Just wanted to share another option that might help - I've been using Verizon's Lifeline program combined with their home internet service for about 4 months now. It's $20/month after the ACP discount (was $50 before), and the speed has been really consistent even during peak hours. The setup was pretty straightforward - I applied online and they accepted my CalFresh documentation without any issues. One thing I really like is that Verizon's customer service for their discount programs is actually helpful (unlike some horror stories I've heard about other providers). They also sent me a text reminder when my ACP recertification was coming up, which saved me from potentially losing the discount. The downside is that Verizon isn't available in all areas, so you'd need to check coverage first. But if it's available in your zip code, it might be worth comparing to the other options mentioned here. I switched from a similar AT&T price increase situation and haven't looked back!

I'm also dealing with AT&T's ridiculous price increase! Went from $10 to $30 just like you - it's honestly outrageous when our CalFresh benefits stay the same. I'm a single mom with three kids and that extra $20/month is money I don't have. I've been researching options and from everything I'm reading here, Xfinity Internet Essentials seems like the best deal. Free with ACP discount and no credit check is exactly what I need. I'm planning to make the switch this weekend. One tip I learned from my caseworker - when you apply for these programs, always ask them to email you confirmation of your application and approval. That way if there are any issues later, you have documentation. I learned this the hard way with a different benefit program where they "lost" my paperwork. Thanks for posting this - it's so helpful to see real experiences from other CalFresh families instead of just the company websites that don't tell you the whole story!

Glad to hear your benefits loaded! For future reference, if you ever have a serious delay (more than 3 days past when benefits should have been issued), you can request expedited replacement benefits if you're experiencing a food emergency. Just document everything - when you were told benefits would arrive, any calls you made, etc. Also, now that you know your benefits are tied to your case number's last digit, you can better plan around that date. If you have any questions about your specific issuance schedule, ask your worker to note it clearly in your case file for next time.

This exact same thing happened to my sister in Santa Clara County last month! She was told her benefits would load on the 8th but they didn't show up until the 10th. Turns out there was some kind of system maintenance that caused delays but nobody at the county office mentioned it when she called asking about the date. It's so frustrating because they know people are depending on this money for groceries. I'm glad yours finally loaded! For what it's worth, her benefits have been on time every month since then, so hopefully this was just a one-time glitch with the system update.

Update on this issue: I just spoke with someone at my county office and apparently they're aware of the systematic delays. They said the new BenefitsCal system is causing issuance errors for people whose cases were migrated from the old system. They're supposedly implementing a fix by the end of this month. In the meantime, they told me that anyone experiencing delays should: 1. Call their caseworker directly (not the general line) 2. Request an "Administrative Issuance" for the delayed benefits 3. Ask for this to be noted in your case file to prevent future delays Hope this helps some of you. The system is definitely broken, but at least there's a workaround.

I'm dealing with the same thing right now! My benefits were supposed to load on the 3rd and it's been 5 days with nothing. This is my first time experiencing these delays and I'm honestly shocked at how broken the system seems to be. Reading everyone's experiences here makes me realize this isn't just a one-off problem - it's affecting tons of people. I'm definitely going to try calling my caseworker directly like @Aisha Khan suggested and ask for that "Administrative Issuance." It's crazy that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get benefits we're already approved for. Thank you everyone for sharing your tips and experiences - at least now I know I'm not alone in this mess!

Great to hear you got it all cleared up! This is such a common confusion for new CalFresh recipients. For anyone else reading this thread - this double deposit situation happens frequently with new approvals, especially when you're approved mid-month. The system tries to get you caught up quickly so you don't have to wait too long for your first benefits. Always check your transaction history in the EBT app or online portal - it'll show you exactly what each deposit was for. And definitely save that approval letter and any notices they send you, they have all the important dates and amounts spelled out!

This thread is so helpful! I'm in the exact same situation - just got approved and was worried about the same thing. It's really reassuring to see that this double deposit for new approvals is totally normal. I was panicking thinking I'd have to pay something back or that there was a mistake. The EBT app transaction history tip is gold - I never would have thought to check that. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially Paolo for asking the question and following up with the resolution!

my sister moved from texas last year and got calfresh within 2 weeks! but she had all her paperwork ready and kept calling to check on status. just make sure u have ur ID, proof of income, and something showing ur new address in california. good luck with the move!!

Just wanted to add that if you're job hunting while transitioning to California, you can use a future job offer letter as income verification even if you haven't started working yet. I did this when I moved from Oregon last year - my new employer provided a letter stating my start date and salary, and the county accepted it for my CalFresh application. This can be really helpful if you're between jobs during the move. Also, if you have any medical conditions or disabilities, make sure to mention them during your interview as you might qualify for additional deductions that could increase your benefit amount.