California CalFresh

Btw i used to think calfresh and caLworks were the same thing lol. Took me forever to figure out one is cash aid and one is food benefits! 🤦‍♀️

Welcome to the community and congrats on getting approved! Just wanted to add a few tips from someone who's been using CalFresh for about a year now: 1. Download multiple apps to check your balance - I use both the ConnectEBT app and the BenefitsCal app as backups in case one is down 2. Keep your receipt from your last purchase - it shows your remaining balance at the bottom 3. If you shop at farmers markets, many accept EBT and some even match your spending dollar-for-dollar through programs like Market Match 4. Consider meal planning around your benefit deposit date - I find it helps me budget better throughout the month The learning curve can feel overwhelming at first, but you'll get the hang of it quickly. This community is super helpful if you have questions later on!

Update on your situation: Riverside County is required by ACL 18-13 (All County Letter) to complete Inter-County Transfers within 7 calendar days of receiving the case from the sending county. If it's been longer than that, they're technically out of compliance. I recommend taking these steps immediately: 1. Submit a new application through BenefitsCal as mentioned above 2. Request expedited service due to low/no income and resources 3. Call AND visit in person if possible 4. If you get a worker on the phone, request to speak with a supervisor if they can't immediately locate and process your transfer 5. If there will be a gap in benefits, ask them to issue emergency CalFresh benefits to cover the gap period You shouldn't have to wait for your next issuance date to receive the benefits you're entitled to. The county is required to preserve continuity of benefits during transfers.

I'm dealing with something similar right now! Moved from LA County to Riverside 3 weeks ago and still haven't received my benefits. What's really frustrating is that when I call the main CalFresh line, they tell me different things every time - one person said the transfer was processed, another said there's no record of it. I ended up going to the Riverside office on Alessandro Blvd last week with all my paperwork and they finally found my case buried in their system. The worker said they've been having issues with their new computer system not properly flagging incoming transfers. She processed it manually and said I should see benefits within 3-5 business days. If calling isn't working, definitely go in person with your case number from San Bernardino and any transfer confirmation they gave you. Bring your kids if you have to - sometimes that helps them understand the urgency of the situation.

I'm so sorry you and your kids are going through this - no family should have to sleep in a car, especially with young children. This is unfortunately a common issue with the system, but there are specific steps you can take. First thing tomorrow morning, go directly to the office and ask for the Homeless Assistance Program supervisor, not just your regular worker. Bring your approval paperwork and use the exact phrase "emergency homeless situation with minor children" - this triggers specific protocols they have to follow. If they still don't resolve it immediately, ask for a fair hearing request form right there - just mentioning this often gets supervisors involved quickly. Also try calling 211 tonight for emergency shelter resources while you wait. The system failed you, but don't give up - there are people who will help you get this resolved.

Any update? This happened to me on 8/29/25. She said it would be on the card by 5pm and nothing… then they were closed and it’s a 3 day weekend. 😥

Yes, you'll submit the SAR7 at the 6-month mark of your certification period. Since you applied last month, you should receive it around June 2025. Make sure you report any income changes accurately, including the child support. If your income has decreased at all since your initial application, you can actually report that now (not just at SAR7 time) and potentially get your benefit amount increased. Also, don't forget that your utility costs can be factored in using the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) which might increase your benefit amount.

Just wanted to add that you can also check your state's Summer EBT website for updates! California usually posts information about when benefits will be issued and any important deadlines. Also, if you move during the school year, make sure to update your address with both your school district AND your CalFresh case - I've seen families miss out because their notification letters went to old addresses. The $120 per child really does help stretch the food budget during summer when kids are home all day!

does anyone know how much the sun bucks pays? is it the same amount as the p-ebt we got during covid?

I'm in a similar situation with my 4-year-old who isn't in any formal program yet. After reading through all these responses, it sounds like I need to look into Head Start or other state-funded preschool programs if I want my younger child to qualify for Sun Bucks. Does anyone know if there's a waiting list for Head Start programs, or how early I should apply for next year? It seems like getting into one of these programs would not only help with my child's education but also make them eligible for the summer food benefits.