California CalFresh
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CalFresh benefits didn't deposit after holiday weekend - payment delay?
Anyone else still waiting for their February benefits to hit their EBT card? Mine usually deposits on the 10th, which was Sunday during the long weekend. I thought for sure they'd be there this morning (Tuesday) but my balance is still the same. Called the EBT hotline but it just says my balance with no explanation. My kids are home for February break and I planned meals assuming I'd have the benefits today. Starting to worry since we're pretty much down to ramen and peanut butter. Is this happening to anyone else or should I be concerned something's wrong with my case?
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CalFresh EBT app constantly crashing - can't check balance or view purchase history
Is anyone else having issues with the EBT app lately? For the past 3 days, I can't get it to load properly on my phone. It either freezes on the login screen or crashes right after I put in my password. I need to check my remaining balance and see my purchase history since I'm trying to budget the rest of the month. I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling the app but still having the same problem. My internet connection is fine because everything else works. Getting really frustrated because I can't plan my grocery shopping without knowing how much I have left. Anyone know what's going on or how to fix this?
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Am i the only one who still uses the paper benefit reports they mail out? lol I know I'm old school but I never trusted these apps with my benefit info
Wait they still send paper statements?? I haven't gotten one in like 2 years. Did you have to request that specially or something?
You have to specifically request paper statements by calling your county office. I did it when I first got CalFresh in 2023 because my phone was too old for the app.
I'm glad to see the app is working again for everyone! For future reference, I've found it helpful to have multiple backup methods ready when the app goes down. Besides the phone number (1-877-328-9677) and the website, you can also check your balance at most ATMs using your EBT card - just select "balance inquiry" instead of making a withdrawal. Some people don't realize this option exists but it's really convenient when you're already out shopping and need a quick balance check.
What's the CalFresh income limit for a household of 2 in Calexico for 2025?
Hi everyone, my partner and I live in Calexico and we're thinking about applying for CalFresh but not sure if we qualify with our income. I've been trying to find the exact income limits for 2025 for a household of 2 but keep getting different info online. Some websites show numbers from previous years, and others don't specify if it's gross or net income that matters. We both work part-time jobs (I'm in retail, partner does gig delivery) with variable hours so our monthly income fluctuates. Can anyone tell me what's the maximum monthly income allowed for a household of 2 to still qualify for CalFresh in California? Also, does living in Calexico (Imperial County) make any difference compared to other parts of CA? Thanks in advance!
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the limits r actually diffrent depending on if ur household is regular or if it has elderly/disabled ppl!! my mom is on SSI and we only had 2 meet the net income test not gross when we applied
You're absolutely right! Households with elderly (60+) or disabled members only need to meet the net income test, not the gross income test. This is an important distinction that can make a big difference in eligibility. Additionally, households with elderly/disabled members may qualify for medical expense deductions if they spend more than $35 monthly on out-of-pocket medical costs.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I'm going to apply through BenefitsCal this weekend and include all our income details and expenses. Based on what you've all shared, I think we might qualify with our deductions even though our gross is sometimes right at the limit. I'll make sure to include our full rent ($1,350/month) and utilities to get the shelter deduction. Wish me luck!
apply in person if u can!!! online system kept freezing for me but the lady at the office helped me finish in 1 visit
@Sebastian Scott Hope the application goes smoothly! With your rent being $1,350 that should definitely help with the shelter deduction calculation. Just remember they calculate it as anything over 50% of your income after the standard deduction and 20% earned income deduction. So if your monthly income varies, try to apply during a lower income month if possible - you can always report changes later if your income goes up significantly.
Can you use CalFresh EBT at Subway restaurants in 2025?
So I've been getting CalFresh benefits for about 3 months now and still learning what places accept EBT. I heard somewhere that some fast food places might take food stamps/EBT but wasn't sure which ones. Does anyone know if Subway takes EBT/CalFresh? I'm trying to figure out lunch options when I'm at work since I don't always have time to meal prep. Also, if Subway doesn't take it, what other quick food places might? Thanks!
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The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) rules haven't changed in 2025. It's always been limited to elderly, disabled, and homeless CalFresh recipients, and only in certain counties. The confusion comes because some people use their EBT *cash* benefits (from CalWORKs, not CalFresh) at restaurants, which is different. CalFresh food benefits can only be used at restaurants if you qualify for RMP and the restaurant participates. If you don't qualify for RMP, your CalFresh benefits can only be used for unprepared food items at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. One helpful resource is the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Locator in the CalFresh app or BenefitsCal website, which was added in late 2024. It shows all participating restaurants with their addresses and hours.
OHHHHH that explains it!!! my cousin must be using CalWORKs cash not CalFresh!! I always get them mixed up
Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I checked and I don't qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program since I'm not elderly, disabled, or homeless. I'm going to try the suggestion about buying sandwich ingredients at the grocery store with my EBT and making my own lunches. Seems like it'll save me money anyway! I never knew about the difference between CalFresh and CalWORKs cash benefits before, so I learned something new.
That's exactly what I do too! Another money-saving tip - check out the manager's special/clearance section at grocery stores for discounted lunch meats and cheese that are still good but close to expiration. I've gotten some really good deals that way. Also if your grocery store has a deli counter, sometimes they'll slice meat thinner if you ask, so it goes further. Good luck with the meal prep!
Where can I use CalFresh EBT for restaurants? Need places that accept Restaurant Meals Program
So I just got approved for CalFresh EBT last month (finally!) and I'm trying to figure out where I can actually use it. I know most grocery stores take it, but I'm working double shifts this week and honestly don't have time to cook. Someone at the county office mentioned something about restaurants taking EBT? Is that actually a thing or were they confused? I live in Los Angeles County if that matters. How do I find out which places near me accept it? Do I need to sign up for some special program first?
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Thank you so much for the detailed info! I'll call tomorrow and use those exact words. Really appreciate everyone's help!
Hey Aisha! Just wanted to add that if you do get approved for RMP, definitely download the FreshEBT app on your phone. It shows your balance in real-time so you can check before ordering at restaurants. Super helpful when you're trying to budget for meals during those crazy double shift weeks! The app also has a store locator feature that sometimes shows participating restaurants, though it's not 100% complete. Good luck with getting your account set up properly!
Layla Sanders
Did your quarterly review (SAR7) get processed properly? Same thing happened when I forgot to include my pay stubs with SAR7 and benefits were held. Make sure you didn't get any notices in the mail requesting additional verification.
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Gavin King
The OP mentioned their benefits arrived this morning - looks like it was just the holiday weekend delay after all. But your point about SAR7 processing is a good one for future reference. Missing verifications on the Semi-Annual Report is one of the most common reasons for unexpected benefit delays.
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QuantumQuasar
Glad to hear your benefits came through! This is such a common issue that really stresses people out. For future reference, here's what I've learned about CalFresh deposit timing: Federal holidays always push deposits back to the next business day, and sometimes it takes an extra day for the banking system to catch up. Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Presidents Day weekends are the worst for this. I keep a small emergency stash of non-perishables now specifically for these situations - learned that the hard way after being caught short during a Thanksgiving weekend delay a couple years ago.
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