn't remember what my original application said. Also, if you do call the county office, try calling right when they open at 8am - that's usually when the wait times are shortest!

This is such great news! I'm so happy for you that you found your Notice of Action and confirmed the $640 is your correct ongoing benefit amount. It's really frustrating how the system works - they should have been calculating your rent and utilities properly from the beginning instead of just giving you the pandemic minimum. But at least now you're getting what you're actually entitled to! Make sure to keep that notice somewhere safe in case you ever need to reference it, and definitely don't forget about your SAR7 deadlines. Enjoy being able to buy more groceries for you and your family!

This is such a helpful thread! As someone who just applied for CalFresh last month, I had no idea about all these calculation complexities with utility allowances and shelter deductions. It's really encouraging to see that the system eventually gets things right, even if it takes a while. I'm still waiting for my initial determination, but now I know to pay close attention to my Notice of Action when it comes and make sure they're factoring in my rent and utilities correctly from the start. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's so valuable to learn from people who have actually been through this process!

I'm still calling to confirm. Too many times the system screws up and WE pay the price. Last year they overpaid me by $120 and I didn't even realize it until they started taking money OUT of my benefits six months later! The whole system is designed to confuse us!!!

Just wanted to add - I got the same thing! Extra $425 showed up yesterday and I was panicking thinking they'd claw it back. After reading all these responses I feel so much better. It's crazy they don't send better notices about stuff like this - would save everyone so much stress! Thanks to everyone who explained what's happening, especially about the Thrifty Food Plan thing. Really appreciate this community helping each other out when the system doesn't communicate clearly.

To clarify some of the information shared here: This is indeed the California Food Assistance Program Inflation Relief payment for 2025. It's a one-time supplemental payment and was authorized in the state budget specifically to help CalFresh recipients manage rising food costs. The amount is based on household size as others have correctly noted. You don't need to report this payment on your SAR7 or recertification, as it's not counted as income. If you haven't received an official notice yet, you should get one within the next two weeks. The payments were processed centrally, which is why they're appearing on EBT cards before the notices reach everyone.

I'm so glad you posted about this! I was in the exact same situation - got an unexpected $252 on my EBT card and was terrified it was a mistake. Reading all these responses has been incredibly helpful. It's reassuring to know this is a legitimate inflation adjustment payment and not something I'll have to pay back. The fact that they're sending the money before the notices is definitely confusing, but at least now I understand what it is. Thanks to everyone who shared the detailed breakdown of amounts by household size - that really helped confirm this is the right payment for my 2-person household!