California CalFresh
CommunityGovernment Services
Can't reach California CalFresh? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the DSS
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the DSS drops your call
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
Has anyone received P-EBT 4.0 benefits for school-age kids yet? Mine still showing pending
Just checked my EBT account again this morning and still nothing for my two elementary schoolers. The county worker told me in February that eligible school-age children would receive the new P-EBT 4.0 benefits starting in early May 2025, but we're almost at the end of the month and nothing's shown up. My kids qualify for free lunch at school so they should definitely be getting it. Has anyone actually received the P-EBT 4.0 benefits yet? I'm stressing because grocery prices are insane right now and I was counting on this extra food assistance.
Join the conversation
Need CalFresh while waiting for Section 8 - any way to speed up application?
I've been desperately trying to get Section 8 housing assistance but everyone keeps telling me the waitlists are years long!!! Meanwhile I'm struggling to even put food on the table. I heard CalFresh might be something I could get while waiting for housing help? Does anyone know if I qualify and how long the process takes? I'm a single mom with 2 kids working part-time at Walmart (about $1,750/month income). Already behind on rent and utilities. Also, can I apply for both programs at once or will that hurt my chances? Any info appreciated - feeling really overwhelmed right now. 😓
Join the conversation
One important thing to know - when you get CalFresh, make sure you complete your Semi-Annual Report (SAR7) every 6 months and recertification every year. If you miss these deadlines, your benefits stop and you have to reapply all over again. They should send you these forms in the mail about a month before they're due. I learned this the hard way and lost benefits for almost two months while reapplying!
That's really good to know! I'm not great with paperwork deadlines so I'll definitely set reminders on my phone. Do they send any text reminders or is it just mail notices?
They mostly send paper notices in the mail, but many counties now offer text or email alerts if you opt in. When you complete your application, there should be a section where you can provide your phone number for text notifications and email for electronic notifications. I highly recommend signing up for both! Also, the BenefitsCal website/app will show your upcoming deadlines once your account is set up.
P-EBT for school age child with name starting with 'A' never received in Santa Clara County - still eligible?
Has anyone in Santa Clara County received the school-age P-EBT cards for kids whose names start with letter 'A'? My daughter is 8 and qualifies for free lunch at school, but we never got any P-EBT card for her while seems like other parents did. I'm wondering if they're still sending them out in batches or if I missed something? The school said all eligible kids should automatically get one, but it's been months. Do I need to apply somewhere or call someone? So confused about whether she'll still get one or if it's too late now.
Join the conversation
I think they're running behind schedule again. My nephew was supposed to get his in January (last name A) and he just got it last week. So don't worry yet!
Update: I called my daughter's school today and they confirmed she's on the eligible list for P-EBT! The secretary told me the cards for A names started going out recently but it could take a few more weeks. She also said the envelope is really plain looking so I need to check my mail carefully. Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I feel much better now knowing we didn't miss out.
That's great news! And thanks for updating us. One more tip - when the card arrives, you'll need to set a PIN before using it. You'll need your child's date of birth and the last 4 digits of their case number (which will be on the letter that comes with the card). The benefits should be good for a full year after they're issued, so no rush to spend them all at once.
Is there an official EBT CalFresh app for checking balance and transactions?
Hey everyone! Recently started getting CalFresh benefits and I'm wondering if there's an app where I can check my EBT balance and transaction history? I hate having to call that automated line every time I need to check how much I have left, especially since it takes forever. I've seen people at the store just checking their phones before buying groceries. Is there an official CalFresh app or something third-party that's safe to use? Don't want to download something sketchy that might compromise my benefits.
Join the conversation
anyone know if the app tells u when ur SAR7 is due?? i always forget to send mine in and then my benefits get cut off 🤦♀️
The EBT apps don't show SAR7 due dates, but you can set that up in the BenefitsCal portal/app. It's separate from the EBT apps but lets you manage all your paperwork. You can even submit your SAR7 through it now!
Another option besides the apps is accessing your EBT account through the California EBT cardholder portal at www.ebt.ca.gov. It has all the same features as the ConnectEBT app but some people prefer using a website over an app. Just another option to consider!
Perfect! I think I might prefer the website actually. I'll try both and see which one I like better. Thanks for the suggestion!
CalFresh benefits transfer to new county - stuck on hold for hours and SAR7 already submitted
I recently moved from Sacramento to Riverside County and need to transfer my CalFresh benefits. I submitted my SAR7 a few days ago with my new address but I'm not sure if that's enough to trigger the county transfer process? I've tried calling Sacramento County 5+ times but get stuck on hold for LITERALLY 2+ hours each time (then either they close for the day or I have to get back to work). I can't visit either county office in person because I work 7am-6pm Monday-Friday and can't afford to take time off yet with the new job. Will my benefits automatically transfer after the SAR7 processing or do I need to do something specific to initiate the county transfer? My next benefits are supposed to load in 2 weeks and I'm worried they'll get messed up because of the county change.
Join the conversation
When my sister moved counties last year, she ended up having to reapply because the transfer got messed up somehow. The new county said they never received her case info from the old county. Just make sure you follow up regularly to check on the status of your transfer.
That's exactly the kind of nightmare scenario I'm trying to avoid! I'll definitely keep calling to check on the status once I submit the transfer request.
One more important tip: start checking your EBT card balance frequently during the transfer period. If you notice your benefits don't get loaded when expected, contact both counties immediately. Sometimes transfers can cause delays in benefit issuance, but if you're proactive, they can often fix it quickly. Also, once the transfer is complete, your benefit amount might change slightly because some counties calculate utility allowances differently. Don't be surprised if there's a small adjustment in your benefit amount after the transfer.
That's good to know about the possible amount change. I'll definitely keep an eye on my EBT balance around my usual deposit date. Thanks again for all your help!
Mateo Rodriguez
I got my kids PEBT but it was only for 1 of my 3 kids even tho theyre all at the same school on the same lunch program??? Makee NO sense!
0 coins
Nia Thompson
This is actually a common issue with the P-EBT 4.0 rollout. It's likely because the school submitted inconsistent data for your children. Call your school district's nutrition services department first to confirm all three children are properly coded in their system as free/reduced lunch participants. Then contact your county CalFresh office with this confirmation. They'll need to submit a correction request to the state.
0 coins
Zara Ahmed
Update: I decided to try Claimyr like someone suggested above. I was skeptical but it actually worked - got connected to a real person at my county office in about 15 minutes! The worker checked and said my kids' P-EBT benefits are scheduled for the second wave of distribution in early June. She said there was nothing wrong with our case, just that our district is in the later processing group. I'm still frustrated about the timing but at least now I know what's happening and can budget accordingly. Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions!
0 coins
Aisha Abdullah
Glad it worked out! It's always better to know what's happening rather than being left in the dark. At least now you can plan around the June timeline.
0 coins
Luca Esposito
im gonna try this tomorrow cuz ive been checking my balance everyday for weeks and still nothing
0 coins