As someone who's been navigating the CalFresh system while experiencing homelessness, I want to add that it's really important to keep ANY documentation you get about your homeless status - even informal notes from shelter staff or case workers. I learned the hard way that having backup documentation helps if there's ever confusion about your status. Also, if you're staying in different places (shelters some nights, outdoors others), don't worry too much about being super precise in your reporting. The new 2025 rules are designed to be more flexible about this. One thing that helped me was asking my caseworker to put notes in my file about my disability accommodations AND my homeless status at the same time. That way both are documented together and future workers will see it right away. @homelessguy2025 you're doing the right thing by staying on top of this and asking questions. The system can be overwhelming but there are people who want to help make it work for you.

I've been working with homeless CalFresh recipients for about 3 years now, and I want to emphasize something important that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you understand the difference between "temporary" and "permanent" homelessness in the new 2025 system. If you've been homeless for over a year like you mentioned, you'll likely qualify for the "chronic homelessness" category which has even more streamlined requirements and potentially higher benefits. This is separate from the shelter/unsheltered distinctions others have talked about. Also, since you mentioned having a reading disability, you should know that the new rules specifically require counties to provide information in accessible formats. Don't hesitate to ask for verbal explanations of ALL written materials - it's your right, not a favor they're doing you. The key thing to remember is that these changes are happening because advocates have been pushing for years to make the system work better for homeless people. The old system was designed assuming everyone had a stable address, which obviously doesn't work for folks in your situation. Keep asking questions and don't let anyone rush you through the process. You deserve to understand what's happening with your benefits.

Just wanted to share another resource that helped me when I was dealing with EBT issues - many food banks and community organizations have benefits navigators or case workers who are familiar with the CalFresh system and can help you navigate these problems. They often have direct contacts at county offices or know the best times to call. I went to my local food bank when I was having similar card issues and their benefits coordinator not only helped me figure out what information to gather before calling, but also sat with me while I made the call and helped explain my situation to the county worker. Sometimes having an advocate who speaks the "system language" can make all the difference. You can find local food banks and benefits assistance through 211 (just dial 2-1-1) or search online for "CalFresh enrollment assistance" in your area. Even if you don't need food assistance right now, many of these organizations offer free help with benefits issues as part of their services.

I just want to echo what everyone else has said about the distinction between the EBT customer service line and your county CalFresh office - this is SO important and I wish they made it clearer! I spent hours calling that 1-877 number when I had a similar issue where my card worked fine for balance checks but kept getting declined at stores. What finally worked for me was calling my county office on a Wednesday around 2 PM (seemed less busy than Mondays) and having everything ready: case number, the specific stores where it wasn't working, and screenshots of my balance from the EBT app. The worker told me there was a "merchant restriction" on my account that got triggered when I used my card at a gas station that also sells groceries - apparently their system flagged it as suspicious activity. One tip I'd add: if you have the EBT Edge mobile app, check if there are any alerts or notices on your account before calling. Sometimes there are messages about temporary holds or required actions that aren't obvious from just checking your balance. And definitely ask for a reference number when you call so you can follow up if needed! Really glad you got your issue resolved @Dana Doyle - it's such a relief when your benefits start working again after days of stress!

This whole thread is incredibly helpful! As someone who just started receiving CalFresh benefits last month, I was terrified about what could go wrong during the recertification process. Reading about @Amina Diallo's experience and how it turned out to be a system glitch affecting 200+ people is both reassuring and concerning - reassuring that it wasn't her fault, but concerning that these widespread technical issues can happen. I'm definitely saving the Claimyr service info and that EBT customer service number (1-877-328-9677) for future reference. It's amazing how this community comes together to help each other navigate these bureaucratic challenges. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experiences - it makes dealing with the system feel less overwhelming when you know there are people who understand and have solutions!

This is exactly why I joined this community! @Amina Diallo I'm so relieved you got your benefits restored - what a stressful situation to deal with, especially with kids depending on you. The fact that 200 people were affected by the same system glitch really highlights how broken the technical infrastructure can be. I'm bookmarking that Claimyr service and all the other tips shared here (calling at 8am, the EBT customer service number, asking for expedited services). It's frustrating that we need these workarounds just to access our approved benefits, but I'm grateful this community exists to share these real solutions. Thanks everyone for turning a nightmare situation into a learning opportunity for all of us!

This has been such an amazing thread to read through! As a newcomer to California and the whole P-EBT system, I feel like I just got a masterclass in managing these benefits. Grace, I'm so happy you found your card and that $375 was still active - what a relief that must have been! I'm actually in a similar boat - just moved here from another state where we had pandemic EBT but the rules seemed different. Reading through everyone's experiences, I realize I should probably dig through my old paperwork to see if I have any cards I forgot about too. The 274-day rule is so important to know, and I had no clue about the ebtEDGE app until this thread. One question for the group - for someone who's new to California's system, is there a good official resource that explains all the current P-EBT programs clearly? I've tried looking at the state websites but they're pretty confusing. It sounds like this community has way better practical advice than the official channels! Thanks everyone for sharing such detailed and helpful information.

This thread has been absolutely incredible! As someone who's been navigating the California benefits system for a few years now, I'm amazed at how much useful information everyone has shared here. Grace, your story really resonates with me - I think so many of us have those "junk drawer moments" where we discover forgotten cards or paperwork that could be worth hundreds of dollars. What I love most about this discussion is how it's evolved from a simple expiration question into a comprehensive guide covering everything from the ebtEDGE app to shopping strategies to customer service workarounds. The practical tips people have shared here are honestly better than anything I've found in official documentation. For anyone new to this thread, the key takeaways are: check your cards using the ebtEDGE app, remember the 274-day rule from last use, make small test purchases if you're unsure, and never throw away P-EBT cards even if they seem expired since they might get reloaded later. Grace, I'm so glad you checked and found your benefits were still active! That $375 will definitely help with groceries. Thanks for starting such an informative discussion that's clearly helping so many families better understand and manage their P-EBT benefits!

I'm relatively new to CalFresh and this whole thread has been incredibly eye-opening! Had no idea about the bizarre classification rules that make Slim Jims ineligible while allowing actual junk food. As someone trying to eat healthier on a tight budget, it's so frustrating that the system seems to work against making nutritious choices. The FreshEBT app recommendation is a game-changer - definitely downloading that tonight to avoid any embarrassing checkout moments. Also really appreciate all the keto-friendly alternatives mentioned here like cheese sticks and pepperoni. It's threads like this that make me grateful for this community - navigating government benefits can feel so isolating, but knowing others have dealt with the same confusing situations really helps. Thanks for sharing your experience and saving the rest of us from similar surprises!

This is such valuable information for everyone navigating CalFresh! I had a similar shock recently when my protein bars got rejected at checkout - turns out anything labeled as a "nutritional supplement" or "meal replacement" doesn't qualify, even though they're basically just expensive candy bars with protein powder. It's wild that the system prioritizes bureaucratic classifications over actual nutritional value. I've started shopping with a backup debit card for exactly these situations, and the FreshEBT app everyone's mentioning sounds like a lifesaver. For your husband's DoorDash shifts, another option that usually works is those little packages of mixed nuts or trail mix - they're portable, filling, and I've never had issues with them being declined. The whole experience really highlights how these benefit programs weren't designed with modern eating habits or real nutritional needs in mind!