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Just wanted to update everyone - my emergency allotment just hit my EBT card today (Feb 15th)! Checked my balance this morning and it wasn't there, then checked again after dinner and the extra amount had been added. So for anyone else waiting in LA County, they're processing them now!
My sister works for Sacramento County and she told me emergency allotments happen the same days for all counties, it's just that they spread them out over a few days so the system doesn't crash. She said to always count on it being between the 15th-18th every month. The emergency allotments are all done through the same state computer system, not individual counties. Hope that helps!
Oh that makes sense about spreading them out! I was wondering why some people get them on different days. My friend and I both have CalFresh in the same county but almost always get our emergency amounts on different days, even though our regular benefits come on the same day. The system is so confusing sometimes!
The $95 minimum emergency allotment ended last year BUT some counties are still doing adjustments and retroactive payments for periods when the allotments were active. My sister just got a retro payment last month for a period when she was underpaid during 2022. Maybe that's what your worker was referring to?
After reading through all the comments, it sounds like your caseworker might have been referring to a retroactive adjustment rather than a current emergency allotment. I'd suggest: 1. Using the Claimyr service mentioned to get through to a live person 2. Asking specifically about any "pending adjustments" or "benefit corrections" on your case 3. Request they check if there are any supplements scheduled to be issued 4. If there was a miscommunication, ask about emergency food resources in your area that could help this month Also, with your rent increase, you should report that change as it might qualify you for increased regular benefits going forward.
Thank you SO much for this detailed advice! I used Claimyr and finally got through to my county worker. You were right - she was referring to a retroactive correction for November-December when they calculated my benefits wrong after my job change. She said it's still being processed and should arrive within 10 days. I also reported my rent increase and they'll recalculate my regular benefits. What a relief to finally get answers!
To add to the great resources already mentioned, you might also consider: 1. Eastbay Diaper Bank - They work through partner agencies in Contra Costa County 2. Applying for Emergency CalFresh if you haven't already - while it won't cover diapers, it might free up some money in your budget. Expedited services can provide benefits within 3 days if you qualify. 3. Healthy Families America home visiting program through Contra Costa Health Services - they sometimes have emergency supplies 4. The National Diaper Bank Network has a locator tool on their website that might show additional resources Remember that if you're working with limited income, you should definitely explore CalWORKs eligibility since it provides cash aid that can be used for necessities like diapers. The program limits increased in 2025, so you might qualify even if you didn't before.
ok so i just got off the phone with ebt customer service and they confirmed this is real! i had to wait on hold for 55 minutes just to talk to someone. they said there are multiple fake apps out there right now and they're working with the fraud department to shut them down. stay safe everyone!!
Jamal Washington
Everyone has given you great advice about getting diapers, but I also wanted to mention - if you're tight on food budget because of spending so much on diapers, you might qualify for more CalFresh benefits than you're currently receiving. When they calculated your benefits, did you make sure to report all your medical expenses related to your daughter's condition? These are deductible for CalFresh purposes and can increase your benefit amount. When it's time for your next SAR7 or recertification, bring documentation of all medical expenses (including travel to medical appointments, special dietary needs, prescriptions, etc.) and make sure your eligibility worker counts them as deductions. This won't help with diapers directly but might give you more food benefits to offset some of your other costs. Also, don't forget to check with her medical specialists - sometimes they have access to foundation grants specifically for families in situations like yours.
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Aisha Abdullah
•Wow, I had NO idea we could count medical expenses for CalFresh! We're spending about $400/month on her medications and special foods that insurance doesn't fully cover, plus all the gas driving to specialists in the city (about 70 miles each way). Our recertification is actually next month so this is perfect timing. Thank you so much for this information!
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Ethan Davis
my church does diaper drive every month maybe check local churches?? they might have programs
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Aisha Abdullah
•That's a good idea. I hadn't thought about churches. We're not religious but I'm willing to try anything at this point. Thank you!
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