I'm so glad you were able to get through and figure out what was holding up your benefits! It's really frustrating that the worker didn't mention needing the housing verification form during your interview - that seems to happen way too often. At least they're going to backdate your benefits to the 7th, so you won't lose out on any money. Hopefully your landlord can fill out that form quickly so you can get your benefits processed ASAP. Thanks for updating us on what happened - this will definitely help other people who run into the same issue!

Really glad you got this sorted out @a55fa451d546! The housing verification form issue is SO common - I've seen this exact scenario play out multiple times in this community. It's honestly poor practice for workers to say someone is "approved" during the interview when there are still outstanding verification requirements. They should really be saying something like "pending receipt of housing verification" instead. But at least you're getting backdated benefits, which is the right outcome. Hope your landlord gets that form back to you quickly!

This thread is absolutely incredible and should honestly be pinned as a resource guide! As someone who's been on CalFresh for about 8 months now, I learned so many things I wish I had known from day one. The temporary card number option especially - that should be printed in bold on every EBT welcome packet! What really stands out to me is how this community has essentially created the emergency handbook that the county should provide but doesn't. It's both inspiring and frustrating - inspiring because of how everyone jumps in to help each other, but frustrating that we HAVE to rely on crowdsourced information for basic survival needs. @Caesar Grant your original post probably helped way more people than just yourself today. I bet tons of folks are bookmarking this for future emergencies. And huge thanks to everyone who shared specific locations, phone numbers, and real experiences - you're literally preventing people from going hungry when the system fails them. This is what real community support looks like! For anyone new reading this: definitely screenshot the key info (numbers, addresses, hours) so you have it handy when you're in crisis mode. This thread is proof that we have each other's backs even when official resources fall short.

This thread is absolutely amazing and such a perfect example of why community support is so vital! As someone who's been on CalFresh for about a year, I've definitely had my share of system frustrations, but thankfully never lost my card until now - and reading through all these responses has me feeling so much more prepared if it ever happens. The fact that @Caesar Grant got his replacement card the SAME DAY he posted shows how powerful this community knowledge is! And honestly, the temporary card number option that @Mae Bennett mentioned is something I had zero clue about - that alone could be a game-changer for so many people facing this emergency. What really strikes me is how everyone jumped in with specific, actionable advice rather than just sympathy. Real phone numbers, actual office locations, step-by-step processes - this is the kind of practical information that literally keeps people fed when the official system lets them down. I'm definitely screenshotting all the key details because you never know when you or someone you know might need this info urgently. The fact that we have to crowdsource such critical emergency information really highlights how much the official CalFresh system needs improvement, but it also shows how incredible this community is at taking care of each other. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - you're making a real difference! 🙏

This entire thread is such a perfect example of how community knowledge can be more valuable than official resources sometimes! As someone who's dealt with California's benefit system for a few years now, I've learned that the people who've actually been through these situations often have the most practical advice. What really stands out to me is how quickly everyone jumped in with specific phone numbers, websites, and realistic timelines - not just vague "contact your local office" advice. And Ellie, I'm so glad you kept us updated on what actually worked! That kind of follow-through helps future people who find this thread when they're in crisis mode. For anyone else reading this later: the key lessons seem to be 1) DPSS/CalFresh offices handle benefits, not emergency housing, 2) don't wait for callbacks when you're facing eviction - call multiple resources immediately, and 3) always report income changes to CalFresh right away if they might increase your benefits. This community is gold for navigating these confusing systems!

Welcome to the community, Ava! Your comment really resonates with me as someone who moved to California a couple years ago and felt completely lost in the system at first. This thread is honestly one of the best examples I've seen of how this community comes together to help people navigate these complex programs. One thing I learned from my own experience is to save posts like this one - I actually keep a little notes file on my phone with key resources and phone numbers that people have shared here. You never know when you might need Stay Housed LA's website or that 211 number! Also, don't be afraid to ask "dumb" questions here. I was initially embarrassed about not understanding basic stuff about CalFresh reporting or how different agencies work, but everyone here has been super patient and helpful. The California benefit system is genuinely confusing even for people who've lived here their whole lives, so you're definitely not alone in feeling overwhelmed. This community makes it so much more manageable though!

Congratulations on getting your renewal submitted! Just wanted to add for anyone else who might be struggling with the CalWIN to BenefitsCal transition - if you're still having trouble finding your renewal after logging out/in, you can also try clearing your browser cache and cookies. Sometimes the old CalWIN cookies can interfere with BenefitsCal loading properly. Also, BenefitsCal works best on Chrome or Firefox - I've had issues with Safari and Edge in the past. Hope this helps other folks who might be dealing with similar technical issues during the transition period!

Great to see everyone helping each other through this transition! I went through my first BenefitsCal renewal about 6 months ago and wanted to share a few additional tips that might help others: 1. If you're uploading documents, make sure they're clear photos or scans - blurry images will get rejected and delay your renewal 2. The system has a file size limit (I think it's 10MB per document), so you might need to compress large files 3. Keep checking your account even after approval - sometimes they'll request additional verification weeks later 4. If you have multiple cases (like CalFresh + Medi-Cal), make sure you're renewing the right program - the system can be confusing about which renewal you're working on The learning curve is definitely steep coming from CalWIN, but once you get the hang of it, BenefitsCal actually has some nice features like being able to upload documents from your phone. Hang in there everyone - we'll all figure this out together!

Just want to echo what everyone else has said - you absolutely can get CalFresh while homeless! I work at a local food bank and we help people apply all the time. The process is actually streamlined for homeless individuals because the state recognizes this is a vulnerable population that needs support. A few practical tips from what I've seen work well: - If your friend's address doesn't work out for some reason, you can also use "General Delivery" at your local post office as a mailing address - Some homeless service organizations (shelters, soup kitchens, etc.) will also let you use their address for mail - Keep your CA ID safe - it's really all you need for identity verification - If you have any medical conditions or disabilities, mention those too as they might qualify you for additional deductions The county workers are used to this situation and won't judge you for it. They're there to help you access the benefits you're entitled to. Don't let the paperwork intimidate you - there are people whose job it is to walk you through this process. You've got this!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation and had been putting off applying because I was worried about the address requirement. Reading everyone's experiences has given me the confidence to move forward. One question I have - if I'm approved and later find temporary housing (like staying with someone for a few months), do I need to update my case right away? I don't want to mess up my benefits by not reporting changes, but I also don't want to lose them if my housing situation is still unstable. Also, does anyone know if there's a way to check application status online once you submit it? I tend to get anxious waiting for responses and it would help to be able to track where things stand. Thanks again to everyone who shared their knowledge - this community is amazing!