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This is such great info! I'm in Alameda County and just noticed the $10 yesterday too. I was definitely worried it was some kind of system error and was hesitant to use it. Really glad to hear this is a legitimate pilot program - the Nutritional Enhancement Pilot sounds like it could actually make a difference for families trying to afford fresh produce. I've been on CalFresh for about 8 months now and grocery prices just keep going up, especially for healthy options. An extra $10 every quarter might not sound like much, but it can definitely help stretch the budget for fruits and vegetables. Going to log into my BenefitsCal account right now to check those messages I've been ignoring and set up text notifications. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community is so helpful for navigating all the confusing parts of the system!
I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm also new to CalFresh (just got approved 3 weeks ago) and I'm in San Francisco County. I got the $10 deposit yesterday and had no idea what it was - I was actually scared to touch it thinking it might be some kind of test or error. Reading everyone's experiences here is such a relief! It's really cool that California is piloting this program to help with healthy food costs. I definitely need to get better about checking my BenefitsCal messages and setting up those text notifications. This community seems so supportive for people learning to navigate the system - thank you all for sharing your knowledge!
I'm in Kern County and got the $10 too! Like everyone else, I was totally confused when I saw it on my balance yesterday. I almost called the EBT customer service line thinking there was some kind of error with my account. This thread has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the Nutritional Enhancement Pilot program! It's really encouraging to see California trying to help with the rising cost of healthy food. I've been struggling to afford fresh produce lately with how expensive everything has gotten. An extra $10 every quarter specifically for nutritional items sounds like it could actually make a difference. I'm definitely going to check my BenefitsCal messages that I've been ignoring and set up those text notifications so I don't miss important updates like this in the future. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and explaining what this deposit was about!
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I went through this exact transition about 6 months ago and wanted to share some practical tips that really helped me. First, create a dedicated folder (physical or digital) for ALL your SSI paperwork - application copies, medical records, correspondence, etc. The process generates SO much paperwork and you'll need to reference things constantly. Second, if you haven't already, request a copy of your complete medical file from every doctor you've seen for your condition. Social Security will request these anyway, but having them ready speeds things up. Third, keep a symptom diary! Write down daily how your condition affects you - can't stand for more than 10 minutes, need to rest after walking one block, etc. This detailed record can be incredibly valuable if you need to appeal or provide additional evidence. The waiting period is honestly the hardest part mentally, but stay organized and persistent. You've got this!
This is incredibly helpful advice! I'm definitely going to start that symptom diary right away - I never thought about documenting the daily impact like that, but you're right that it could be really valuable evidence. I've been keeping most of my paperwork but not in any organized system, so creating a dedicated folder is my next step. One question - when you requested your complete medical files, did you have to pay for copies? Some of my specialists' offices have mentioned fees for records requests, and I'm already stretched pretty thin financially while waiting for this whole process to play out.
Yes, unfortunately most doctors' offices do charge for medical records - I ended up paying around $150 total for all my records, which was painful on a GR budget but worth it in the end. Some offices charge per page (usually 25-50 cents), others have flat fees. Here's a tip though: call and ask if they have a "hardship waiver" for low-income patients - about half of the offices I contacted waived or reduced their fees when I explained I was applying for disability benefits. Also, you only need records related to your disabling condition, so be specific about the date range and type of records to avoid paying for unnecessary stuff. The investment paid off because I got approved on my first try, which my attorney said was partly due to having complete documentation upfront.
Another important thing to keep in mind - make sure you understand the difference between SSI and SSDI before your approval comes through! A lot of people get confused about this. SSI is needs-based and has strict asset limits ($2,000 for individuals), while SSDI is based on your work history. Since you're coming from GR, you'll likely be getting SSI, which means you need to be careful about any assets you might accumulate. For example, if you get a large backpay amount, you have 9 months to spend it down or it could affect your ongoing eligibility. Most people use backpay for things like paying off debt, medical expenses, or essential items like a reliable car or household necessities. Just something to plan for so you don't run into issues later!
This is such important information about the asset limits! I had no idea about the 9-month rule for spending down backpay. That's actually really helpful to know in advance so I can start thinking about what essential things I might need to purchase if I do get approved. My current situation is definitely more in line with SSI since I haven't been able to work consistently for years due to my condition. Do you know if there are any restrictions on what you can spend the backpay on, or is it pretty much anything as long as you stay under the $2,000 limit after those 9 months? I'm trying to plan ahead since my apartment needs some basic repairs and my car is on its last legs.
