California CalFresh

Thanks for this advice. I'm definitely going to file a complaint. My kids had to eat ramen tonight because that's all I had left. They should at least send out a text alert when there are delays.

I'm so glad to see everyone's benefits finally came through! This whole situation really highlights how much we depend on these systems working properly. As a fellow parent, I totally understand the stress of not knowing if you'll be able to feed your kids tonight. For anyone dealing with similar delays in the future, I've found that some local churches and community centers keep emergency food boxes for exactly these situations - no paperwork required, just show up. It's not a long-term solution but can help bridge the gap when these system glitches happen. Also, filing those complaints James mentioned is super important - if we don't document these issues, nothing will change about their communication practices.

Just to clarify for everyone: P-EBT 4.0 for Summer 2025 should be approximately $490 total per eligible child, distributed in 2-3 payments. The first payment is typically $120, with the remainder split into 1-2 additional payments over 6-8 weeks. The payments load automatically onto the P-EBT card - no additional action needed if your child already received the first payment. If you haven't received any payments but believe your child qualifies, contact their school first to verify they were included on the eligibility list. For those asking about regular CalFresh - that's separate from P-EBT, requires its own application, and provides monthly benefits year-round based on household income and expenses.

Just wanted to add that you can check your P-EBT card balance anytime by calling the customer service number on the back of your card or visiting the ebtEDGE website. I set up text alerts for when new payments are loaded, which has been really helpful for tracking when the next installment arrives. Also, if you're still having trouble reaching someone by phone, try calling first thing in the morning (around 8 AM) - that's when I've had the most success getting through to a real person without waiting forever on hold.

awesome!! glad it worked out for u!!

Congratulations on getting approved! 🎉 That's such great news! It's so frustrating how the system works with sending cards before approval, but I'm glad you got it sorted out quickly once you uploaded that utility bill. Your experience is actually really helpful for others - it shows how important it is to check the Message Center regularly since those requests can be easy to miss. Hope your benefits load soon and you can finally get those groceries for your kids!

Just to clarify since there seems to be some confusion in the comments: 1. CalFresh (food stamps) doesn't have a 16-day homeless assistance program 2. CalWORKs (cash aid) has the Homeless Assistance Program you're asking about 3. You MUST have a minor child in your care or be pregnant to qualify for CalWORKs 4. The income limit for a family of 2 (parent and child) is approximately $2,585/month for 2025 If you have a child and meet the income requirements, you can receive: - Temporary HA: Up to 16 days of motel payments - Permanent HA: Security deposit and first month's rent You should apply at your county social services office as soon as possible. Bring identification, birth certificate for your child, proof of any income, and documentation of your homeless situation. The process can be approved quickly (sometimes same-day) if you have all your documentation ready.

I hope everything went well at the county office today! Just wanted to add that if you run into any issues or delays, don't give up. Sometimes the first worker you talk to might not be fully familiar with the homeless assistance program, so don't hesitate to ask for a supervisor if needed. Also, if you get approved for the 16-day temporary assistance, use that time wisely to look for permanent housing AND apply for the permanent homeless assistance to help with move-in costs. Many people don't realize they can get both programs. Keep us updated on how it goes - rooting for you and your daughter! 🙏

UPDATE: Just wanted to thank everyone for their advice! We called the county (it took forever to get through) and specifically asked about the medical expense deduction and shelter deduction. Turns out they didn't apply EITHER one! The worker recalculated her benefits on the spot and she should be getting $237/month now, which is much more reasonable. They're also giving her retroactive benefits for the month she was underpaid. The worker admitted they've been overwhelmed and sometimes miss applying these deductions if people don't specifically mention them. So lesson learned - always mention every possible deduction and expense!

That's such great news! I'm so glad you were able to get this resolved and that your mom will be getting the benefits she deserves. $237 is a huge improvement from $23! It's really unfortunate that the county workers don't automatically apply all the deductions people qualify for - seems like they should be trained to ask about medical expenses and shelter costs as standard procedure. Your experience will definitely help other people going through similar situations. Thanks for sharing the update and I hope your mom is able to get the food she needs now!