This thread has been such a lifesaver! I was feeling really overwhelmed about the whole skimming situation, but seeing everyone's detailed experiences and practical tips has completely changed my perspective from panic to empowerment. Just used the automated system (877-328-9677) that literally everyone here has recommended and I can't believe how straightforward it was! Had my card ready, followed the clear prompts, and changed my PIN in under 3 minutes. I was honestly expecting some nightmare government phone maze, but it was actually designed to be user-friendly. I'm setting up a recurring phone reminder for the 18th of each month - that'll be my new PIN security day going forward. And I'm definitely adopting everyone's strategy of only using major grocery stores. There's a sketchy mini-mart right by my bus stop that I used to hit for convenience, but after reading about all the skimmer risks, I'd rather walk the extra block to the Safeway where I know the card readers are more secure. What really amazes me about this whole discussion is how it's turned into this incredible resource where people are sharing real, battle-tested strategies instead of just generic warnings. It shows the true power of community support when we're all facing the same concerns about protecting our food security. The fact that we have to worry about benefit theft at all is infuriating, but knowing this community has each other's backs with proven systems makes me feel so much more confident about staying protected. Thank you all for looking out for newcomers and sharing your hard-earned knowledge!

This thread has been absolutely incredible to read through! As someone who just started receiving CalFresh benefits last month, I had no idea that EBT skimming was such a real and serious threat. Reading everyone's detailed experiences and step-by-step guidance has been both eye-opening and incredibly reassuring. I just called the automated system (877-328-9677) that literally everyone here has recommended and wow - you all were spot on about how easy it is! The whole process took maybe 2-3 minutes and the prompts were surprisingly clear and user-friendly. I was honestly expecting some typical confusing government phone system, but it actually guides you through everything perfectly. I'm setting up a monthly phone reminder for the 22nd - that'll be my new PIN change day going forward. And I'm definitely taking everyone's advice about being selective with where I use my card. There's a little corner store near my apartment that I was planning to use regularly, but after reading about all the skimming risks, I'll stick to the major grocery chains like everyone suggests. What really stands out to me is how this community has turned what could have been just a scary warning thread into this amazing resource full of real, practical solutions that actually work. It's frustrating that we have to deal with scammers targeting our food benefits at all, but knowing there are proven strategies and people genuinely looking out for each other makes me feel so much more confident about protecting my food security. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and creating such a supportive space for newcomers like me!

my cousin got a personal injury settlement last year and that didnt count toward her calfresh because it was one-time money not regular income

Just wanted to add one more thing that might be helpful - if you're getting financial aid for school, make sure to keep documentation of what's specifically for tuition/books vs. what might be considered "living expenses" in your financial aid package. I learned this the hard way when my community college's financial aid office included some living allowance money that DID count as income, even though the rest of my Pell Grant didn't. The CalFresh worker was really helpful in breaking down my award letter to figure out what was excludable and what wasn't. Good luck with your application!

dont forget u can also use the YourBenefitsNow! website for LA county! its older but sometimes works when BenefitsCal is down. just google it

UPDATE: I got into BenefitsCal finally! Had to create a completely new account even though I already had one. Not sure why, but at least it worked. My documents are uploaded now. Thanks everyone for your help!

Emily, I just wanted to chime in as another SSDI recipient who successfully got CalFresh benefits! Your thread has been such a comprehensive resource - honestly, it should be pinned somewhere for future reference. I'm on SSDI ($2,100/month) and was initially told my income was "borderline" for CalFresh, but after properly applying all the deductions I was entitled to, I ended up qualifying for $134/month in benefits. The key for me was really pushing to make sure they counted EVERYTHING - medical expenses, transportation to appointments, and the full shelter deduction. One thing I didn't see mentioned yet: if you have any medical equipment costs (mobility aids, special dietary requirements, etc.), those can also count toward your medical deduction. I had to purchase a shower chair and grab bars after a fall, and those costs were accepted as medical expenses. Also, don't be surprised if your first benefit amount seems low initially. Sometimes they need a few months of expense documentation to get the full picture, and you can always request a recalculation if you have additional qualifying expenses. You're going into this so well-prepared thanks to this amazing community. Based on your rent and medical costs, you should absolutely qualify for substantial benefits. Good luck with your call tomorrow - we're all rooting for you!

Emily, I just wanted to add my support as you head into your call tomorrow! This thread has been absolutely incredible to read through - the level of detailed advice and community support here is amazing. As someone who also navigated CalFresh while receiving disability benefits, I can tell you that your preparation is going to make all the difference. You've transformed from feeling confused and overwhelmed to having a comprehensive understanding of your rights and the deductions you're entitled to. One thing I'd suggest for tomorrow: have a pen and paper ready to take notes during the call, and don't hesitate to repeat back what the worker tells you to make sure you understand correctly. Something like "So just to confirm, you're applying the medical expense deduction of $265 and the shelter deduction of..." - this helps ensure nothing gets missed. Your situation with $1,950 SSDI, $1,400 rent, and $300+ medical expenses really should result in meaningful CalFresh benefits once all the proper deductions are applied. The community here has armed you with exactly the knowledge you need to advocate for yourself effectively. Best of luck tomorrow morning! This whole thread has become such a valuable resource for anyone dealing with CalFresh applications while on disability. Can't wait to hear your success story - you've got this! 💪

To directly answer your original question with the most current information: as of January 2025, the highest GR/GA grant amounts in California counties are: 1. San Francisco: $619/month 2. Los Angeles: $347/month 3. Alameda: $336/month 4. Santa Clara: $326/month 5. San Mateo: $312/month Sacramento is around $245/month currently. But as everyone has pointed out, higher benefits often correlate with higher costs of living. The most important question is what's available in YOUR county that you might not be accessing yet.

Smart decision to stay in Sacramento! I've been through a similar situation and moving for benefits rarely works out financially. Since you're staying put, here are some Sacramento-specific resources you might not know about: 1. Sacramento County has a Rapid Rehousing program that can help with rent - call 211 and ask specifically about "coordinated entry" 2. The Food Bank of Sacramento County has mobile food pantries that come to different neighborhoods - you can get this ON TOP of your CalFresh 3. Sacramento has expanded the Restaurant Meals Program for CalFresh - you can use your EBT card at participating restaurants if you're homeless, elderly, or disabled 4. Look into the Sacramento Works program - they sometimes have emergency financial assistance for people between jobs Also, when you apply for GR in Sacramento, ask about the "unemployable" determination if your health issues are documented. If they classify you as unemployable, the GR becomes a grant instead of a loan, meaning you don't have to pay it back later. Good luck with everything!