California CalFresh

Just wanted to share my experience - I was in a similar situation and found out that sometimes the P-EBT cards get delivered but stolen from mailboxes! After calling the hotline, they told me three cards had been issued to my address over the years. I filed a police report for mail theft and they were able to reissue all the cards with the benefits still intact. If you live in an apartment complex or area where mail theft is common, this might be worth looking into. Also, once you get your new cards, consider having them sent to a P.O. Box or asking a trusted neighbor to watch for the delivery. The cards look just like regular mail so thieves don't always know what they're taking, but it's still a huge hassle to deal with.

I'm going through something similar right now! My kids have been getting free school meals since 2020, but I only received that very first P-EBT card. I had no idea there were multiple rounds - this thread is eye-opening. Reading everyone's experiences, it sounds like there's a good chance I have benefits sitting somewhere too. I'm definitely going to try calling the P-EBT hotline tomorrow morning early like Julian suggested. Has anyone had luck getting through on certain days of the week? I'm wondering if there are better times to call to avoid those busy signals that Lauren mentioned. Also, should I call my school district first to make sure they have my current address, or is it better to start with the P-EBT hotline directly? Thanks for all the detailed info everyone - this community is amazing!

Am i the only one who still uses the paper benefit reports they mail out? lol I know I'm old school but I never trusted these apps with my benefit info

I'm glad to see the app is working again for everyone! For future reference, I've found it helpful to have multiple backup methods ready when the app goes down. Besides the phone number (1-877-328-9677) and the website, you can also check your balance at most ATMs using your EBT card - just select "balance inquiry" instead of making a withdrawal. Some people don't realize this option exists but it's really convenient when you're already out shopping and need a quick balance check.

the limits r actually diffrent depending on if ur household is regular or if it has elderly/disabled ppl!! my mom is on SSI and we only had 2 meet the net income test not gross when we applied

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I'm going to apply through BenefitsCal this weekend and include all our income details and expenses. Based on what you've all shared, I think we might qualify with our deductions even though our gross is sometimes right at the limit. I'll make sure to include our full rent ($1,350/month) and utilities to get the shelter deduction. Wish me luck!

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) rules haven't changed in 2025. It's always been limited to elderly, disabled, and homeless CalFresh recipients, and only in certain counties. The confusion comes because some people use their EBT *cash* benefits (from CalWORKs, not CalFresh) at restaurants, which is different. CalFresh food benefits can only be used at restaurants if you qualify for RMP and the restaurant participates. If you don't qualify for RMP, your CalFresh benefits can only be used for unprepared food items at grocery stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers like Amazon and Walmart. One helpful resource is the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Locator in the CalFresh app or BenefitsCal website, which was added in late 2024. It shows all participating restaurants with their addresses and hours.

Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I checked and I don't qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program since I'm not elderly, disabled, or homeless. I'm going to try the suggestion about buying sandwich ingredients at the grocery store with my EBT and making my own lunches. Seems like it'll save me money anyway! I never knew about the difference between CalFresh and CalWORKs cash benefits before, so I learned something new.

Another option while you're waiting for the Assembly Member response - try contacting the CalFresh Ombudsman office directly. They're specifically set up to handle complaints when the regular system isn't working. You can find your county's ombudsman contact info on the CDSS website. They have more authority than regular workers to escalate issues and can sometimes resolve problems faster than going through regular channels. Also, if you have any documentation showing you submitted your paperwork (like email confirmations or receipts), gather all of that before contacting your Assembly Member - it will help them advocate for you more effectively.

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this - the CalFresh system can be absolutely maddening when you can't get through to anyone. From reading all these responses, it sounds like contacting your Assembly Member is definitely your best bet. I went through something similar last year (though with Medi-Cal, not CalFresh) and my Assembly Member's office was a lifesaver. One thing I'd add - when you contact them, ask specifically if they have a "constituent services coordinator" who handles social services issues. Some offices have staff who specialize in different areas, and having someone who knows the CalFresh system can make a huge difference in how quickly they can help you. Also, while you're waiting for that to get resolved, have you checked with 211? You can dial 2-1-1 or go to 211.org and they can connect you with emergency food resources in your area. I know it doesn't fix the underlying problem, but at least it might help with the immediate food insecurity while you're fighting this bureaucratic battle. Hang in there - you shouldn't have to go through all this just to get benefits you're entitled to, but it sounds like you have some good options to pursue now.