CalFresh benefits amount much higher than caseworker estimated - should I be worried?

This could be a few different things. First, they might have given you retroactive benefits if your application took a while to process - they backdate to when you first applied. Second, they sometimes give the maximum benefit amount for the first month and then adjust to the regular amount for future months. Check your approval letter carefully - it should show the calculated monthly benefit amount. If that doesn't match what you received, definitely call your county office to clarify before spending it.

wait did u get a big lump sum payment or did they tell u ur monthly benefit is $65 but ur gettin $680 every month?? cuz if its the second one u hit the jackpot lol keep it quiet

What you're describing is almost certainly retroactive benefits. CalFresh rules require the county to provide benefits from your application date once you're approved, even if the approval process took several months. Here's how to check: 1. Look at your EBT transaction history in the app or website 2. Check your approval letter's "benefit calculation" section 3. Call the EBT customer service line and ask for an explanation of your balance The $680 is likely your regular monthly amount (around $60-70 based on your income/rent) multiplied by the number of months since you applied. Each month going forward should deposit the lower amount.

I had the EXACT OPPOSITE happen!!! Was told I'd get $350 but only $38 showed up on my card!!! Called for THREE DAYS straight and couldn't get through to anyone! The EBT customer service people can't explain benefit amounts, only the county workers can. County phone system is broken and just disconnects me after 45 minutes on hold EVERY TIME! SO FRUSTRATING!!!

If you've been getting a lot of retroactive benefits, make sure you keep track of when they expire! EBT benefits expire after 9 months of non-use, and benefits are used oldest-first. So if you're only spending your normal $65/month but got $680 in retroactive benefits, you might not be using them fast enough before they expire. It's a use-it-or-lose-it situation, so plan your grocery shopping accordingly.

Im reading your numbers again and something seems off. You said $2400 income with $1550 rent/utilities? That's a pretty high shelter deduction so your benefits should probably be more than $65/month. Did they count all your utility costs in the calculation? Sometimes they forget to add the standard utility allowance which can make a big difference.

Based on your follow-up comments, it sounds like you might not be getting the correct ongoing benefit amount. Here's what I recommend: 1. Call your county office and specifically ask if they applied the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) to your case 2. If they didn't, request a recalculation of your benefits with the SUA included 3. Ask them to explain your benefit calculation in detail With your income and housing costs, you likely qualify for more than $65/month. The SUA alone could nearly double your monthly benefit amount.

dont forget that income limits went up too!!! my benefits went up by like $30/month in January when they did that new calculation thing they do every year. maybe thats part of why u got more?

Just wanted to add another tip for anyone in a similar situation - if you're getting a large lump sum of retroactive benefits like this, consider using some of it to stock up on non-perishable items that you use regularly. Things like rice, beans, pasta, canned goods, frozen vegetables, etc. This way you can stretch those back benefits over time even after you're down to your regular monthly amount. I did this when I got 6 months of back benefits and it really helped my grocery budget for the rest of the year. Just make sure to check expiration dates and rotate your stock!