also dont 4get that u need to do the SAR7 every 6 months AND the recertification once a year... they're different forms and ppl get confused all the time

Just wanted to add that if you're still having trouble with BenefitsCal after trying all these suggestions, you can also visit your local county social services office in person. I know it's not as convenient as doing it online, but when I was having persistent login issues last year, I went in person with my recertification letter and they were able to help me complete it right there. They have computers you can use and staff who can walk you through the process if needed. You can find your local office location on the county website or by calling 211. Don't let the website issues cause you to miss your deadline - there are always backup options available!

Just to follow up on the P-EBT balance question - you can also check your balance online at www.ebt.ca.gov or via the ConnectEBT mobile app. It's often faster than calling the number. The online portal will show you exactly which issuance you're using and when those benefits were added to your account. This might help you determine which round of P-EBT you currently have active.

That's great news that you found out which P-EBT benefits you're using! Just wanted to add that if you're struggling with food costs while waiting to get your CalFresh reinstated, many food banks don't have income restrictions and can help bridge the gap. You can find local food pantries at 211.org or by calling 2-1-1. Also, some churches and community centers have weekend food programs specifically for families with kids. Don't be afraid to ask for help - that's what these programs are there for!

Reading through all these responses has been incredibly eye-opening! I'm also in California (Orange County) and have been putting off applying because I assumed I made too much at $2,650/month with rent at $1,750. But seeing how the shelter deduction and other factors work makes me realize I might actually qualify. @fd111dffc265 I really hope your reapplication with all the proper deductions works out! It's so frustrating that the initial screening doesn't explain all these options clearly. @16f1cf625ae2 @61ec8a31d0a7 thank you for explaining the net income calculation - I had no idea about the 20% earned income deduction or how the shelter costs factor in. This thread has given me the motivation to actually apply instead of just struggling quietly. It's amazing how much support and knowledge everyone is sharing here!

Wow, this thread has been such a lifeline! I'm also in California (Riverside County) and have been in the exact same situation - making $2,850/month but paying $1,650 in rent and getting denied repeatedly. I had completely given up after my second denial, thinking the system was just impossible to navigate. But reading @fd111dffc265's experience and seeing all the detailed explanations from @16f1cf625ae2 and @61ec8a31d0a7 about the net income calculation and shelter deduction has completely changed my perspective. I had NO idea they automatically deduct 20% of earned income or that there's a separate net income test beyond just gross income. It's so frustrating that they don't clearly explain these deductions during the initial application process - it feels like you have to be an expert just to understand what you might qualify for. I'm definitely going to reapply now armed with all this information. Thank you everyone for creating such a supportive and informative discussion - it's given so many of us hope and the knowledge we need to actually navigate this system properly!

Thanks everyone for explaining! I was getting excited but I don't qualify since I'm not homeless, elderly or disabled. It's too bad they don't consider single working parents for this program. I totally get what that one person said about it being for people who can't prepare meals, but honestly after working double shifts sometimes I PHYSICALLY can't stand up to cook either! Anyway, at least now I know what my neighbor was talking about. Appreciate all the responses!

Another option for working parents that might help - some grocery stores like Whole Foods and Safeway have hot food bars and prepared food sections where you can use EBT. You can get things like hot soup, pizza slices, fried chicken, etc. It's not as convenient as drive-through but it's faster than cooking from scratch and usually cheaper than restaurant prices. Just make sure the items are meant to be eaten at home (not restaurant-style dining). I've used this when I'm too exhausted to cook but still need to feed my kids something decent!

This is such an important thread for new CalFresh recipients! @Jordan Walker, I'm so glad you were able to resolve this through your BenefitsCal account - what a relief that must have been! Your experience really highlights a major gap in the communication process that affects so many people. As someone who's been on CalFresh for about two years now, I remember that same sinking feeling when my card showed $0 after activation. It's such an emotional rollercoaster - you've already waited months for approval, then you get excited that your card finally arrived, only to find out you have to wait even longer! One thing I've learned is to always screenshot or write down key information from approval calls because it's easy to miss important details when you're just excited about being approved. Also, for future reference, your county's CalFresh website often has a chart showing issuance dates by case number - might be worth bookmarking for quick reference. The silver lining is that once you get through this first month and understand the rhythm of when your benefits load, it becomes much more predictable. And this thread is going to be so helpful for other new recipients who find themselves in the same confusing situation. Thanks for sharing your experience so openly - it's going to save other families from that same stress and worry!

This thread has been such a goldmine of information! As someone who's currently helping a friend navigate their CalFresh application, I'm bookmarking this entire conversation. @Jordan Walker, your experience is exactly what my friend is worried about - that something will go wrong even after approval. It's so reassuring to see how supportive this community is and how many people have been through the exact same situation. The breakdown of those three essential questions from @Dyllan Nantx is going to be incredibly helpful when my friend gets their approval call. It's amazing how such a simple miscommunication about timing can cause so much unnecessary stress. I also had no idea about being able to check approval letters in BenefitsCal before they arrive by mail - that's such a useful tip! Reading through everyone's experiences really shows how much the system could be improved with just better communication during those approval calls. Until that happens, communities like this are absolutely essential for helping people navigate all these confusing gaps. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge and experiences - this thread is going to help so many families avoid that same panic and confusion!