CalFresh benefits still not restored 3 weeks after work sanction removed - will I get back payments?

This happens often because Cash Aid and CalFresh are actually separate programs even though they're administered together. When a sanction is lifted, sometimes the systems don't communicate properly. You should definitely follow up instead of waiting. Call your eligibility worker directly and specifically mention that your work sanction was removed for Cash Aid but not CalFresh. Request that they process this change immediately and ask about retroactive benefits for the 3 weeks you've been shorted.

the same thing happened 2 me last yr!!! took them almost 2 months 2 fix my calfresh after they fixed my cashaid. I DID get backpay for the missed months but only after i kept calling and calling. dont wait for them 2 figure it out cause they wont.

You need to act on this right away. In my experience, when they say "they will notify a worker," nothing actually happens unless you follow up multiple times. CalFresh and CalWORKs (Cash Aid) have separate sanction processes, and the removal doesn't automatically transfer between programs. Call your county office and specifically ask for an "expedited resolution of sanction removal" for your CalFresh case. Mention it's causing food insecurity for your family. They SHOULD issue retroactive benefits for the reduced amount during this period, but you need to specifically request this.

For anyone struggling to reach the CalFresh county office, I recently used a service called Claimyr that helped me get through after weeks of trying. You enter your number on their website (claimyr.com), and they call the county for you, wait on hold, then call you when a real person answers. Saved me hours of holding and getting disconnected. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Totally worth checking out if you're dealing with sanction issues that need immediate attention.

THE COUNTY ALWAYS DOES THIS!!! They are DELIBERATELY slow with fixing CalFresh sanctions even after they fix Cash Aid because they KNOW most people won't follow up. I had to FILE A FORMAL COMPLAINT when this happened to me last year because they kept saying "it's being processed" for 2 months!!! Don't let them get away with this - ask for a supervisor immediately and tell them you want to file a formal complaint due to failure to process your sanction removal in a timely manner. DEMAND retroactive benefits!!!!!

im confused arent calfresh and foodstamps the same thing? my husband had a similar issue with his work requirements and we just went to the office in person and they fixed it that day. sometimes its easier than calling

Just to clarify about the retroactive benefits since many people are asking: Yes, you ARE entitled to back benefits for the period after your sanction was removed from Cash Aid. This is because the removal should have been applied to both programs simultaneously. When you call, specifically request "restoration of benefits due to administrative error" for the 3-week period. Document everything - who you speak with, dates of calls, and what was promised. If they try to tell you the system doesn't allow retroactive benefits, that's incorrect for sanction removal situations.

This is unfortunately a common issue with sanction removals not being processed correctly across both programs. I went through something similar last year where my CalFresh stayed sanctioned for 6 weeks after my Cash Aid was restored. What finally worked for me was calling first thing in the morning (around 8 AM) and asking to speak with a CalFresh eligibility supervisor specifically about "coordinating sanction removal between programs." I also mentioned that I had children and this was causing food insecurity. They expedited my case and I received retroactive benefits for the entire period I was shorted. Don't give up - you're entitled to those back benefits and they know it. Keep detailed records of every call and push for a timeline on when this will be resolved.

I'm dealing with something very similar right now! My work sanction was removed from Cash Aid about 2 weeks ago, but my CalFresh is still showing the reduced amount. Reading through all these responses is really eye-opening - I had no idea this was such a common problem or that the systems don't communicate with each other properly. I'm definitely going to try calling early tomorrow morning and use some of the specific phrases people mentioned here like "expedited resolution of sanction removal" and asking for the CalFresh unit specifically. It's really reassuring to know that others have gotten their retroactive benefits eventually, even if it took some persistence. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this thread is incredibly helpful for those of us navigating this frustrating process!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My Cash Aid sanction was removed about 10 days ago but my CalFresh is still showing the reduced amount. This thread has been so helpful - I had no idea this was such a widespread issue or that the two programs don't automatically sync up. I'm definitely going to try calling first thing Monday morning and use the specific language everyone mentioned here about "expedited resolution of sanction removal" and asking for the CalFresh unit directly. It's really encouraging to see that people have gotten their retroactive benefits, even if it took some persistence. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - it's given me a much clearer action plan than just waiting around hoping it gets fixed automatically!

As someone who just started navigating the CalFresh system a few months ago, I'm shocked to learn from this thread that sanctions can be removed from Cash Aid but not CalFresh automatically! This seems like such a basic system flaw - why wouldn't they be connected? Reading everyone's advice here has been incredibly helpful though. It sounds like the key is being very persistent and using specific language when you call. I'm taking notes on phrases like "expedited resolution of sanction removal" and "restoration of benefits due to administrative error" in case I ever need them. Mei, I really hope you get this resolved soon - it's awful that you and your kids are going without full food benefits when the sanction has already been lifted. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and specific advice. This community is so valuable for helping people understand these confusing systems!