Yes, the ebtEDGE app is completely free! You can download it from the App Store or Google Play. For case numbers starting with 04, your benefits typically reload on the 4th of each month. So your June benefits should load on June 4th, and going forward it'll be the 4th every month. Just a heads up - the app sometimes takes a few hours to update after benefits load, so if you check early morning on the 4th and don't see them yet, don't panic! They're usually there by mid-morning. The app also lets you see your transaction history which is super helpful for budgeting.

Hey there! Just wanted to share my recent experience that might help ease your mind. I applied for CalFresh in Sacramento County back in March and had the exact same thing happen - no interview, just got a voicemail saying I was approved. I was skeptical at first (like some others mentioned), but it turned out to be completely legit! My EBT card arrived about 8 days after the voicemail, and all my benefits were there as promised. The approval letter came a day or two before the card. One tip that really helped me: I set up text alerts through the ebtEDGE app so I get notified immediately when benefits load or when I make purchases. Makes it much easier to keep track of everything. The no-interview thing is definitely real - my caseworker later explained that if you submit clear documentation and they can verify everything electronically, they can skip the interview to speed up the process. Sounds like you hit all the right marks with your application! Congrats on getting approved so quickly.

also dont 4get that u need to do the SAR7 every 6 months AND the recertification once a year... they're different forms and ppl get confused all the time

Just wanted to add that if you're still having trouble with BenefitsCal after trying all these suggestions, you can also visit your local county social services office in person. I know it's not as convenient as doing it online, but when I was having persistent login issues last year, I went in person with my recertification letter and they were able to help me complete it right there. They have computers you can use and staff who can walk you through the process if needed. You can find your local office location on the county website or by calling 211. Don't let the website issues cause you to miss your deadline - there are always backup options available!

Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - if you're in a similar situation and need food right away while waiting for benefits to be restored, check out CalFresh Healthy Living's food resource finder at cafreshhl.org. They have a map that shows all the food banks and pantries in your area, plus their hours and what documentation (if any) they require. Some don't require any proof of income or CalFresh status. Also, if you have kids, remember that they might be eligible for free meals at school even if your CalFresh got discontinued - school meal programs have different eligibility rules. Hope this helps someone!

Just went through this exact same thing last month! Lost both regular and emergency allotment when I missed my SAR7 by 3 days. The emergency allotment is tied to having active benefits that month, so no regular CalFresh = no extra payment either. But the good news is you can get restored pretty quickly if you act fast! I submitted my late SAR7 online and got my benefits back within a week. Pro tip: when you submit through BenefitsCal, there's a dropdown where you can select "Late SAR7 - Request Restoration" which helps flag it for faster processing. Also set up those text reminders right away so this doesn't happen again - I wish I had done that sooner!

I hope everything went well at the county office today! Just wanted to add that if you run into any issues or delays, don't give up. Sometimes the first worker you talk to might not be fully familiar with the homeless assistance program, so don't hesitate to ask for a supervisor if needed. Also, if you get approved for the 16-day temporary assistance, use that time wisely to look for permanent housing AND apply for the permanent homeless assistance to help with move-in costs. Many people don't realize they can get both programs. Keep us updated on how it goes - rooting for you and your daughter! 🙏

Just wanted to share my recent experience since I see a lot of good info here but also some confusion. I just went through the CalWORKs homeless assistance process in January 2025 with my two kids after we got evicted. A few things I learned that might help others: 1. The income limits mentioned are correct - for my family of 3, we qualified even though I work part-time (around $2,800/month income limit for 3 people) 2. They do help with both temporary (16 days motel) AND permanent assistance (deposit + first month rent) but you have to ask for both - they don't always offer the permanent part automatically 3. Bring EVERYTHING - ID, kids' birth certificates, pay stubs, eviction notice, bank statements. The more documentation you have, the faster it goes 4. Some counties have emergency after-hours numbers for homeless assistance - ask about this when you call 5. If you're denied, always ask for it in writing and the appeals process. I know someone who got approved on appeal after initial denial The whole process took about 3 days for me from application to getting the motel voucher. Now we're in a permanent place thanks to the deposit assistance. Don't lose hope if you're going through this - the program really does work when you have all your ducks in a row!

Did you ever resolve this? Please update us on what worked! Others will likely have the same problem in the future.

So glad to hear you got it sorted out! This is exactly why I always tell people to go in person when possible - they can fix address errors and print cards immediately instead of waiting weeks for mail delivery. Thanks for updating us with the resolution, it'll definitely help other parents in similar situations know that the emergency card option really works!