Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who shared their experiences here! I'm a single mom with two kids and got my QC review letter last week - I was literally shaking when I opened it because I thought they were going to take away our benefits. But reading all of these real experiences has been such a huge relief! It's so helpful to hear that the reviewers are actually pretty understanding and that this is just a routine thing, not them trying to catch us doing something wrong. I've been on CalFresh for about 8 months now and it's honestly been a lifeline for my family. The thought of losing it over some paperwork issue was terrifying. But now I feel much more prepared and less anxious about the whole process. This community is incredible - where else can you get this kind of honest, real-world advice? Thank you Emily for asking the question we were all too scared to ask, and thank you to everyone who took the time to share their stories! 💙

Reading through all these experiences has been so reassuring! I'm actually going through a QC review right now (got my letter two weeks ago) and was terrified at first. Like so many others have said, that initial letter really does make it sound like you're being investigated for fraud when it's actually just a routine check. My interview is scheduled for tomorrow and I've been gathering documents all week. One thing I learned from this thread that I want to share - when I called to schedule, I mentioned I was missing one pay stub from a job I had briefly a few months ago, and the reviewer said they could work with bank statements or even a letter from the employer instead. They really do seem to understand that life isn't always perfectly documented! Thanks Emily for starting this conversation and to everyone who shared their stories. It's made such a difference in my stress level knowing what to actually expect. I'll try to update after my interview tomorrow in case it helps the next person who finds this thread! 🙏

There's also the Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program if your income is slightly higher than CARE limits. And don't forget to ask PG&E about their payment plans - they HAVE to offer you one if you're struggling. I work for a community organization that helps with these applications, and most people don't realize they qualify for multiple programs. The system is deliberately confusing to prevent people from accessing all the benefits they're entitled to.

Also wanted to mention that if you're in a real emergency situation (like about to get shut off), many counties have emergency assistance programs that can help within 24-48 hours. These are different from LIHEAP and usually have less paperwork. When you call your county office, specifically ask about "emergency utility assistance" or "crisis intervention" programs. They don't always volunteer this information but it exists! I had to use it once when my gas was going to be shut off in winter and they helped me the same day I applied.

btw once u activate, download the ebt fresh app too! it shows u which farmers markets accept ebt AND which ones do the market match program where they DOUBLE your benefits for fruits & vegetables!

Welcome to the CalFresh community! Yes, you absolutely need to activate your EBT card before using it. Here's what you need to do: 1. Call the customer service number on the back of your card (usually 1-877-328-9677) 2. Have your card number, ZIP code, and date of birth ready 3. Follow the prompts to set up a 4-digit PIN that you'll use for purchases Your benefits should already be loaded on the card once it's activated - they get deposited automatically based on your case approval. You can check your balance by calling the same number after activation. One helpful tip: write down your PIN somewhere safe! If you forget it, resetting can be a hassle. Also, consider downloading the ebt fresh app that someone mentioned - it's great for finding farmers markets that accept EBT and offer matching programs. Don't worry about looking confused at the store - we've all been there! The cashiers are usually helpful if you need assistance with your first EBT purchase. Good luck with your shopping!

This has been such an amazing thread to read through! As a newcomer to California and the whole P-EBT system, I feel like I just got a masterclass in managing these benefits. Grace, I'm so happy you found your card and that $375 was still active - what a relief that must have been! I'm actually in a similar boat - just moved here from another state where we had pandemic EBT but the rules seemed different. Reading through everyone's experiences, I realize I should probably dig through my old paperwork to see if I have any cards I forgot about too. The 274-day rule is so important to know, and I had no clue about the ebtEDGE app until this thread. One question for the group - for someone who's new to California's system, is there a good official resource that explains all the current P-EBT programs clearly? I've tried looking at the state websites but they're pretty confusing. It sounds like this community has way better practical advice than the official channels! Thanks everyone for sharing such detailed and helpful information.

This thread has been absolutely incredible! As someone who's been navigating the California benefits system for a few years now, I'm amazed at how much useful information everyone has shared here. Grace, your story really resonates with me - I think so many of us have those "junk drawer moments" where we discover forgotten cards or paperwork that could be worth hundreds of dollars. What I love most about this discussion is how it's evolved from a simple expiration question into a comprehensive guide covering everything from the ebtEDGE app to shopping strategies to customer service workarounds. The practical tips people have shared here are honestly better than anything I've found in official documentation. For anyone new to this thread, the key takeaways are: check your cards using the ebtEDGE app, remember the 274-day rule from last use, make small test purchases if you're unsure, and never throw away P-EBT cards even if they seem expired since they might get reloaded later. Grace, I'm so glad you checked and found your benefits were still active! That $375 will definitely help with groceries. Thanks for starting such an informative discussion that's clearly helping so many families better understand and manage their P-EBT benefits!

This whole thread is incredibly helpful! As someone who just started receiving CalFresh benefits last month, I was terrified about what could go wrong during the recertification process. Reading about @Amina Diallo's experience and how it turned out to be a system glitch affecting 200+ people is both reassuring and concerning - reassuring that it wasn't her fault, but concerning that these widespread technical issues can happen. I'm definitely saving the Claimyr service info and that EBT customer service number (1-877-328-9677) for future reference. It's amazing how this community comes together to help each other navigate these bureaucratic challenges. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experiences - it makes dealing with the system feel less overwhelming when you know there are people who understand and have solutions!

This is exactly why I joined this community! @Amina Diallo I'm so relieved you got your benefits restored - what a stressful situation to deal with, especially with kids depending on you. The fact that 200 people were affected by the same system glitch really highlights how broken the technical infrastructure can be. I'm bookmarking that Claimyr service and all the other tips shared here (calling at 8am, the EBT customer service number, asking for expedited services). It's frustrating that we need these workarounds just to access our approved benefits, but I'm grateful this community exists to share these real solutions. Thanks everyone for turning a nightmare situation into a learning opportunity for all of us!