Hey Liam! I went through something similar when I got back on CalFresh after a gap. The adjustment from those pandemic emergency allotments to regular benefits was definitely noticeable. One thing that helped me figure out if my amount was right was using the CalFresh benefit calculator on the GetCalFresh website. You can plug in your income, rent, and other expenses to get an estimate of what you should be receiving. It's not perfect but gives you a good ballpark to compare against your actual benefits. Also, if you do have any utilities you pay separately (like electricity, gas, water, or trash), make sure those are documented in your case. Even if it's just one utility bill, you might qualify for the Standard Utility Allowance which can increase your benefit amount. Good luck getting everything sorted out!

Just wanted to chime in as another San Bernardino County resident! I've been on CalFresh for about 3 years now and can confirm that the pandemic emergency allotments (EA) ended in March 2023. Those extra benefits were a lifesaver during COVID but they're definitely gone for good now. Your $198 benefit amount sounds about right for a single person with $1600 income. The calculation gets pretty complex with all the deductions, but the key things that can boost your benefits are: - Shelter costs over half your income (sounds like your $1850 rent qualifies!) - Any utilities you pay separately - Medical expenses if you're over 60 or disabled Since you mentioned paying electricity separately, that should definitely help. Make sure SB County has that documented - sometimes things get missed during phone interviews. You can always call and ask them to read back what utilities they have on file for you. Hope this helps clarify things! The system can be confusing especially after being out of it for a while.

good 4 u!!! put a freeze on ur card when ur not using it btw. u can do it in the app now

So glad you were able to get some emergency benefits! Just wanted to add that when you get your replacement card, consider using contactless payment (tap to pay) instead of inserting the card whenever possible - it's much harder for skimmers to intercept. Also, if you shop at stores with self-checkout, try to use the ones that are closest to the attendant station since skimmers are less likely to be placed on those machines. Stay strong - you're doing an amazing job advocating for your family!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - having your benefits stolen is stressful enough without the system making it even harder to get help. I just went through something similar a few months ago and wanted to share what finally worked for me. The key thing that made a difference was getting really specific about who I was talking to. Instead of just calling my regular worker, I started asking to be transferred directly to the "EBT Fraud Investigation Unit" when I called the main county number. They have people who specifically handle theft claims and they know the process way better than regular eligibility workers. Also, when you do get someone on the phone, ask them to put notes in your case file about the call - date, time, what was discussed, and when they'll follow up. Then reference those notes in your next call. It forces them to actually document what's happening instead of just giving you the runaround. One more thing - if you haven't already, start documenting everything yourself. Write down every call you make, every person you talk to, every promise they make. If this drags on much longer, you might need that documentation for a hearing or complaint. Hang in there! The system is broken but your benefits WILL get replaced eventually. In the meantime, definitely reach out to local food banks and see if any churches or community centers are doing food distributions.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and it's absolutely maddening! My EBT was skimmed three weeks ago and I'm getting nowhere with my county office. Reading through all these responses has been really eye-opening though - I had no idea there were so many different numbers to call and forms to request. For what it's worth, I found that calling RIGHT when they open (usually 8 AM) gives you the best chance of getting through without waiting on hold forever. Also, if you have a smartphone, you can use the "Call Back" feature some counties offer where they hold your place in line and call you back instead of making you wait on hold. One thing that helped me was reaching out to my local Assembly member's office. They have constituent services staff who can sometimes make inquiries on your behalf when you're not getting responses from the county. It doesn't always work but it's another avenue to try. Stay strong and keep pushing! The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these government agencies. Document everything and don't let them wear you down.

To clarify some confusion I'm seeing in the comments: there is absolutely NO minimum age requirement for including children in your CalFresh household. Even a 1-day-old newborn should be counted. The confusion sometimes happens because some parents think babies don't count until they eat regular food, but CalFresh eligibility is based on household membership, not eating patterns. LA County should have specifically asked about ALL household members when you applied. When you call to add your baby, if they try to give you any difficulty about backdating the change, ask to speak with a supervisor and cite the CalFresh handbook section 63-402.1 which defines household composition.

Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else in a similar situation - I'm also in LA County and had to add my daughter when she was 6 months old. The worker I spoke with was really helpful and processed the change within 2 days. My benefits went from $194 to $465 for a household of 2. One thing that helped me was having all my documents ready before I called: baby's birth certificate, proof of my income, and receipts for childcare expenses. Also, don't let them tell you that you need to wait for your next recertification - household composition changes should be processed immediately! Good luck mama, your baby definitely deserves to be counted for those benefits.

this is y the system is SO BROKEN!!! calfresh should cover diapers & formula!!! how r we spsd to feed are babies??? the income limits r a joke nobody can live on what they say is "too much money" smh

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get the supplies you needed? The Sacramento Crisis Nursery that someone mentioned is an excellent resource. Also, for future reference, you mentioned you're over the income limit for CalWORKs by just $75. If your situation changes at all or you have any additional expenses that might count as deductions, it's worth reapplying. Sometimes even small changes in circumstances can make you eligible.