Just wanted to add that I've been dealing with this same issue! Started having problems about a week ago when trying to check my remaining balance before grocery shopping. The website would load but then crash when I tried to log in. I found that clearing my browser cache and cookies helped sometimes - not a permanent fix but got me in once or twice. Also discovered you can text your EBT card number to 511-411 to get your balance sent back as a text message, which has been super helpful when the website is down. Really appreciate everyone sharing these workarounds and resources - this community is so much more helpful than trying to navigate the county office phone system!

I'm so glad I found this thread! I've been having the exact same issues with BenefitsCal for the past week and was starting to panic thinking my account got suspended or something. I'm pretty new to CalFresh (just got approved last month) and wasn't sure if this was normal or a real problem. Reading through everyone's responses has been incredibly helpful - especially learning about the maintenance period and all the alternative ways to check balance like the text option and phone number. I had no idea there was a mobile app either! It's frustrating that they don't communicate these outages better to users, but I'm relieved to know it's temporary and that there are workarounds. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and solutions - this community seems way more responsive than any official support channels I've tried!

This thread has been incredibly helpful and I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare! I went through something similar a few months ago and what finally worked was calling the CalFresh hotline and asking to speak with a "case expediter" - which is different from a regular supervisor. When I explained that my case had exceeded 30 days with children in the household, they were able to see that my application had been marked as "pending verification" even though I'd submitted everything through BenefitsCal weeks earlier. Apparently there was a system glitch that prevented my documents from being properly linked to my case file. The case expediter was able to manually attach my documents and push my application through for approval the same day. Also, make sure when you call to specifically mention that you have children and that your income was reduced - both of these factors should qualify you for expedited processing. The whole experience taught me that the regular caseworker system is completely broken, but there are people higher up who actually have the authority and tools to fix these situations quickly. Don't let anyone make you feel like you're being pushy - 7+ weeks with kids at home is completely unacceptable and you have every right to demand immediate action!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - it's absolutely infuriating how broken the system is! I went through almost the exact same thing earlier this year and it's heartbreaking when you're doing everything right but still can't get help for your family. Based on all the great advice in this thread, here's what I'd recommend doing immediately: Call 1-877-847-3663 first thing tomorrow morning and ask specifically for a "quality assurance supervisor" or "case expediter" - not just a regular supervisor. Tell them you need to "file a formal complaint for failure to process within the federally required timeframe" and that you're requesting expedited processing due to having children and reduced income. Also ask them to verify if your original caseworker is still active - so many people are discovering their workers quit or got reassigned without any notification! It's possible your case is just sitting in limbo because of a staffing change. The fact that you've been waiting 7+ weeks with kids at home is completely unacceptable and violates federal requirements. Don't let anyone make you feel like you're being unreasonable - you have every right to demand immediate action. And yes, when you do get approved, you'll receive backdated benefits to your original application date so you won't lose anything. Keep fighting - your persistence will pay off and your family deserves these benefits!

Hey Ravi! I'm so happy to see how this thread has evolved - it's amazing to watch someone go from confusion to confidence with the help of this community! I wanted to add one more resource that's been a game-changer for me: CalFresh Healthy Living (formerly SNAP-Ed) has a free app called "Fresh EBT" that not only tracks your balance but also shows you which stores near you accept EBT and even has digital coupons you can use WITH your CalFresh benefits to save even more money. Also, since you mentioned budgeting, I've found that planning meals around sales and seasonal produce really helps stretch those benefits. Like right now, winter squash and root vegetables are usually cheaper and last longer in storage. One last thing - if you ever have issues with your card or need to report it lost/stolen, save the customer service number (1-877-328-9677) in your phone. I had to use it once when my card got demagnetized and they were super helpful. You're going to do amazing! This community has your back, and don't hesitate to come back with any other questions. We've all been where you are now! 💪

Hey Ravi! What an incredible thread this has become - it's so heartwarming to see how this community has rallied around you with such detailed, practical advice! I wanted to add one more tip that I wish someone had told me when I first got CalFresh: consider shopping with a calculator (or using your phone's calculator) for your first few trips. It really helps you stay within budget and avoid any awkward moments at checkout. I used to add up my total as I shopped and it made me feel so much more confident. Also, if you have a Dollar Tree near you, they accept EBT and have surprisingly good deals on things like canned goods, pasta, and frozen vegetables. Just make sure to check expiration dates since items sometimes sit on shelves longer at discount stores. One thing I noticed from reading through all these responses - this community is absolutely amazing! The way everyone has shared their experiences and tips shows what mutual aid looks like in action. You're not just getting CalFresh benefits, you're joining a network of people who genuinely care about each other's success. Enjoy your first shopping trip tomorrow, and remember that every expert was once a beginner. You've got this! 🌟

Congratulations on getting your Section 8 voucher after such a long wait! I'm in a similar situation in Fresno County and was worried about the same thing. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - it sounds like you're handling everything exactly right by reporting it so quickly through BenefitsCal. I wanted to add one thing that helped me when I was navigating benefit changes - I started keeping a simple log with dates of when I reported changes, what method I used, and any confirmation numbers or screenshots. It's saved me a couple times when there were questions about timing. Since you already reported online and took screenshots, you're ahead of the game! The consensus here seems to be that yes, your CalFresh might go down a bit, but the housing savings will more than make up for it. Three years on that waitlist shows how much you needed this housing assistance, so try not to stress too much about a potential small reduction in food benefits. You and your kids are going to have housing stability, which is huge! Wishing you a smooth transition to your new place.

Congratulations Melody! What an incredible milestone after 3+ years of waiting. I'm a newcomer here but have been reading through all the amazing advice everyone has shared. It's so heartwarming to see this community rally around you with such detailed, helpful information. From everything I've read in this thread, it sounds like you've handled this perfectly - reporting immediately through BenefitsCal, taking screenshots for documentation, and being proactive about asking for guidance. The consensus seems clear that while your CalFresh might decrease slightly, the housing stability and rent savings will far outweigh any reduction in food benefits. I especially appreciated the tips about keeping documentation organized, watching for the benefit calculation letter, and asking about the Excess Shelter Deduction. As someone new to navigating these systems, this whole conversation has been incredibly educational. Wishing you and your kids all the best as you transition to your new home! After such a long wait, you truly deserve this housing security. Thank you for sharing your experience - it's going to help so many other people in similar situations.

I've been through this exact situation before! The good news is that county systems do keep detailed call logs, and most workers document everything as they go. When you call back, they should be able to pull up notes from your previous call and see exactly where you left off. Here's what worked for me: I called back the next day and explained that my call dropped during the confirmation number part. The worker was able to see that the previous worker had already submitted the benefit restoration request in the system. My benefits were back on my card within 48 hours. Pro tip: Write down the date, time, and case worker's name (if they give it) for future reference. Also, some counties send text notifications when benefits are loaded, so keep an eye on your phone! You've got this - the system isn't perfect but they do want to help get your benefits restored.

This is so frustrating! I had something similar happen where my phone died during an important call with the county. From my experience, they definitely keep records of all calls in their system - it's required for documentation purposes. When you call back tomorrow, have your case number ready and tell them exactly what time you called yesterday. Ask them to look up the case notes from that specific call. The worker you spoke with likely already started processing your benefit restoration before the call dropped, so there's a good chance it's already in progress. If for some reason they can't find the record (which would be unusual), don't let them brush you off. Ask to speak with a supervisor and explain the situation. Your benefits are important and they should work with you to resolve this quickly. Also, check your EBT card balance periodically over the next day or two - sometimes benefits get restored faster than they tell you. Good luck, and I hope you get this sorted out soon so you can get groceries for your kids!