UPDATE: I finally got through to someone! Apparently they did an "account reconciliation" and found that they had issued an extra payment back in January that I wasn't eligible for. The frustrating part is they never notified me before taking the money back. The representative said I should have received a Notice of Action but admitted they've been having problems with their mailing system. They're supposed to send notices 10 days before taking any action! They said I can request a fair hearing to dispute it, but since it was technically an overpayment, they probably won't return the money. I'm still going to try because I budgeted based on what was showing on my card. This is so frustrating!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! This is exactly why I always screenshot my EBT balance every few days now - learned that lesson the hard way. Since you found out it was an overpayment from January, definitely file for that fair hearing like others suggested. Even if they don't give you the full amount back, they might work out a payment plan to recoup it more slowly instead of taking it all at once. That's what happened to my neighbor - they let her pay back $20/month instead of taking everything. Also document that phone call where they admitted the mailing system problems - that could really help your case! The fact that you budgeted based on what showed on your card matters.

just 2 add something else - if ur in a food desert area (not many grocery options nearby) u might get more consideration. my friend has a small market in south LA and they got approved faster cuz they were in an area with limited food options. might be worth mentioning if thats ur situation!!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share my experience from when I helped my family's deli navigate this process last year. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that California specifically has some additional state-level requirements beyond the federal USDA ones. You'll also need to register with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and they have their own inspection process. They're pretty strict about food handling certifications and will want to see that your grocery section meets state food safety standards separately from your restaurant operations. Also, if you do decide to expand your grocery section to meet the 50% requirement, consider focusing on items that have good shelf life and turnover - things like pasta, rice, canned goods, and basic household staples. These tend to be easier to manage inventory-wise than fresh produce, especially when you're primarily running a pizza business. The whole process took us about 4 months from application to approval, and that was with everything going smoothly. But it has been worth it for bringing in new customers who appreciate having a local option that accepts their benefits.

i herd they might do a P-EBT 5.0 for last school year too (2023-2024) but not sure if its true. anybody know?

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble activating your P-EBT 4.0 card, you can also try activating it online at ebtedge.com rather than calling. I had the same issue with long hold times, but the website worked immediately. You'll need your card number and some basic info like your ZIP code. Also, don't worry if the card looks different from your regular EBT - the P-EBT cards often have different designs but work at all the same places. The benefits are retroactive for the 2022-2023 school year, so even though it's 2025 now, you're not missing out on anything by just receiving it!

lol i was worrying about this too. taxes are so confusing.

Don't stress about it - you're definitely not alone in being confused! I went through the same thing my first year on CalFresh. The good news is everyone here is right - CalFresh benefits are completely tax-free and don't get reported anywhere on your return. Since you mentioned you're filing for the first time with benefits, here's what helped me: when the tax software asks about "government benefits," they're usually talking about unemployment, Social Security, or disability payments that DO get taxed. CalFresh/SNAP is never included in that category. The most important thing is making sure you claim all the credits you're entitled to as a single parent. With your income level that qualified you for CalFresh, you'll probably get a really good refund from the EITC and Child Tax Credit. I was shocked at how much I got back my first year! Also, if you're using paid tax software, check if you qualify for the IRS Free File instead - it'll save you money and works just as well for straightforward returns like yours.

This whole thread has been incredibly informative! As someone who works with seniors in my community, I see this situation constantly - people getting their benefits slashed when emergency allotments ended, not knowing about medical deductions they're entitled to, and struggling to get through to overwhelmed county offices. Rami, I'm so glad you were able to get your benefits increased! Your experience highlights a huge gap in the system - caseworkers should be proactively helping seniors identify all available deductions during initial applications and recertifications, not waiting for people to stumble across this information online or through word of mouth. For anyone else reading this who might be in a similar situation, here are a few additional resources to consider: - Contact your local Area Agency on Aging - they often have benefits counselors who specialize in helping seniors navigate CalFresh, Medicare Savings Programs, and other assistance - Check if your county has a Senior Legal Aid program that can help advocate for proper benefit calculations - Document everything - keep copies of medical receipts, utility bills, and any correspondence with your caseworker The difference between $49 and $150 per month is life-changing when you're on a fixed income. Thanks for sharing your story and helping other community members learn about options they might not have known existed!

As someone new to this community, I'm amazed by how helpful everyone has been in this thread! Reading through Rami's journey from $49 to potentially $150+ per month really shows the power of knowing your rights and having access to the right information. I'm actually dealing with a similar situation - my benefits dropped significantly when the emergency allotments ended, and I had no idea about medical expense deductions either. My elderly neighbor has been struggling with the same issue, and she's been too embarrassed to ask for help navigating the system. This thread is like a masterclass in CalFresh advocacy! The combination of practical advice (documenting medical expenses, using Claimyr to get through to caseworkers), specific program recommendations (CSFP, Medicare Savings Program), and real success stories gives me hope that these systems can actually work when you know how to navigate them. I'm definitely going to try the medical expense deduction route and will share this information with my neighbor. It's frustrating that this knowledge isn't automatically provided, but I'm grateful for communities like this where people share real solutions that make a tangible difference in people's lives. Thanks to everyone who contributed their expertise and experiences!