California CalFresh

Update: I called this morning after gathering all our expense info. Turns out there were TWO issues: 1) They had my husband's income entered incorrectly - they had him earning $600 more per month than he actually does! 2) They didn't have our updated rent amount. After fixing both issues, our benefits are going up to $380 per month plus the COLA adjustment which will make it about $425! That's a HUGE difference from $150. The worker said the changes should show up in the next issuance. Thank you all for encouraging me to call and for explaining what to ask about!

This is such great news! I'm so glad you called and got everything straightened out. Going from $150 to $425 is life-changing for a family of 4. Your story is a perfect example of why it's so important to advocate for yourself and not just accept what you're given. Income reporting errors happen way too often in the system, and many people probably don't even realize their benefits are calculated wrong. Thanks for sharing the update - it will definitely help other families who might be in similar situations know that it's worth making that call even when it seems overwhelming!

lol welcome to government websites, where nothing works and everything is a headache 🤡

I actually work for a county eligibility office and see this issue pretty frequently. The phone number conflict usually happens because: 1) Someone in your household previously used that number for their CalFresh account, 2) You had an old account that wasn't properly closed, or 3) There's a data entry error in the system. The fastest solution is usually to visit your local county office in person with ID - they can update it on the spot without the phone runaround. You can also try emailing your county's CalFresh coordinator directly (each county has one) - they're usually more responsive than the general helpline.

Thank you so much for the detailed breakdown! This makes so much more sense now. I didn't realize there were so many deductions. We have childcare expenses too for my cousin's kids, so sounds like that would help as well. I'll go ahead with the application now that I understand how it works.

Just wanted to add that when you apply, make sure to bring documentation for everyone in the household - pay stubs, bank statements, rent receipts, utility bills, etc. The more organized you are with your paperwork, the smoother the process goes. Also, if you apply online through BenefitsCal, you can upload documents directly which is super convenient. Good luck with your application! It sounds like you'll definitely qualify and the benefits will really help with groceries for 5 people.

Update us when u find out! I'm curious if the Claimyr thing works cuz I might need it for my recertification next month.

Hey @Savanna Franklin, I went through something similar last year and it was so stressful! A few things that helped me: 1) Go to your county office in person if possible - sometimes that gets faster results than calling. 2) Bring a copy of your application confirmation and any documentation you submitted. 3) Ask specifically about your interview date and mention you haven't received any notices. They can usually look up your case right there and tell you what's happening. Some counties are way behind on mailing notices but they can schedule your interview on the spot. Also definitely turn off that spam call blocking like Amy suggested - that was probably the issue! Good luck and don't give up!

One more thing - make sure you keep the P-EBT card even after you use up the benefits. If they issue additional pandemic-related food benefits in the future (which seems likely given the new assistance programs being discussed), they'll reload the same card rather than sending a new one.

Anyone know if the P-EBT 4.0 benefits expire? The P-EBT 3.0 benefits had some kind of expiration date and I lost like $200 because I didn't know about it until too late 😡