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I'm really sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is unfortunately becoming way too common. Based on what others have shared, it sounds like going to your county office in person on Monday is your best bet. One thing I'd add - when you go in person, ask specifically about the "Emergency Cash Assistance" program while your case is being investigated. Some people don't know this exists, but LA County can sometimes provide a small emergency cash payment (usually $100-200) within 24-48 hours for situations exactly like yours where stolen benefits are putting you at risk of eviction. Also, document EVERYTHING - take photos of all forms you submit, get receipt confirmations, and ask for case reference numbers. This will help if you need to follow up or escalate. You might also want to contact your landlord now to explain the situation and see if they'll accept a partial payment or give you a few extra days. Many landlords are understanding when there's a legitimate emergency like this, especially if you can show them the police report. Hang in there - I know 7-10 days still feels like forever when you're stressed about rent, but you've got this!
This is really helpful advice, especially about the Emergency Cash Assistance - I had no idea that was even an option! I'll definitely ask about that when I go to the county office Monday. And you're right about contacting my landlord - I've been putting that off because I was embarrassed, but showing them the police report might help them understand this isn't just me making excuses. Thanks for the encouragement, I really needed to hear that!
I'm so sorry you're going through this - EBT theft is such a violation and the stress about rent must be overwhelming. Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like you have a solid plan with going to the county office Monday morning. Just wanted to add that when you're there, also ask about the CalFresh Emergency Allotment program if you haven't already received it this month. Sometimes they can expedite regular food benefits while you're waiting for the cash replacement, which could free up other money for your rent. Also, if you have any friends or family who could help with even a small loan for part of your rent, that might give you some breathing room while waiting for the replacement. I know it's hard to ask for help, but most people understand that EBT theft isn't your fault. Stay strong - from what everyone's shared, it sounds like LA County has gotten better at handling these cases quickly. You're doing everything right by being proactive about it!
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This whole thread has been such a game-changer for understanding CalFresh! I've been receiving benefits for about 4 months now and honestly thought my brother was just pulling my leg when he said he could buy meals at Subway with his EBT card. I even accused him of making it up because I was so confused! Now I realize he's probably eligible for RMP - he's been staying in a homeless shelter for the past few months. It's actually pretty amazing that there's a program specifically designed for people who genuinely can't access kitchen facilities to prepare meals. I feel bad for doubting him now! This is definitely information that should be covered more clearly during the application process. I had no idea these specialized programs even existed within CalFresh. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge here - you've all been way more helpful than any of the official paperwork I received!
Don't feel bad about doubting your brother! Honestly, if I didn't know about RMP, I probably would have thought the same thing - it really does sound too good to be true when you first hear about it. It's awesome that your brother has access to this program while he's in the shelter situation. That's exactly what RMP is designed for, and it can make such a huge difference when you're dealing with housing instability and don't have reliable kitchen access. I hope his situation improves soon, but at least he has this resource available in the meantime. This whole conversation really highlights how much better the CalFresh system could be if they just explained all these programs upfront instead of leaving people to figure it out through trial and error or random online discussions!
This thread has been so educational! I'm a CalFresh recipient who works with seniors at a local community center, and I'm realizing I need to spread the word about RMP to some of our participants. Many of the seniors I work with are over 60 and live alone, but I don't think they know they might be eligible to use their CalFresh benefits at restaurants. Some of them have mentioned struggling with cooking or having limited mobility, so this could be a real game-changer for them. I'm definitely going to bring this up at our next senior services meeting and see if we can get someone from the county office to come explain the program. It's frustrating that this information isn't better publicized - I bet there are tons of eligible people who just don't know this option exists!
Leila Haddad
Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I'm going to accept the job and make sure I document all our expenses carefully on the next SAR7. I'll try calling the county to get a calculation with our specific situation, and if I can't get through, I might try that Claimyr service that @profile5 mentioned. Really appreciate all the advice!
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Emma Johnson
•Good luck with the new job! One last tip: keep ALL your pay stubs and receipts for rent and childcare. If you submit everything with your SAR7, they're more likely to process your case correctly the first time. And remember that if your income goes over the IRT (Income Reporting Threshold) listed on your last approval notice, you need to report that within 10 days, not wait for your next SAR7.
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LunarLegend
Just wanted to add that your health insurance premiums that are deducted from your paycheck DO count as a deduction for CalFresh purposes! This is often overlooked but can make a real difference in your net income calculation. Also, make sure to report any utilities you pay separately from rent - if you pay electric, gas, water, or trash separately, there's a standard utility allowance that gets added to your shelter deduction. With your rent at $2,200 plus utilities, you'll likely qualify for the maximum shelter deduction which could keep you eligible even with the higher income. Don't give up hope!
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Libby Hassan
•This is really good info about the health insurance premiums! I had no idea those counted as deductions. @LunarLegend do you know if dental and vision premiums that come out of my paycheck also count, or is it just medical? And for the utility allowance - we pay electricity and gas separately from rent but water/trash is included. Would that still qualify us for the standard utility allowance or do we need to pay all utilities separately?
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