Just following up - how did your appointment go? Were you able to get any assistance?

That's such great news that your worker was knowledgeable and helpful! It makes such a difference when they actually know the programs. Really hoping you get approved - sounds like you did everything right by going in prepared with all the documentation. Please keep us updated on what happens! Your experience will definitely help other people in similar situations who find this thread.

I'm so glad to see this got resolved! As someone who works in social services, I can confirm that the confusion between programs is unfortunately very common. The intake process can be overwhelming and caseworkers sometimes don't have time to fully explain how different programs work together. Just want to add a few more resources that might help you and others in similar situations: - Many counties also have Coordinated Entry Systems for housing - this is a centralized way to access multiple housing programs at once - If you're working, look into In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) housing programs if you qualify - Some utility companies offer low-income discounts that can free up money for rent (CARE/FERA programs) The key thing to remember is that while CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and housing assistance are separate programs, qualifying for one often means you'll qualify for others due to similar income guidelines. Don't give up if the first agency can't help - keep trying different resources! Wishing you the best with your appointments next week. The fact that you got referred to two agencies through 211 is a really good sign that help is available in your area.

I've been following this thread and wanted to add one more resource that helped me when I was in a similar situation last year. Many food banks also have emergency financial assistance programs for rent - not just food! Places like Second Harvest Food Bank sometimes have small emergency grants (usually $200-500) that can help bridge the gap while you're waiting for larger assistance programs to process your application. Also, if you're a student or have been recently, check if your local community college has emergency assistance funds. Even if you're not currently enrolled, some schools help community members who are alumni or considering enrollment. One tip for your appointments next week: ask each agency about OTHER programs they might know about, even if they can't help you directly. Sometimes smaller local churches or community organizations have emergency funds that aren't widely advertised. The people working in social services often know about these "hidden" resources. Really hoping one of those 211 referrals works out for you! The fact that you were able to get actual appointments so quickly is promising.

I'm dealing with something similar right now - been waiting since February for my recertification to go through. One thing that helped me was calling the CalFresh hotline at 1-877-847-3663 instead of my county office directly. They can sometimes see what's happening with your case and even contact the county on your behalf. Also, if you're really desperate for food assistance while waiting, check if your area has any emergency food programs through 211 (just dial 2-1-1). Some churches and community centers also have food pantries that don't require applications. Hang in there - the system is frustrating but you're not alone in this struggle!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the 3+ month wait is absolutely unacceptable when families are struggling to put food on the table. Based on all the helpful suggestions here, it sounds like you've identified some key issues to address. I went through a similar nightmare last year and what finally worked was a combination approach: I used that Claimyr service to actually get through to a real person, AND I filed a complaint with my county supervisor's office at the same time. The supervisor's office seemed to light a fire under someone because my case got resolved within a week after months of delays. Also, definitely check if your county has a "Client Advocate" or "Ombudsman" - some counties have these positions specifically to help with cases that are stuck in the system. You can usually find this info on your county's social services website. Don't give up! You deserve these benefits and the system failing you is not your fault. Keep us posted on your progress!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share what I learned recently - if your dad likes Chinese food, several local Chinese restaurants in Sacramento participate in RMP but aren't always on the official lists. Golden Dragon on Stockton Blvd and China Wall on Freeport both accept EBT for hot meals. I discovered this by accident when I saw someone else using their EBT card there! The staff knew exactly how to process it. Also, some gas stations with hot food counters (like certain Arco AM/PM locations) participate too, which can be convenient for quick hot meals. It's frustrating how scattered the information is, but word-of-mouth from other EBT users has been more helpful than any official source.

This thread has been so helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation with my elderly mother who has mobility issues. One thing I wanted to add is that some McDonald's locations in Sacramento do participate in RMP, but you have to specifically ask for a manager because regular employees often don't know about it. The one on Florin Road near 65th Street definitely accepts it - I used it there last week without any issues. Also, for anyone struggling with the phone system, I've found that calling right when they open (8 AM) gives you the best chance of getting through. The lines get jammed later in the day. And if you do get through, ask them to email you the vendor list instead of mailing it - it's faster and you can save it on your phone to reference when you're out. One last tip: some participating restaurants will have a small "EBT Accepted" sticker near their entrance or register, but it's not always obvious. Don't be afraid to ask before ordering - most places are understanding about it, especially if you explain it's for the Restaurant Meals Program.

As someone who just joined this community, I'm blown away by how supportive and knowledgeable everyone is here! This thread has been incredibly eye-opening - I had no idea that CalFresh benefits automatically drop when someone turns 18, even if they're still living at home and dependent on their parents. That seems like such a cruel policy that hits families right when college costs are starting to pile up. Reading through all the solutions and resources everyone shared (EOPS, work-study exemptions, Claimyr for getting through to caseworkers) has been invaluable. It's amazing how Lukas was able to get his benefits restored so quickly once he knew what to ask for! I'm definitely saving this entire thread to share with other parents - the step-by-step advice could prevent so many families from going through this same stressful situation. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your experiences and help solve this problem!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm incredibly grateful to have found this thread! I'm currently helping my sister navigate the transition as her daughter is about to turn 18 and start college in the fall. Reading through everyone's experiences has been both alarming and reassuring - alarming because I had no idea these automatic CalFresh reductions happened at 18, but reassuring because there are clearly solutions if you know where to look. The detailed information about EOPS, work-study exemptions, and the step-by-step advice from people who've actually been through this is invaluable. I'm particularly impressed by how quickly Lukas was able to resolve his situation once he had the right information! I'll definitely be sharing this thread with my sister so she can get her daughter enrolled in EOPS proactively before the 18th birthday hits. It's wonderful to see such a supportive community where people genuinely help each other navigate these complex systems. Thank you all for your generosity in sharing your knowledge and experiences!