one time i tried using ebt for hot chocolate at the starbucks in target and it didnt work but the bottles in the grocery part worked fine with ebt so yeah prepared = no, groceries = yes

Just wanted to add that if you're looking for coffee alternatives you can buy with EBT, instant coffee, coffee beans, ground coffee, and even coffee creamers are all eligible! I get my coffee fix by buying a bag of ground coffee and some flavored creamers - way cheaper than Starbucks anyway. You can also buy tea bags, hot chocolate mix, and other drink mixes to make at home. The key is anything you have to prepare yourself at home is usually good to go with CalFresh benefits.

I've been in a similar situation with Stanislaus County - their phone system is absolutely terrible! One thing that worked for me was going to the office in person if you can manage it. I know it's a pain, but I was able to get a replacement copy of my Notice of Action the same day, and the worker looked up my exact IRT right there. The Modesto office on Oakdale Road usually has shorter wait times than the main office downtown. They can print you a fresh copy of all your paperwork including the IRT calculation. If you can't make it in person, definitely try Austin's suggestion about calling at 8 AM sharp - that's when I finally got through after days of trying. Good luck with the new job!

I work at a community organization that helps folks navigate CalFresh and I see this confusion about IRTs all the time! A few quick tips: 1) Your exact IRT is always on your most recent Notice of Action - it's usually in a section called "Reporting Requirements" or similar. 2) The Stanislaus County office does have a self-service kiosk where you can print copies of your notices without waiting in line - it's right when you walk in. 3) If you're really stuck, you can also request a copy of your Notice of Action through the C4Yourself portal under "Case Documents." The IRT varies by household even with same size because it factors in your specific benefit amount, so definitely get YOUR number rather than relying on estimates. Better safe than sorry with overpayments!

To summarize what everyone has said: 1. Your CalFresh EBT card can ONLY be used for eligible food purchases 2. For housing help, you need to apply for separate housing assistance programs 3. Being on CalFresh might make you eligible for expedited processing of other benefits 4. Call 211 for a comprehensive list of housing resources in your area 5. Look into emergency rental assistance programs for immediate help Hope that helps clarify things! The benefits system can be very confusing to navigate.

Just wanted to add that if you're struggling with rent increases, you might also want to look into tenant rights resources in your area. California has some protections against excessive rent increases, and there are tenant advocacy organizations that can help you understand your rights. Some counties also have rent stabilization programs or just cause eviction protections that could be relevant to your situation. It won't directly help with paying rent, but knowing your rights can sometimes buy you time to get the other assistance programs in place. You can search for "[your county] tenant rights" or contact your local legal aid society for free advice.

This thread has been incredibly helpful to read through as someone who's still pretty new to CalFresh myself! I got my first EBT card about 6 weeks ago and I've been learning so much from this community. Your situation with the duplicate cards is actually really reassuring to see handled so well - it shows that even when confusing things happen with the system, there are always people here with experience who can guide newcomers through it. I love how everyone jumped in with practical advice and personal stories. I just wanted to add one small tip that my caseworker mentioned to me during my initial appointment: she said to always keep the customer service number and your EBT card number written down somewhere separate from your actual card, just in case you ever lose it or need to report issues. That way you can call immediately without having to wait for paperwork or go to the office. It sounds like you've got everything figured out now with keeping the newer card (4/24) and destroying the old one. Thanks for sharing your experience - I'm sure other new recipients will find this thread super valuable!

I'm really glad I found this thread! I just started receiving CalFresh benefits about a month ago and this whole conversation has been so educational. Even though I haven't experienced the duplicate card issue yet, reading through everyone's advice has given me so much confidence about how to handle various EBT situations that might come up. What I love most about this community is how supportive everyone is - no judgment, just practical help from people who've been there before. I've already implemented several of the tips mentioned here: downloaded the ebtEDGE app, saved the customer service number in my phone, and wrote down my card number separately like Emma suggested. As a newcomer to CalFresh, it's honestly overwhelming sometimes trying to figure out all the rules and processes, but threads like this make it so much less intimidating. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - you're making the system much more navigable for people like us who are still learning the ropes!

Just wanted to add - make sure you keep copies of EVERYTHING during this transfer process! Screenshots of your current benefit amount, copies of any paperwork you submit, confirmation numbers from phone calls, etc. I learned this the hard way when my case got mixed up between counties and I had to prove what my original benefit amount was. Also, if you have kids in school that get free lunch through CalFresh, make sure to notify their school district about the move too so there's no interruption in their meal benefits. The school districts don't always automatically know about address changes. Good luck with your move to the IE - you're making a smart financial decision with the lower housing costs!

Wow, that's an amazing savings on housing! $600 less per month plus getting a whole extra bedroom - that's going to be life-changing for your family. As someone who's helped families through county transfers before, I'd recommend creating a simple timeline for yourself with all the key dates and deadlines. Write down: 1) When you plan to call LA County to start the transfer, 2) Your actual move date, 3) Your next SAR7 due date (August), and 4) Any other important CalFresh deadlines. Having it all in one place will help you stay organized during what can be a stressful process. Also, once you get settled in San Bernardino, look into any local food pantries or community resources in your new area - many families find it helpful to have backup support while navigating county systems. The IE has some great community organizations that can assist if you run into any bumps along the way.