UPDATE: I wanted to thank everyone for their helpful advice! I ended up trying a few different things. First, I tried Firefox instead of Chrome like someone suggested, but still had the same issue. Then I used Claimyr to get through to my county office (it really did work!) and spoke with a worker who confirmed there's a system update happening that's affected some accounts. She helped me submit my recertification over the phone and also sent me an email confirmation that my benefits won't be discontinued while they resolve the technical issue. I also printed and filled out the SAWS 2 Plus form as a backup and dropped it off at the county office dropbox (with photos for proof like someone suggested). Such a relief to have this figured out! Thanks again to everyone who helped.

So glad to hear you got it resolved! This is exactly why I love this community - everyone jumps in to help when someone's struggling with the system. Your update will definitely help other people who run into the same issue. It's crazy that these system updates cause so much stress for people who are just trying to keep their benefits, but at least now we know what to expect and have multiple backup plans. Thanks for taking the time to update us on what worked!

One thing I learned from my case worker that might help others - if you're consistently running out of benefits before your issuance date, you can request an earlier benefit date when you do your recertification. They assign dates based on your case number, but if you can show that an earlier date would help you budget better (like if you get paid mid-month), they can sometimes adjust it. Not all counties do this, but it's worth asking about. Also, if you're working and your income fluctuates, make sure to report any changes - sometimes a small decrease in hours can actually increase your benefit amount significantly.

As someone new to CalFresh, this whole thread has been incredibly helpful! I just got approved last week and my first benefit date is coming up on the 15th. I was stressing about the timing since I wasn't sure when exactly the benefits would be available. It sounds like checking the BenefitsCal app after midnight is the way to go, and knowing it could take up to 2-6am gives me realistic expectations. Also really appreciate all the tips about food pantries, requesting different benefit dates, and making sure I'm getting all the deductions I'm eligible for. This community is amazing - thank you all for sharing your experiences and helping newcomers like me navigate the system!

As someone new to this community, I'm really grateful for all the practical advice being shared here! The grocery price inflation has been absolutely crushing - my CalFresh benefits used to last almost the full month but now I'm scrambling by week 3. I've been mainly shopping at Vons and Ralphs but clearly need to branch out based on what everyone's saying. There's a Winco about 20 minutes from me that I've driven past countless times but never tried - definitely going this weekend! The Market Match program sounds incredible too, I had no idea CalFresh benefits could be doubled for produce. Does anyone know if the program works at all farmers markets or just certain ones? Also curious if anyone has experience with those meal planning apps that help stretch benefits further - wondering if they're worth the time investment.

As a newcomer to this community, I want to thank everyone for such amazing practical advice! I'm in a similar situation - family of 4 and our CalFresh benefits have been running out faster and faster each month. Reading through all these suggestions is giving me hope that I can stretch our dollars further. I've been stubbornly sticking to the same stores out of habit, but clearly need to explore these other options. There's both a FoodMaxx and Winco within driving distance that I've never tried. The Market Match program sounds like a game-changer too - I love that it specifically helps with fresh produce since that's where I feel like I'm spending the most. It's so refreshing to find a community where people share real, actionable tips instead of just venting (though sometimes we all need to vent too!). Looking forward to learning more money-saving strategies and hopefully contributing some of my own discoveries once I start trying these new stores.

Just went through this same situation two months ago when I moved from San Diego to Sacramento! Here's what worked for me: I called the P-EBT hotline multiple times (like others mentioned, avoid Monday mornings), and when I finally got through, the rep told me something important that wasn't mentioned here yet - they can put a "temporary hold" on your card mailing if you call within 2 weeks of when your county's cards are supposed to be issued. This gives you extra time to sort out the address situation without losing the card to your old address. For LA County since you're in the November-December window, I'd call ASAP and ask about this hold option. Also, definitely set up informed delivery with USPS so you can track when government mail is coming to your address - it's been a lifesaver for knowing when benefit cards are actually being delivered.

One more thing that might help - if you're having trouble getting through to the P-EBT hotline, you can also try contacting your local county social services office directly. They often have a dedicated P-EBT coordinator who can help with address changes. In LA County, you can call 866-613-3777 and ask to speak with someone about P-EBT address updates. Sometimes the county offices have better availability than the state hotline, and they can make the same updates in the system. Also, keep a record of when you called and who you spoke with - if there are any issues later, having that documentation can really help with getting things resolved faster.

Just wanted to add another resource that might help while you're waiting - many county libraries have "Little Free Pantries" or partner with local food assistance programs. The librarians often know about emergency food resources that aren't widely advertised. Also, if you have a Nextdoor account, try posting in your neighborhood group - neighbors are often willing to help with groceries in emergency situations like this. I've seen people offer to share meals or even lend a mini fridge temporarily. Don't be afraid to reach out to your immediate community too - most people understand that appliance failures happen to anyone and are surprisingly willing to help!

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago when my fridge died during a heat wave! The good news is that CalFresh replacement benefits for appliance failure are actually pretty straightforward once you get the process started. Since you already submitted the CF 303 form online with your receipt and landlord's text, you're in great shape. In my experience, they processed mine in about 48 hours because it was clearly documented. One tip while you wait: if you have any neighbors with extra freezer space, ask if you can store a few essentials there temporarily. Also, those insulated grocery bags with ice packs can help you keep things like milk and eggs cool for a day or two. Dollar stores usually sell decent coolers for under $10 if you need something temporary. The replacement benefits should cover what you lost, so hang in there - you're doing everything right by acting quickly and getting all your documentation together!