I had a similar issue last month. Turns out my benefits got messed up cuz I moved and forgot to update my address. Make sure all your info is current!

I've been dealing with Medi-Cal for years and here's what works for me: try the automated phone system first - sometimes you can get basic benefit status without talking to anyone. Press 1 for English, then follow the prompts for "benefit information." If that doesn't work, the 211 helpline (just dial 2-1-1) can sometimes help navigate the system or connect you to local resources. They're usually more helpful than the main Medi-Cal line!

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble getting through to your county office, you can also check the California Department of Social Services website or your county's DPSS website for updates on Summer EBT distribution dates. Some counties post their specific distribution schedules online. Also, the benefits are good for a full year from when they're issued, so don't panic if you don't get them right away - you won't lose them! My kids are also eating me out of house and home this summer break, so I totally feel everyone's pain here 😅

Thanks everyone for all this helpful info! I'm new to CalFresh and this is my first summer with kids in the program. I was getting worried because I hadn't heard anything yet, but it sounds like they're still rolling out by county. My kids just finished their first week of summer break and I'm already seeing the grocery budget take a hit! 😅 Does anyone know if there's a way to track when your specific county will distribute? I'm in Riverside County if that helps. Really appreciate this community sharing their experiences - makes navigating all this so much easier for us newcomers!

Welcome to the community! Congrats on getting approved for CalFresh - that's a huge relief! Just to clarify what others have mentioned, the "extra" benefits your neighbor might be referring to could be several things: 1. **CalWORKs** - This is cash assistance (not food stamps) that you apply for separately. It's totally different from CalFresh but you can get both if you qualify. 2. **Summer EBT** - Since your kids are 7 and 10, if they get free school meals, they should automatically get extra food benefits during summer break. This usually shows up on a separate card. 3. **WIC** - If you have kids under 5 or are pregnant/breastfeeding, this provides additional food benefits for specific items like milk, eggs, cereal. Definitely report those after-school care costs someone mentioned - that could bump up your CalFresh amount! And don't forget to check if you're eligible for CalWORKs too since you have two kids. The application process is more intensive but the cash benefits can really help with rent and other expenses. Good luck and feel free to ask more questions - this community is super helpful!

Hey Ethan! Congrats on getting approved - I know how stressful that waiting period can be! Your neighbor might also be thinking of the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) if she's an immigrant who doesn't qualify for regular CalFresh, or possibly getting benefits from multiple programs stacked together. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you're working and have very low income, you might qualify for the Earned Income Disregard which can help you keep more benefits even as your income goes up slightly. Also, if anyone in your household has a disability or is over 60, there are additional deductions available. Since you mentioned your kids are 7 and 10, definitely keep an eye out for the Summer EBT cards - they usually arrive in the mail around May/June if your kids qualify through their school's free lunch program. It's about $40 per month per child for the summer months. The after-school care expense someone mentioned is definitely worth reporting! That $250/month could potentially increase your monthly benefits. When you call, ask them to also review all your other expenses to make sure you're getting the maximum amount you're eligible for.

I'm also a single household still waiting for my COLA notice! This thread has been so helpful - I was getting worried that something was wrong with my case. Based on everyone's experiences, it sounds like I should expect around $22-25 increase which would be amazing. My current benefit is $216 so getting close to $240 would really help with these crazy grocery prices. I'm going to try calling that customer service number (1-877-847-3663) if I don't get my notice by Friday. It's reassuring to know they're sending them out in batches and that the increase will load automatically on October 1st even if the notice gets delayed. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and advice!

Hey everyone! I'm a single-person household too and just wanted to say this thread has been incredibly helpful while I wait for my notice. I've been checking my BenefitsCal account and mailbox daily with no luck yet, but reading about everyone's experiences has put my mind at ease. Currently getting $185/month, so if the increase is around $22-25 like others have reported, that would bring me to around $207-210 which would be such a relief with food costs being what they are. I'm definitely going to call that customer service number (1-877-847-3663) if I don't hear anything by this weekend. Also planning to look into updating my utility costs since I moved earlier this year and my bills have definitely gone up. Thanks to everyone for sharing their amounts and experiences - it's so helpful to know we're all in the same boat waiting for these notices!

btw has anyone noticed the benefit amounts went up a bit this year? i got like $38 more this month for my family of 4 and wasnt sure if it was a mistake or if theres a cost of living increase thing?

I'm new to using CalFresh at farmers markets - is there a way to find out which markets in my area are having these EBT issues before I make the trip? I live pretty far from the downtown market and would hate to drive all that way just to find out the system is down. Also, when you mentioned Market Match doubling benefits, is that available at all farmers markets or just certain ones? Thanks for all the helpful info everyone is sharing here!