I had a similar issue last month. Turns out my benefits got messed up cuz I moved and forgot to update my address. Make sure all your info is current!

I've been dealing with Medi-Cal for years and here's what works for me: try the automated phone system first - sometimes you can get basic benefit status without talking to anyone. Press 1 for English, then follow the prompts for "benefit information." If that doesn't work, the 211 helpline (just dial 2-1-1) can sometimes help navigate the system or connect you to local resources. They're usually more helpful than the main Medi-Cal line!

UPDATE: My card is working again! Just used it successfully at the corner store. Thanks everyone for your help and confirming it wasn't just me having issues. This community is a lifesaver when navigating these CalFresh challenges!

So glad to hear your card is working again! This was such a widespread issue today - I saw reports from people in LA, San Diego, Fresno, and the Bay Area all having the same problems. It's frustrating how these system outages always seem to happen at the worst possible times. At least now we know for next time that it's usually a temporary technical issue and not something wrong with our individual accounts. Thanks for posting about this and keeping everyone updated!

UPDATE: Just checked our EBT balance and the Summer EBT was loaded today (June 18th)! $414 total for my three kids ($138 each). So happy! Looks like they're starting to distribute them now. Hope everyone else gets theirs soon!

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble getting through to your county office, you can also check the California Department of Social Services website or your county's DPSS website for updates on Summer EBT distribution dates. Some counties post their specific distribution schedules online. Also, the benefits are good for a full year from when they're issued, so don't panic if you don't get them right away - you won't lose them! My kids are also eating me out of house and home this summer break, so I totally feel everyone's pain here 😅

also FYI the benefit amount changes based on inflation every october. last year most households saw like a 3% increase. so ur $400 might go up a little bit in october automatically

Welcome to the community! Congrats on getting approved for CalFresh - that's a huge relief! Just to clarify what others have mentioned, the "extra" benefits your neighbor might be referring to could be several things: 1. **CalWORKs** - This is cash assistance (not food stamps) that you apply for separately. It's totally different from CalFresh but you can get both if you qualify. 2. **Summer EBT** - Since your kids are 7 and 10, if they get free school meals, they should automatically get extra food benefits during summer break. This usually shows up on a separate card. 3. **WIC** - If you have kids under 5 or are pregnant/breastfeeding, this provides additional food benefits for specific items like milk, eggs, cereal. Definitely report those after-school care costs someone mentioned - that could bump up your CalFresh amount! And don't forget to check if you're eligible for CalWORKs too since you have two kids. The application process is more intensive but the cash benefits can really help with rent and other expenses. Good luck and feel free to ask more questions - this community is super helpful!

You can check your household composition on BenefitsCal.com if you have an account. Log in and look at your case summary - it should show all household members currently on your case. While you're there, also check if there are any electronic notices you might have missed. Sometimes they send communications through the portal without sending a paper copy.

That confirms it - they're incorrectly counting your child support as income. Per CalFresh regulations (MPP Section 63-502.2), child support received is specifically excluded from countable income. When you get through to a worker, direct them to that regulation. Also, since you've found the error, you have a right to request retroactive benefits for any months you received less than you were entitled to. Make sure to specifically ask for that when they fix the error.