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!

Wow, this thread has been such a lifeline! I'm also in California (Riverside County) and have been in the exact same situation - making $2,850/month but paying $1,650 in rent and getting denied repeatedly. I had completely given up after my second denial, thinking the system was just impossible to navigate. But reading @fd111dffc265's experience and seeing all the detailed explanations from @16f1cf625ae2 and @61ec8a31d0a7 about the net income calculation and shelter deduction has completely changed my perspective. I had NO idea they automatically deduct 20% of earned income or that there's a separate net income test beyond just gross income. It's so frustrating that they don't clearly explain these deductions during the initial application process - it feels like you have to be an expert just to understand what you might qualify for. I'm definitely going to reapply now armed with all this information. Thank you everyone for creating such a supportive and informative discussion - it's given so many of us hope and the knowledge we need to actually navigate this system properly!

Welcome to the community! I've been navigating the California benefits system for a few years now and wanted to share a few more resources that might help. Many counties have "211" services - you can dial 2-1-1 from any phone and they'll connect you with local assistance programs including clothing help. Also, if you're near any community colleges, many have student resource centers that help families in the community even if you're not enrolled. They often have emergency assistance funds or know about local clothing drives. And don't forget about Facebook community groups for your area - people are always posting about clothing swaps and giveaways for kids. You're doing great advocating for your family!

Hi Luca! Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been in a similar situation. While CalFresh is only for food (which everyone has correctly pointed out), I wanted to mention that some Walmart stores have a community resource center that can help connect you with local clothing assistance programs. Also, if you happen to be near any Sikh temples (gurdwaras), they often have community pantries that include clothing donations - and you don't need to be Sikh to receive help, they welcome everyone. Another thing that helped me was checking with local churches even if you're not religious - many have "blessing boxes" or community closets. The United Way website for your county is also a great resource to search for assistance programs by zip code. Hang in there, it does get easier once you learn about all the different resources available!

Quick update on the legal resources available to you: 1. Bay Area Legal Aid in Richmond: (510) 233-9954 2. Legal Services of Northern California: (510) 250-6354 Both offer free legal help to low-income individuals with public benefits issues. They can help you prepare for the state hearing and potentially represent you. To request a state hearing, call 1-800-743-8525 or complete the form on the back of your denial notice. You only have 90 days from the date of the denial to request this hearing, so don't delay. In the meantime, as others have suggested, call 211 for emergency food assistance and apply for emergency replacement benefits through your county office.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! As someone who works with CalFresh recipients, I want to emphasize that you have strong rights here. The fact that your benefits were used out-of-state is actually a huge red flag that should trigger automatic fraud protections. A few important points that haven't been mentioned yet: 1. Document EVERYTHING - save screenshots of your EBT transaction history showing the Texas purchases, keep copies of your police report, and document every conversation with county staff (names, dates, what was said). 2. The county is required to provide you with written notice of their denial with specific reasons. If you only got a verbal denial, request this in writing immediately. 3. While you're fighting this, you can also apply for emergency CalFresh if you qualify - this is separate from the stolen benefits issue and could provide immediate help. 4. Contact your local supervisor's office and your state assembly member's office. Elected officials often have constituent services that can help navigate county bureaucracy when residents are getting the runaround. You should not have to go hungry while fighting this! The system has protections in place specifically for situations like yours - don't let them discourage you from using them.

Just want to add - when you call to report your move, ask for confirmation that they've initiated the Inter-County Transfer and get a reference number if possible. I learned this the hard way when my transfer got "lost" in the system for 2 weeks. Having that reference number helped me track it down when I called back. Also, keep your current county case number handy - San Bernardino will need it to pull up your case. The whole process should be seamless but it's good to have documentation just in case something goes wrong. Good luck with your move!

Moving between counties can be stressful but the process is pretty straightforward once you know what to do! I moved from Fresno to San Bernardino about 6 months ago and my benefits actually stayed exactly the same since my rent and income were similar. The key thing is timing - definitely call your current eligibility worker at least 2 weeks before you move if possible. I called the main CalFresh line for Riverside County and they walked me through the whole Inter-County Transfer process. My EBT card kept working the whole time and I never missed a payment. One tip: have your new lease ready to send them right away because they'll want to verify your new address and rent amount pretty quickly. The San Bernardino office was actually really helpful once my case transferred over. You've got this!

btw u should apply for calfresh emergency supplement if ur in a bad spot, they can give u extra benefits in 3 days if u qualify

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! My hours as a retail worker got cut drastically after the holiday season, but my benefits were already reduced because of the extra December shifts. Here's what I've learned from my caseworker: You definitely CAN get your benefits adjusted when your income decreases - don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The key is submitting a "Change Report" or "Mid-Period Report" with your recent paystubs. Make sure to emphasize that this is a DECREASE in income. One tip that really helped me: when you call or visit the office, ask them to calculate what your benefits SHOULD be based on your current income level. Sometimes they can do a quick calculation right there to show you what you'd qualify for. Also, keep copies of everything you submit and get a receipt or case note number. The system moves slowly but it does work if you stay on top of it. Good luck!