


Ask the community...
Hi Melaena! Most pizza places don't accept EBT/SNAP unless they're participating in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which is only available to certain eligible individuals (elderly, disabled, or homeless). You can check if Pacifica pizza is an authorized retailer by using the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator online or calling the store directly. If you're eligible for RMP, you can also contact your local CalFresh office to get a list of participating restaurants in your area. Hope this helps!
Thanks for the helpful info, @Zainab Ahmed! Just to add - I believe the Restaurant Meals Program is only available in certain counties in California, so it's worth checking if Pacifica (San Mateo County) even participates in RMP first. You can also try calling the CalFresh customer service line at 1-877-847-3663 to confirm which restaurants in your area accept EBT under the program if you qualify.
Am i the only one who still uses the paper benefit reports they mail out? lol I know I'm old school but I never trusted these apps with my benefit info
I'm glad to see the app is working again for everyone! For future reference, I've found it helpful to have multiple backup methods ready when the app goes down. Besides the phone number (1-877-328-9677) and the website, you can also check your balance at most ATMs using your EBT card - just select "balance inquiry" instead of making a withdrawal. Some people don't realize this option exists but it's really convenient when you're already out shopping and need a quick balance check.
the limits r actually diffrent depending on if ur household is regular or if it has elderly/disabled ppl!! my mom is on SSI and we only had 2 meet the net income test not gross when we applied
You're absolutely right! Households with elderly (60+) or disabled members only need to meet the net income test, not the gross income test. This is an important distinction that can make a big difference in eligibility. Additionally, households with elderly/disabled members may qualify for medical expense deductions if they spend more than $35 monthly on out-of-pocket medical costs.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I'm going to apply through BenefitsCal this weekend and include all our income details and expenses. Based on what you've all shared, I think we might qualify with our deductions even though our gross is sometimes right at the limit. I'll make sure to include our full rent ($1,350/month) and utilities to get the shelter deduction. Wish me luck!
apply in person if u can!!! online system kept freezing for me but the lady at the office helped me finish in 1 visit
@Sebastian Scott Hope the application goes smoothly! With your rent being $1,350 that should definitely help with the shelter deduction calculation. Just remember they calculate it as anything over 50% of your income after the standard deduction and 20% earned income deduction. So if your monthly income varies, try to apply during a lower income month if possible - you can always report changes later if your income goes up significantly.
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) rules haven't changed in 2025. It's always been limited to elderly, disabled, and homeless CalFresh recipients, and only in certain counties. The confusion comes because some people use their EBT *cash* benefits (from CalWORKs, not CalFresh) at restaurants, which is different. CalFresh food benefits can only be used at restaurants if you qualify for RMP and the restaurant participates. If you don't qualify for RMP, your CalFresh benefits can only be used for unprepared food items at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. One helpful resource is the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Locator in the CalFresh app or BenefitsCal website, which was added in late 2024. It shows all participating restaurants with their addresses and hours.
Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I checked and I don't qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program since I'm not elderly, disabled, or homeless. I'm going to try the suggestion about buying sandwich ingredients at the grocery store with my EBT and making my own lunches. Seems like it'll save me money anyway! I never knew about the difference between CalFresh and CalWORKs cash benefits before, so I learned something new.
That's exactly what I do too! Another money-saving tip - check out the manager's special/clearance section at grocery stores for discounted lunch meats and cheese that are still good but close to expiration. I've gotten some really good deals that way. Also if your grocery store has a deli counter, sometimes they'll slice meat thinner if you ask, so it goes further. Good luck with the meal prep!
Layla Sanders
Did your quarterly review (SAR7) get processed properly? Same thing happened when I forgot to include my pay stubs with SAR7 and benefits were held. Make sure you didn't get any notices in the mail requesting additional verification.
0 coins
Gavin King
•The OP mentioned their benefits arrived this morning - looks like it was just the holiday weekend delay after all. But your point about SAR7 processing is a good one for future reference. Missing verifications on the Semi-Annual Report is one of the most common reasons for unexpected benefit delays.
0 coins
QuantumQuasar
Glad to hear your benefits came through! This is such a common issue that really stresses people out. For future reference, here's what I've learned about CalFresh deposit timing: Federal holidays always push deposits back to the next business day, and sometimes it takes an extra day for the banking system to catch up. Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Presidents Day weekends are the worst for this. I keep a small emergency stash of non-perishables now specifically for these situations - learned that the hard way after being caught short during a Thanksgiving weekend delay a couple years ago.
0 coins
Emma Wilson
•That's really smart advice about keeping an emergency stash! I wish I had thought of that before this happened. Do you have any recommendations for good non-perishable items that work well for families with kids? I'm thinking rice, pasta, canned goods - but wondering if there are other shelf-stable options that are nutritious and kid-friendly for future holiday delays.
0 coins