The one thing I haven't seen anyone mention - make sure to apply at the office in the county where you're CURRENTLY staying, not based on any previous address. CalFresh is county-administered, and each county has slightly different processes. If you apply to the wrong county, it can cause delays. Also, when they ask for an address, you can: 1. Use "homeless/car" as your living situation 2. Provide a mailing address (maybe a friend's place or general delivery at post office) 3. Ask if you can pick up your EBT card at the office rather than have it mailed For your child with autism - there's a program called IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) where YOU can actually become a paid caregiver for your child with special needs. Worth asking about at the same time you apply for CalFresh.

UPDATE: I went to the county office this morning and applied for emergency CalFresh! The worker was actually really helpful once I explained our situation. I brought our expired out-of-state IDs, birth certificates, and some medical records for the kids, and that was enough. They did an expedited interview right there. We were approved for emergency benefits ($1,750/month for our family size!) and I got a temporary EBT card SAME DAY! The worker also helped me apply for CalWORKs homeless assistance and gave me referrals to several local food pantries. I'm so relieved we'll be able to get food today. Thank you everyone for your advice - it made a huge difference knowing what to ask for!

I work with a local assistance organization, and we're seeing tons of these cases right now. That June 3rd skimming operation hit hundreds of people across multiple counties. Here's what you need to know: 1. Yes, it can take up to 30 days by law (actually, up to 90 days if they need to investigate further). 2. The state has been overwhelmed with fraud claims, which is causing delays. 3. While waiting, you can: - Apply for emergency replacement benefits (separate from your claim) - Contact your county supervisor's office for help expediting - Reach out to local food banks (every county has emergency food assistance) - File a complaint with CDSS if it exceeds 30 days Also, make sure you've changed your PIN and are checking your balance daily. These skimmer groups often hit the same cards multiple times.

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone helpful at the county office! They told me my claim was approved yesterday and the funds should be on my card within 24-48 hours. They also said they're prioritizing households with children under the expedited process. For anyone else waiting - keep calling and specifically ask for your claim to be reviewed for expedited processing if you have children or vulnerable household members. Will update again when the money actually appears on my card.

UPDATE: Still nothing in today's mail. Getting worried because we've had mail theft in our neighborhood before. Does anyone know if there's a way to check online if cards were mailed? Or request replacements if they were stolen?

When you finally get your cards, remember to create a PIN immediately! The cards are useless until you activate them with a PIN. Call the number on the back of the card to set it up. I learned this the hard way standing embarrassed at checkout when my daughter's card kept getting declined. 🤦‍♀️

Just checking in - did your benefits post yet? Several people in my building had theirs show up early this morning (around 4am).

YES! Thank you for checking. They finally showed up at 5:30am. Such a relief! I was able to place my grocery order and delivery is coming this afternoon. Really appreciate everyone's help and suggestions - this community is amazing. 💕

make sure u tell them about the cooking situation too. my worker said specifically that sharing food preparation is what makes u a "calfresh household" not just living together. good luck!!

also if they have any medical expenses make sure to report those! seniors and disabled ppl get special deductions for medical costs over $35 a month which could mean more benefits for ur household!