Online is generally faster, but ONLY if you have a good scanner/photo setup to upload clear docs. In-person takes longer but they give you receipts for everything. Either way, FOLLOW UP after 2 weeks by calling to confirm they received everything. Don't wait for them to contact you if something's missing.

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who recently went through this process in San Diego! With twins on the way, you'll definitely want to apply ASAP since processing times are so long right now. One thing I wish I had known - when you calculate your household size for the applications, you can include unborn children if you're in your third trimester (which it sounds like you might be with twins due in 2 months?). This could potentially increase your benefit amounts even before they're born. Also, since you mentioned being confused about the BenefitsCal website - I found it helpful to use the pre-screening tool first just to get a rough idea of eligibility before starting the actual application. It's not perfect but gives you a ballpark estimate. And definitely keep screenshots of everything during the application process - I had to resubmit parts of mine when the system glitched and lost my uploaded documents. Good luck with the twins and the application process! Having that extra food assistance will be such a huge help with a family of 6.

To clarify about Summer EBT: It's a new federal program that California is implementing in 2025. It provides $120 per eligible child for the summer months (June-August) to help with food costs when school meals aren't available. It's separate from regular CalFresh but will use the same EBT card system. This is not specific to Orange County - it's a statewide program. Eligibility is tied to school meal programs, so children who receive free or reduced-price school meals should qualify automatically. The state is still finalizing implementation details, but households should receive notification about eligibility in late spring.

Hey everyone! I'm new to California (just moved to Irvine from Arizona) and I'm trying to navigate the CalFresh system here. Reading through this thread has been super helpful - especially learning about the Summer EBT program coming this year! My 7-year-old gets free lunch at school so it sounds like we'd qualify for that $120 benefit. I'm also dealing with the same issue of benefits not lasting the full month. Back in Arizona my EBT covered way more groceries for the same amount. Is there a list somewhere of all the deductions I should make sure Orange County knows about? I have childcare costs, medical expenses, and I'm paying utilities separately from rent. Sounds like I need to call and make sure they have everything on file to maximize my benefits. Thanks for all the detailed info in this thread - it's exactly what I needed to read!

Yes, this is important. Once approved, you'll need to complete a SAR7 form every 6 months and a recertification every 12 months. The SAR7 is much simpler but missing it will definitely cause your benefits to stop. San Bernardino County should send reminders, but it's good to track these deadlines yourself.

I'm in a similar situation and just got approved last month! With your rent being over 80% of your income, you'll definitely qualify and likely get close to the maximum benefit. The high shelter costs actually work in your favor for CalFresh calculations. One thing I wish someone had told me - when they calculate your benefits, they use something called the "excess shelter deduction" which basically means they recognize that your housing costs are eating up most of your income. This should boost your monthly benefit amount significantly. Also, since you mentioned struggling to afford food right now, definitely ask about expedited processing when you follow up. Even if your income is too high for the usual expedited criteria, sometimes they can approve it faster if you explain you have no money left for food after paying rent and utilities. Good luck! The process is stressful but it sounds like you have a strong case for approval.

UPDATE: The P-EBT card FINALLY arrived today (Saturday)! Almost a week after showing in informed delivery. The envelope was pretty beat up but the card is intact. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions - I was getting really worried. For anyone else experiencing this, definitely give it at least 5-7 business days before panicking!

So relieved to see your update! This is exactly what happened to us last year - the informed delivery showed it but then we waited almost a week worrying about it. I think the P-EBT cards go through some kind of extra security processing that regular mail doesn't, which is why they take longer. Your post will definitely help other parents who are going through the same stress. Hope your son enjoys getting to use his benefits!

So to summarize for anyone else confused like I was: P-EBT 3.0 is NOT coming back, but California is implementing the new permanent Summer EBT program starting summer 2025. It's about $120 per eligible child for the summer months, will be loaded automatically if your kids get free/reduced lunch or are on CalFresh, and this is separate from your regular monthly CalFresh benefits. Thanks everyone for clearing this up!

Just wanted to add that I work at a local food bank and we've been getting a lot of questions about this too. The confusion is understandable because the names are similar! We've been telling families that while the Summer EBT is great news, it's important to remember it only covers about 3 months. If you're struggling to stretch your CalFresh benefits year-round, don't forget about local food pantries and school backpack programs that can help fill the gaps. Many of us are open year-round and don't require extensive paperwork like government programs do.