Just wanted to add that if you're still within your first month after approval, don't panic if your benefits don't show up on your expected day! Like Lucas mentioned, the first month can be irregular. I got my first benefits about 5 days after approval, then it switched to my regular schedule (the 6th) the following month. Also, benefits are usually loaded early in the morning - like between 12 AM and 6 AM - so check your balance first thing when you wake up on your day. The ConnectEBT app that others mentioned is super helpful for tracking this stuff!

Just a heads up for anyone reading this - if you move counties while on CalFresh, your case number might change and therefore your benefit date could change too! I moved from LA County to San Diego County last year and had to transfer my case. My old case number ended in 4 so I got benefits on the 4th, but my new case number ends in 1 so now I get them on the 2nd. It was actually kind of nice getting them earlier in the month, but definitely caught me off guard the first time! Make sure to ask about this if you're planning to move.

This entire thread is such a great example of community support in action! I'm relatively new to this group but have been so impressed by how quickly everyone jumped in to help with practical, actionable advice. As someone who just started receiving CalFresh benefits last month, I'm bookmarking this whole conversation for future reference. The tips about the ebtEDGE app, emergency food assistance at county offices, and even the grocery store manager approach are all things I never would have known otherwise. It's reassuring to know there are so many safety nets and resources available, and that there's a community here willing to share their knowledge and experiences. Thanks to everyone who contributed - this is invaluable information for anyone navigating the CalFresh system!

This thread has been such a wonderful resource! As someone who works with families experiencing food insecurity, I wanted to add that if anyone finds themselves in a similar situation late at night or on weekends when county offices are closed, many 24-hour emergency services can help. Local 211 (dial 2-1-1) operates around the clock and can connect you with emergency food resources in your area. They often know which food pantries, churches, or community centers might have weekend hours or emergency provisions. Also, some hospitals and fire stations keep lists of local emergency food resources and can point you in the right direction. It's not a perfect solution, but it can help families get through until the county office reopens. Really appreciate how this community comes together to share knowledge and support each other through these challenges!

Reading through all this, I'm realizing how many parents have dealt with this exact situation! My 3-year-old got hold of my card last week and thankfully I caught her before she could do any damage, but it was definitely a wake-up call. I've been keeping my EBT card in the same wallet pocket as my other cards, which clearly isn't the safest approach with little ones around. The RFID blocking wallet with a combination lock sounds like the perfect solution - protecting against both curious kids and potential fraud. It's crazy that we have to think about EBT cards being skimmed too, but I guess any card with a chip is vulnerable these days. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions!

Welcome to the community! As someone who's been dealing with CalFresh for a few years, I can definitely relate to the panic when your card gets locked and you need groceries. It sounds like you got everything sorted out, which is great! Just wanted to add that if this ever happens again and you're really in a bind, some food banks and community pantries can help bridge the gap while you wait for your card to unlock. Many don't require appointments and understand that EBT issues happen. Also, if you have any trusted family or friends nearby, sometimes they're willing to help with groceries and you can pay them back once your card is working again. The plastic baggie trick someone mentioned actually does work sometimes - it helps if the magnetic strip is worn or dirty. Anyway, glad you got your spaghetti dinner!

Hi Olivia! Welcome to CalFresh! 🎉 I totally understand the confusion - when I first got approved, I was convinced it was some kind of one-time emergency assistance and spent weeks worrying about when I'd have to reapply! Everyone here has given you excellent advice about the automatic monthly reloads. I just wanted to add that if you're like me and tend to be anxious about money, it really helps to take a screenshot of your EBT balance right after your benefits reload each month. That way you have a record of your starting amount and can track your spending throughout the month. Also, don't be afraid to ask store employees which aisles have the best deals on EBT-eligible items - most grocery stores are really helpful about this. One last tip: if you ever have issues with your card not working at a store, try it at a different register first before panicking - sometimes it's just a reader issue. You're asking all the right questions and this community will always have your back! 😊

Hey Olivia! Welcome to CalFresh and this wonderful community! 🎉 I can totally relate to that rushed interview experience - my caseworker spoke so fast I felt like I needed to take notes but was too nervous to ask her to slow down! Everyone here has given you fantastic advice about the automatic monthly reloads (yes, they definitely happen every month on your assigned day). I just wanted to add something that really helped me in my first few months: consider shopping at discount grocery stores like Aldi or WinCo if you have them in your area - your EBT dollars stretch so much further there! Also, many stores have weekly sales that cycle through different departments, so if you can plan your shopping around those sales, you'll get way more bang for your buck. I started keeping a simple notes app on my phone where I jot down the regular prices of items I buy frequently, so I know when I'm getting a good deal. Don't stress about getting everything perfect right away - there's definitely a learning curve to maximizing your benefits, but you'll figure it out! This community has been such a lifesaver for navigating all the confusing parts of the system. You're in good hands here! 😊

Hey! I'm new to this community but stumbled across this thread while dealing with my own CalFresh situation and wow - this has been incredibly helpful! I missed my SAR 7 deadline in September (got overwhelmed with some family stuff) and my benefits stopped in early October. I've been sitting on about $78 in remaining EBT balance and was so worried about whether I could actually use it or if there were some kind of restrictions. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a relief! I had no idea about the 365-day rule or that I could reapply immediately without waiting. The tip about submitting your application first and then providing documents within 10 days is genius - I've been stressing about getting everything together before applying. I'm definitely going to submit my reapplication this week now that I understand how it all works. Thank you all for sharing such detailed, real-world advice. This community seems amazing for getting practical information you just can't find in the official notices!

Hi there! I'm new to this community but your post really resonates with me - I went through almost the exact same situation about a year ago. Missed my SAR 7 deadline due to a work emergency and panicked when I saw the discontinuation notice, especially since I had about $190 left on my EBT card. Just like everyone else has confirmed here, that remaining balance is absolutely yours to use without any restrictions! I was able to stretch those funds for over a month while my reapplication processed. The discontinuation only stops new monthly deposits - it doesn't affect money that's already been loaded onto your card. One thing I learned that might help: when you do your reapplication interview, they may ask about using remaining benefits during the gap, and that's completely normal and expected. Also, I found it helpful to shop strategically during that period - focusing on sales and basics to make the balance last longer. You're handling this situation really well by reapplying quickly and not panicking. Missing the SAR 7 happens to more people than you'd think, and the workers are generally understanding about it. This community has been such an amazing resource for getting practical, real-world advice that you just can't find in the official materials. Good luck with your reapplication - you've got this!