Thanks everyone for the advice! I just checked and my next benefit date is Feb 11th. I'm going to submit my SAR7 early and make sure everything else is updated in the system. I still have nightmares from the last time when they reduced my benefits without warning because of some "calculation error" during all the shutdown chaos.

As someone who's been through multiple shutdowns with CalFresh, I wanted to add that you should also consider signing up for text alerts from your county's DPSS office if they offer them. During the 2019 shutdown, some counties sent out emergency notifications about benefit schedule changes via text before they posted anything online. Also, if you have young kids like I do, start reaching out to local food pantries NOW to see what their requirements are (some need proof of income, others don't). Better to have that information ready than scramble during a crisis. Many churches and community centers also do emergency food distributions during government disruptions. One last thing - if your benefits do get delayed, you can often get emergency food assistance through your county's General Relief program. It's not much, but it can help bridge the gap.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress while pregnant! I had a similar issue a few months ago where my benefits just stopped without warning. What finally worked for me was going to the office first thing in the morning (like 8 AM when they open) - the wait was much shorter and I could actually speak to someone face-to-face. I know you mentioned not being able to take time off work, but maybe if you could arrange to go in late one morning? Also, bring ALL your documents with you - even ones you think they already have. The worker told me their system sometimes "loses" uploaded documents and having physical copies speeds everything up. Since you're pregnant, they should see you as a priority case too. Hang in there - this system is so frustrating but you'll get it sorted out!

I went through something very similar when I was pregnant with my second child! The voice system is absolutely terrible - I think it's designed to discourage people from calling. Here's what finally worked for me: 1. Try calling right at 8 AM when they open - the voice system seems to work better in the morning and there are fewer people calling 2. Make sure you're in a completely quiet room and speak very slowly and clearly when it asks for verification 3. If you have any accent or speech pattern that might confuse the system, try having someone else call on your behalf (like a partner or family member listed on your case) For your immediate situation, definitely send that secure message through BenefitsCal mentioning you're pregnant - they're required to treat pregnant women as emergency cases. Also, many counties have a "pregnant women's hotline" specifically for CalFresh issues. Try googling "[your county name] CalFresh pregnant women emergency contact." Don't give up! Your baby needs those benefits and you have every right to access them. This system is broken but there are ways around it. Sending you lots of support during this stressful time! 💪

Just wanted to update everyone - I had the same issue last weekend and finally got through to someone at the county yesterday. The rep told me there was a system-wide issue with EBT cards at farmers markets using certain wireless terminals (just like someone mentioned above). They're aware of the problem and working on fixing it. For now, she said you can ask the market manager if they have a manual voucher system as a backup. Also, some vendors have the updated terminals that work fine. Hope this helps someone!

I'm dealing with the exact same issue! My card has been working fine everywhere else but got declined at three different vendors at the Midtown Farmers Market last Saturday. Really glad to see this isn't just me - I was starting to worry my benefits got suspended or something. The Market Match program is such a lifesaver for stretching our grocery budget, especially with fresh produce being so expensive lately. Going to try calling the county office tomorrow morning right at 8 AM like someone suggested. Thanks for posting about this - it's reassuring to know others are experiencing the same technical problems and that there might be a fix coming soon!

That's such great news! I'm so happy it worked out for you. The worker's suggestion about keeping the EBT card separate from what your kids can get into is really smart - maybe even consider one of those small zippered pouches that you can keep in a secure pocket or hidden part of your bag. Thanks for updating us on how it went, it'll definitely help other people in similar situations know what to expect. Glad your family's benefits are secure!

I'm so glad you shared this experience! As someone who also has young kids who love to "reorganize" everything they can get their hands on, I totally understand how EBT cards can just disappear. It's really reassuring to hear that the county workers are generally understanding about legitimate circumstances like kids and moving situations. Your tip about the separate wallet is something I'm definitely going to implement - maybe even one of those small wristlet wallets that's harder for little hands to dig through. Thanks for being brave enough to ask this question and then following up with how it went. It really helps normalize these kinds of situations that are way more common than we think!

My aunt had the same thing happen but she got an advocate from the senior center to help her. They found out she was eligible for something called the

Yes, definitely gather your pharmacy receipts and any other medical expense documentation before calling! For medical expenses, they'll want to see things like prescription receipts, Medicare premium statements, and any bills for medical services. For the rent increase, bring your lease agreement or a letter from your landlord showing the new amount. The Standard Medical Deduction that @f90c33271baf mentioned can really make a difference - if you're spending $200/month on medical costs, that $165 deduction could potentially increase your CalFresh by $50+ per month. It's worth the effort to get this sorted out! Also, when you call, specifically ask them to review ALL your deductions to make sure nothing else is being missed. Sometimes there are utility allowances or other deductions that workers forget to apply.