Just wanted to add for anyone else who might be wondering - I work at a nonprofit that helps people with benefits applications, and we get this question a lot. The key thing to remember is that CalFresh looks at your MONTHLY income, not lump sum payments. So things like tax refunds, stimulus checks, the MCTR, even things like insurance settlements or back pay from disability don't count toward your monthly income limit. However, if you put that money in a bank account, it DOES count toward your asset limit (which is $2,750 for most households, or $4,250 if someone in your household is elderly/disabled). Most people don't hit those asset limits, but it's worth knowing about. Also, if you use a lump sum payment to buy something that generates regular monthly income (like investing it), then that new monthly income would need to be reported.

This whole discussion has been really eye-opening! I'm new to both CalFresh and navigating California benefits in general. As someone who just moved here from another state, I had no idea about things like the Middle Class Tax Refund or how different types of payments interact with benefits. It's reassuring to know that one-time payments like tax refunds won't mess with my CalFresh eligibility. I'm still learning all the rules about reporting income changes and asset limits - it seems like there are a lot of nuances that aren't immediately obvious when you first apply. Thanks to everyone who shared their knowledge here, especially about the Income Reporting Threshold and asset limits. This kind of peer-to-peer information sharing is invaluable for people trying to navigate the system!

Wow, this thread has been such a lifesaver! I just got approved for CalFresh about three weeks ago and had absolutely no clue these scams were targeting our community. Reading everyone's experiences is honestly both terrifying and really eye-opening. The timing aspect that people keep mentioning really bothers me - like these scammers are literally studying when we're most vulnerable to strike. That's just so calculated and disgusting. I've saved the official EBT customer service number (1-877-328-9677) in my phone and I'm definitely downloading that official app to set up real notifications so I know what legitimate communications look like. It's so messed up that people would prey on families who are already struggling just to put food on the table, but I'm really grateful we have this community looking out for each other. I'm going to share this whole thread with my cousin who also just started getting benefits - she's not super tech-savvy and might not realize these texts are fake. Thank you everyone for sharing your stories and warnings - this could literally save someone's grocery money for the entire month!

This is such an important warning - thank you for sharing! I'm pretty new to CalFresh myself (got approved about 6 weeks ago) and honestly had no idea these scams were so targeted and widespread. Reading through everyone's experiences has been both incredibly helpful and really disturbing. The fact that scammers are timing these texts right when benefits get loaded shows how calculated and predatory they are - it's like they're studying our most vulnerable moments to strike. I've immediately saved the real EBT customer service number (1-877-328-9677) in my phone and I'm going to download that official EBT app that Talia mentioned to set up legitimate alerts. It's absolutely sickening that criminals are targeting families who are already struggling just to put food on the table, but I'm so grateful for this community that looks out for each other. I'm definitely going to share this thread with my brother who also receives benefits - he tends to be pretty trusting and might not realize these texts are fake. The point about how hard it is to recover stolen benefits really drives home why prevention is so critical. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and resources - this kind of community support could literally be the difference between someone having groceries or not!

This thread has been such a goldmine of information! I've been on CalFresh for about 6 months and thought I had a decent handle on the program, but reading about IRT reporting requirements has been a real eye-opener. @Melina Haruko I'm so glad you got your situation resolved - that sudden $125 reduction must have been terrifying when you're depending on those benefits to feed your family! The child support income issue is something I never would have considered. I don't receive child support myself, but I do get occasional cash gifts from family members during holidays or emergencies, and now I'm wondering if those could potentially push me over my IRT threshold too. Definitely going to call my county office this week to find out what my specific threshold amount is. @Dallas Villalobos thank you for that clear explanation of what IRT NA actually stands for - I've seen similar abbreviations on my paperwork but never understood what they meant. @Freya Christensen I'm starting that income tracking spreadsheet immediately - the idea of logging everything seems like a lot of work but clearly it's necessary to avoid these surprise reductions. And @Vera Visnjic that Claimyr service sounds amazing for getting through to county offices without wasting hours on hold! It's honestly pretty disappointing that we all have to educate each other about these critical rules that should be clearly explained during the application process. But I'm so grateful for this community where people actually share practical knowledge and help each other navigate these confusing bureaucratic systems. This entire thread should be pinned as essential reading for anyone on CalFresh!

