California CalFresh

UPDATE: I finally got through to a supervisor at my county office. Turns out the worker had entered my medical expenses in the wrong field in their system, so they weren't being counted in the calculation! The supervisor fixed it and recalculated my benefits on the spot. I now qualify for $281/month in CalFresh! She said I can withdraw my appeal since it's resolved. So relieved I don't have to go through with the hearing. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

Congratulations on getting it resolved! Your story is so helpful for others in similar situations. It's really telling that it was just a data entry error in their system - makes you wonder how many people get wrongly denied because of these kinds of mistakes. I'm dealing with a similar issue right now with my recertification and this gives me hope that persistence pays off. Did you have to provide any additional documentation to the supervisor, or were they able to see your medical expenses in the system once they looked in the right place?

I'm so glad you're getting some traction with the Housing Support Program! Just wanted to add - when you meet with CalWORKs, ask specifically about their "Homeless Assistance Program" or "HA" benefits. It's a one-time payment that can help with moving costs, deposits, and utility connections for families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness (which sounds like your situation with the mold). The amount varies by county but can be up to $3,000+ for a family your size. Not everyone knows about it because workers don't always mention it automatically. You have to specifically ask! Also document everything about the mold - take photos, keep any notices from landlord, medical records about your son's breathing issues. All of that helps show you need to move for health reasons. Rooting for you!

Just wanted to add another resource that might help - check with your local United Way chapter! They often have emergency assistance funds specifically for families dealing with unsafe housing conditions. When I was in a similar situation with my kids a couple years ago, our local United Way provided $800 towards moving costs when I explained the health issues. They work pretty quickly too - I got approved within a week. You can find your local chapter at 211.org or just dial 2-1-1. Also, don't forget to ask your current landlord IN WRITING to fix the mold issue and keep copies of everything - if they refuse, that documentation will help with any emergency assistance applications. You're doing everything right by advocating for your kids' health!

Update: I was able to get through to my county office this morning using that Claimyr service someone recommended (saved me hours of hold time!). They referred me to the Emergency Assistance Program and I have an appointment this afternoon. They said they might be able to help with this month's rent while I apply for other programs. Thank you everyone for your help and for not making me feel too stupid about misunderstanding the EBT card. This whole system is so confusing when you're new to it.

So glad to see this update! You're definitely not stupid - the EBT system is incredibly confusing and the cards really do look just like regular debit cards. I made the same mistake when I first got mine. It's actually pretty common for people to assume they can withdraw cash, especially since some states do allow limited ATM access for certain programs. The important thing is you got the help you needed! Hope your Emergency Assistance appointment went well and you were able to get your rent situation sorted out.

Hey, I know how frustrating the EBT customer service line can be. After getting disconnected multiple times, I started using Claimyr to get through to a real person. It basically calls EBT customer service for you and then connects you when an actual human picks up. Saved me hours of frustration. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 or check out claimyr.com. I used it when I had that same question about withdrawal times and a few other issues. The representative confirmed the 6AM time is fixed, but at least I got a definitive answer without the hold time headache.

this sucks but maybe try plannin ur shopping on ur days off?? thats what i do cuz the system aint gonna change for us night ppl lol

For anyone interested in the official information: this supplemental payment is part of the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) state-funded initiative that was approved in late 2024. Eligible households receive a one-time supplemental payment ranging from $95-$250 depending on household size. The funds are automatically loaded to EBT cards in January 2025. This is separate from your regular CalFresh benefits and doesn't affect your normal allotment. You should receive an official notice in the mail within 10 business days explaining the supplement.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I was worried when I saw the extra $185 on my card this morning but didn't want to spend it if it was an error. Really appreciate @Oliver Fischer breaking down the CFAP details - that makes total sense now. Also @Malik Robinson thanks for mentioning that service to get through to the county office faster, I've been trying to reach them about updating my address for weeks!