This is exactly why I think it's so important for people to know their rights when applying for benefits! Your situation with $1762 in rent plus $180 in utilities definitely sounds like you should qualify once they properly calculate the shelter deduction. One thing I'd add - when you file your appeal, consider asking for an "aid pending" status. This means if you're found eligible during the appeal process, your benefits could be backdated to when you originally applied. Not everyone knows about this option but it can be really helpful. Also, since you mentioned feeling nervous about food banks - most are run by really kind volunteers who understand that anyone can need help with food. Many have become like little community hubs where you might even get information about other local resources. The ones I've been to have been nothing but welcoming and respectful. Good luck with your appeal! It sounds like you have a really strong case once they apply all the deductions correctly.

I work at a local community center and we see situations like yours all the time - you're definitely not alone in this! The good news is that with your rent being $1762 plus utilities, you should absolutely qualify for CalFresh once they properly calculate your shelter deduction. A few practical tips for your appeal: Make sure to bring a copy of your lease that clearly shows your portion of the rent (not just the total), recent utility bills in your name, and your pay stubs. Sometimes it helps to write out the math yourself showing how much you have left after housing costs - it can be really eye-opening for the caseworker. While you're waiting for the appeal, I'd also suggest calling 211 (just dial 2-1-1). They can connect you with local food resources, emergency assistance programs, and other support services in your area. Many of these programs can help bridge the gap while you're getting your CalFresh sorted out. You're doing the right thing by advocating for yourself - don't give up! The system can be confusing but you clearly have a strong case here.

So glad you got through to someone who could help! This is exactly why I always tell people to keep pushing when they get denied - there are so many mistakes made during the initial review process. The fact that you weren't asked about childcare expenses on your original application is a red flag that the caseworker didn't do their job properly. Those deductions can make or break eligibility for families like yours. Fingers crossed your appeal goes through quickly and you get approved with backpay!

This is such an important thread for anyone dealing with CalFresh denials! I'm a case manager at a local food assistance nonprofit and I see this exact situation ALL the time. The biggest issue is that many caseworkers don't ask the right questions during the initial application review. They're required to ask about dependent care expenses, medical costs, and shelter expenses that can be deducted, but it often gets missed in the rush to process applications. For anyone reading this - ALWAYS mention childcare costs, even if you think they won't count. Also, if you get denied, don't just reapply right away - appeal first because you keep your place in line and they have to do a more thorough review. And definitely keep all your documentation organized (pay stubs, childcare receipts, medical bills) because you'll need them for the appeal process.

I've been dealing with this exact same frustrating issue! My EBT Edge app has been stuck showing $17.85 for the past 10 days, but when I call the automated number I actually have $124 available. What's really stressing me out is that I've started rationing my grocery trips because I thought I was almost out of benefits. I actually skipped buying protein last week because the app made me think I couldn't afford it - then I found out I had plenty left! It's affecting how I'm feeding my family and that's just not okay. I've tried everything - uninstalling, reinstalling, clearing cache, using different phones - nothing works. The phone system is reliable but calling every single time I want to check my balance is exhausting, especially when I'm juggling work and kids. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and workarounds here. I'm definitely going to try that midnight checking trick and start writing down my real balance each morning. It's ridiculous that we all have to become detectives just to access our own benefits, but at least we're helping each other navigate this mess. Fingers crossed they actually fix this by June and don't push the timeline back like government systems usually do!

I'm so relieved to find this thread! I've been having the exact same problem with the EBT Edge app for about three weeks now. It keeps showing my balance as $31.67 no matter what I spend, but when I call the automated line I have $178 available. What's really been getting to me is the anxiety every time I go to the store - I never know if my card will actually work or if I'll get that embarrassing decline at checkout. Just this morning I was at Target and almost put back the milk and eggs because I thought I was running low, but then I called from the cereal aisle and found out I had plenty left. It's exhausting having to call every single time, especially with my two young kids asking "why are we waiting, mom?" while I'm on hold. I've tried all the usual fixes - deleting the app, restarting my phone, even got a new phone thinking it was a device issue. Nothing works! Thanks to everyone for sharing the midnight checking tip and the manual tracking idea - I'm definitely going to start writing down my balance each morning after calling. It's frustrating that we have to create these workarounds just to buy groceries, but at least now I know it's not just me going crazy. Really hoping they stick to that June timeline because this is affecting real families trying to put food on the table!

Hey Olivia! Welcome to CalFresh and this amazing community! 🎉 I just went through the same exact confusion when I got approved last month - that interview really is information overload! Yes, your benefits will definitely reload automatically every month on your assigned day (looks like the 7th for you based on your case number). I made the same mistake of using up most of my benefits right away too, so don't feel bad about that! One thing that's helped me is setting up a simple weekly meal plan so I know roughly how much to spend each week. Also, I highly recommend getting the EBT Edge app that others mentioned - it's been a lifesaver for checking my balance and seeing exactly when my benefits reload. The text alerts are great too! Don't stress about remembering all the paperwork deadlines right now - just focus on getting comfortable with using your benefits first. This community is incredible for answering questions, so never hesitate to ask anything else that comes up. You've got this! 😊

Hi Olivia! Welcome to CalFresh! 🎉 I totally understand the confusion - when I first got approved, I was convinced it was some kind of one-time emergency assistance and spent weeks worrying about when I'd have to reapply! Everyone here has given you excellent advice about the automatic monthly reloads. I just wanted to add that if you're like me and tend to be anxious about money, it really helps to take a screenshot of your EBT balance right after your benefits reload each month. That way you have a record of your starting amount and can track your spending throughout the month. Also, don't be afraid to ask store employees which aisles have the best deals on EBT-eligible items - most grocery stores are really helpful about this. One last tip: if you ever have issues with your card not working at a store, try it at a different register first before panicking - sometimes it's just a reader issue. You're asking all the right questions and this community will always have your back! 😊

I went through this exact transition about 6 months ago and wanted to share some practical tips that really helped me. First, create a dedicated folder (physical or digital) for ALL your SSI paperwork - application copies, medical records, correspondence, etc. The process generates SO much paperwork and you'll need to reference things constantly. Second, if you haven't already, request a copy of your complete medical file from every doctor you've seen for your condition. Social Security will request these anyway, but having them ready speeds things up. Third, keep a symptom diary! Write down daily how your condition affects you - can't stand for more than 10 minutes, need to rest after walking one block, etc. This detailed record can be incredibly valuable if you need to appeal or provide additional evidence. The waiting period is honestly the hardest part mentally, but stay organized and persistent. You've got this!

Another important thing to keep in mind - make sure you understand the difference between SSI and SSDI before your approval comes through! A lot of people get confused about this. SSI is needs-based and has strict asset limits ($2,000 for individuals), while SSDI is based on your work history. Since you're coming from GR, you'll likely be getting SSI, which means you need to be careful about any assets you might accumulate. For example, if you get a large backpay amount, you have 9 months to spend it down or it could affect your ongoing eligibility. Most people use backpay for things like paying off debt, medical expenses, or essential items like a reliable car or household necessities. Just something to plan for so you don't run into issues later!