Applied for CalFresh and Medi-Cal in June - no update after 6+ weeks! Is this delay normal?

this is definitely NOT normal, calfresh is supposed to process applications in 30 days max. did you submit all the verification documents they need? paystubs, ID, rent proof etc? sometimes they just let applications sit if something is missing but dont bother telling you

I uploaded pictures of my ID, two months of bank statements, and my last 3 paystubs when I applied. The system accepted everything and gave me a confirmation number. Should I have received some kind of verification checklist in the mail at least?

Unfortunately, there are significant backlogs at many county offices in 2025, but 6+ weeks is still excessive. By regulation, CalFresh applications must be processed within 30 days, and Medi-Cal within 45 days. You should have at least received an acknowledgment letter and a request for any missing verification documents by now.\n\nYou need to contact your county office immediately. Were you potentially eligible for expedited CalFresh? If your income is very low (less than $150/month) and resources are under $100, OR your rent/utilities exceed your monthly income, you should have received benefits within 3 working days.\n\nDon't reapply yet - that could actually complicate things and cause further delays. Document your attempts to contact them.

I tried calling the county office last week but was on hold for 2 hours before I had to hang up for work. I definitely should qualify for regular CalFresh based on my income (I make about $1,750/month and my rent is $1,200), but probably not expedited. I'll try calling again tomorrow morning.

I had a similar situation happen to me 2 months ago, called the county multiple times but could never get through. Try calling right when they open, thats what ended up working for me

You should've definitely heard something by now! After I applied last year they sent me a letter within a week asking for more documents, even though I thought I submitted everything. Check your spam folder? Sometimes they email instead of mail stuff too. But yeah 6 weeks is wayyyy too long.

I've checked my spam folders and everything. Nothing there. I'm starting to think my application got lost in their system somehow.

Honestly, this is pretty typical nowadays. The system is completely overwhelmed and understaffed. When I applied in January, it took them 8 weeks to process my CalFresh! I had to go to a food bank twice while waiting. What worked for me was going IN PERSON to the county office. I know it's a hassle and you probably have to work, but that's the only way I finally got mine unstuck. Bring your confirmation number and all your original documents with you.

I was hoping to avoid that since the closest office is about 45 minutes away and I'd have to take time off work... but at this point it might be worth it. Did they process your application right away when you went in person?

Not immediately, but they were able to look it up and see it was just sitting there waiting for a worker to be assigned! The lady I talked to expedited it and I got approved 3 days later. Definitely worth the trip.

Try using Claimyr to get through to an actual person at the county office. It's a service that holds your place in line and calls you back when a representative is available. I was in the same situation last month - applied for CalFresh, heard nothing for weeks, couldn't get through on the phone. Found Claimyr and had my application status in 20 minutes. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 and the website is claimyr.com. Seriously saved me so much frustration.

I've never heard of this service before. Has anyone else used it? I'm getting desperate enough to try anything at this point since I keep getting stuck on hold.

I used it for my recertification issue and it actually worked. They got me through to a real person after I'd been trying for days on my own. Worth a try if you're stuck!

The EXACT same thing is happening to me right now!!! Applied June 2nd and complete radio silence. I called last week and the automated system said my application was still pending. Like what??? It's so frustrating because my kids and I really need the help NOW not whenever they decide to get around to it. Did you check your application status on the BenefitsCal website? Sometimes there's more info there than what they tell you on the phone.

Yes, I check BenefitsCal almost daily. It just says

Quick update on regulations: If you're still without an answer, you should request a State Fair Hearing. You have the right to request this hearing if your application has not been processed within the required timeframe (30 days for CalFresh, 45 days for Medi-Cal).\n\nCall the State Fair Hearing division at 1-800-952-5253 or submit the request form online. Often, just requesting the hearing will prompt the county to take immediate action on your case. You're not doing anything confrontational - you're simply exercising your legal right to timely processing of benefits.\n\nAlso, document all your attempts to contact the county. Note dates, times, hold duration, and any reference numbers. This creates a paper trail showing you've been diligently trying to resolve the issue.

This is really helpful, thank you! I didn't know I could request a hearing just for them taking too long. I'll definitely do this if I still don't hear back after trying to call them this week.

have u tried logging into the benefitscal mobile app instead of the website? sometimes they show different info for some weird reason. my phone app showed me that they needed additional verification but the website didnt show anything

I actually didn't know there was a separate app! I've only been using the website. I'll download it right now and check, thanks for the tip!

did the app show anything different??

you shoild of gotten at least an EBT card in the mail even if it dosent have benefits on it yet. did u get any mail at all? check if ur address was entered correctly on the application

I double-checked my address on BenefitsCal and it's correct. Haven't received anything in the mail at all, not even an EBT card. That's a good point though - maybe I should call and verify my mailing address is correct in their system.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - I had a very similar experience last year where my application seemed to just disappear into the void. What finally helped me was filing a complaint with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) online at cdss.ca.gov. They have a complaint form specifically for delayed applications and they actually follow up with the county on your behalf. It took about a week after I filed the complaint for someone from my county office to call me directly. Turns out my application had been sitting unassigned for over 6 weeks due to staffing issues. The complaint process really lights a fire under them to get moving. You can also contact your local legal aid organization - many have advocates who specialize in benefits issues and can help push your case forward. Don't give up, you deserve to have your application processed in a timely manner!