This thread has been absolutely incredible to read through! I just got approved for CalFresh last week and honestly had no idea about any of these IRT reporting rules until stumbling across this discussion. @Melina Haruko I'm so sorry you had to deal with that sudden benefit reduction, but thank you for asking the question that started this amazing educational conversation! Reading through everyone's experiences has made me realize how much I need to learn about these program requirements that they definitely don't explain clearly during application. The fact that one-time payments like back child support can trigger reductions is something I never would have thought about. I don't receive child support, but I do occasionally help my neighbor with odd jobs for cash, and now I'm wondering if I need to be tracking those small payments too in case they add up to push me over my threshold. @Dallas Villalobos your explanation of what "IRT NA" means was so helpful - finally understanding those confusing abbreviations! @Freya Christensen I'm definitely starting an income tracking spreadsheet this week. @Mateo Lopez had no idea you could report changes through the BenefitsCal app - that's going to be so much easier than calling! And @Vera Visnjic that Claimyr service sounds like a lifesaver for actually getting through to county offices. It's honestly pretty frustrating that we all have to become experts in these complex rules just to keep basic food assistance, but I'm so grateful this community exists where people actually help each other navigate these confusing systems. This thread contains more useful information than anything I received during my application process - definitely bookmarking this entire conversation!

Hey Carlos! I've been in your exact situation and I know how maddening it can be. Here's what finally worked for me: I started calling at 7:58 AM sharp and kept hitting redial until they opened at 8:00. It usually took about 15-20 attempts but I'd get in the queue. Also, if you're comfortable with it, try visiting your local office in person around 7:30 AM to get a number - you'll wait a while but you're guaranteed to be seen. One more tip that saved me: ask friends or family if anyone knows someone who works in social services - sometimes having an inside contact can point you to less busy phone lines or better calling times. The whole system definitely needs fixing, but don't lose hope! You'll get through eventually and the workers really do want to help once you reach them. Hang in there! 💪

I'm so sorry you're going through this, Carlos! I've been in the same boat and it's absolutely maddening. One thing that helped me was downloading the GetHuman app - it gives you the best phone numbers and optimal calling times for different government agencies, including CalFresh. They also have scripts for what to say to get through automated systems faster. Another approach that worked for a friend of mine was contacting her state assembly member's office - they have constituent services that can sometimes help expedite cases or make calls on your behalf. It might sound like overkill, but when you're desperate, every option is worth trying! Also, if you're dealing with an emergency situation (like benefits being cut off), make sure to mention that immediately - they have different protocols for urgent cases. Keep fighting - the system is broken but there are good people in it who will help once you reach them! 🙌

As a newcomer to this community and someone who just started using the Restaurant Meals Program, I'm incredibly grateful for all the detailed information everyone has shared here! I recently moved to the Hesperia area and had no idea there were so many RMP participating locations beyond that one fish market everyone mentions. Reading through all these confirmed restaurants - Jack in the Box, Panda Express, El Pollo Loco, Del Taco, Carl's Jr, and others - has given me hope that I'll actually have some variety in my meal options. I especially appreciate those of you who took the time to call these places directly to verify their participation. The practical tips about calling during slower hours and asking specifically about the "Restaurant Meals Program" rather than just "EBT" are so valuable. As someone who's still learning to navigate this system, it's reassuring to know that if staff aren't familiar with RMP, I can ask to speak with a manager. This thread has become such a wonderful resource for our community - thank you all for your generosity in sharing your experiences and knowledge!

As someone who's brand new to this community and just got approved for the Restaurant Meals Program, I can't express how helpful this entire thread has been! I moved to Victorville last month and honestly felt pretty discouraged thinking I'd only have that one fish market as an option. Seeing everyone come together to share actual verified locations - with people taking the time to call and confirm RMP participation - is just incredible. I'm planning to create a little reference list from all the confirmed spots mentioned: Jack in the Box on 7th Street, Panda Express on Bear Valley, El Pollo Loco in Hesperia, Del Taco on Main Street, Carl's Jr on Bear Valley, and the Subway near the DMV. The advice about calling during slower hours and asking specifically about "Restaurant Meals Program" participation is so practical and will definitely save me from any awkward situations at the register. Thank you to everyone who contributed their experiences - this community support means everything to those of us navigating this program for the first time!