CalFresh application for elderly uncle stuck in limbo since October - how long until approval?

That's WAY too long! When I applied for my mom last summer, we heard back within 2 weeks for the interview. Once we did the interview, she was approved in another week. Something's definitely wrong with his application. Has he checked his mail carefully? Sometimes the notices look like junk mail and elderly folks miss them. Also check your BenefitsCal online account - that's where all notices should appear too.

CalFresh applications for elderly applicants should be processed within 30 days, and sometimes they can qualify for expedited service (3 days) if their income and resources are very low. After 3+ months, something is definitely wrong. Here's what you should do: 1. Call your county CalFresh office and specifically ask to speak with a supervisor about an application that's been pending since October 2. Check if your uncle qualifies for the "Elderly Simplified Application Project" (ESAP) which streamlines the process for seniors 3. Make sure the county has the correct contact information (phone/address) 4. Ask if they can look up if an interview was scheduled that was missed The system sometimes drops applications, especially if an interview was missed, but they should have sent notification. Don't reapply yet - that can actually complicate things.

Dude my grandmother had the EXACT same issue!!! Applied in September, heard NOTHING til December! Turns out they had scheduled an interview but sent the notice to her old address even though we put the new one on the application. When we finally got through to someone, they just did the interview on the spot and she got approved within 48 hours with benefits backdated to her application date. But we wasted months because of their mistake!!

I had a similar issue and found out that Claimyr.com helped me bypass the endless phone wait. They basically hold your place in line and call you when they get a human on the line. Saved me literally hours of frustration. Check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 - it's what convinced me to try it. Got connected to a real person who found my application was stuck in their system because they had tried to call for an interview but had transposed two digits in my phone number.

CalFresh applications for elderly applicants should indeed be processed within 30 days. Here's what's likely happening based on my experience working with similar cases: 1. His application might be "pended" waiting for verification documents they requested but he never received the notice 2. There could have been an interview scheduled that was missed because the notification went to spam or was lost in mail 3. It's possible his case was assigned to a worker who left the department and his file hasn't been reassigned (happens more than you'd think) Don't submit a new application yet. Instead, go in person to the county office if possible. Bring your uncle's ID, the confirmation number, and any other documents you have. In-person visits often resolve these issues faster than phone calls. If he's approved, benefits should be retroactive to the application date. And since he's elderly with fixed income, his certification period will likely be 36 months with simplified reporting requirements.

Yes, definitely bring those documents! At minimum, bring: - His ID - Social Security award letter - Proof of address (utility bill) - Rent/mortgage information - Any medical expenses (these can be deducted for seniors) Medical expense deductions are especially important for seniors on CalFresh - make sure to bring receipts for prescriptions, doctor visits, health insurance premiums, and medical transportation. For someone on his income level, documenting medical expenses could significantly increase his benefit amount.

This is exactly y the system fails our elderly!!! My mom waited 2.5 months and it was bcuz they "lost" her application TWICE!!! when we finally got through they acted like it was no big deal. meanwhile she was eating cat food to make end meet!!! THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN

UPDATE: I took everyone's advice and went to the county office in person today with my uncle. Turns out they HAD scheduled an interview back in November, but they called a wrong number (somehow they had transposed digits). Then they marked his application as "abandoned" when he didn't answer for the interview! The worker we spoke with was very helpful and did the interview on the spot. She said his benefits should be approved within 48 hours AND they'll be backdated to his original October application date. They're also putting him on the Elderly Simplified Application Project so his recertification will be easier. Thanks so much everyone for your help - especially the suggestion to go in person. That made all the difference!

So glad u got it fixed!! The same transposed phone number thing happened to my grandma!!! I wonder if it's a glitch in their system? Anyway congrats - the backdated benefits will be a big help I bet!!

Good for you for not giving up! Too many people would have just reapplied and lost those months of benefits. Did they mention anything about expedited service? Since he's elderly with low income he might qualify to get the benefits within 3 days instead of waiting.

This is a great outcome! Just a tip for the future - make sure your uncle keeps all his medical receipts throughout the year. When it's time for recertification (which will be in 36 months since he's on ESAP), having those medical expenses documented can significantly increase his benefit amount. The deduction threshold changes, but generally if he spends more than $35/month on medical costs, he can get a higher deduction which leads to more CalFresh benefits. Also, he'll only need to complete a simplified SAR7 form once a year instead of the full recertification. The ESAP program really does make things easier for seniors.