CalFresh disaster replacement benefits after power outage from wildfire - anyone successful?

Yes, you can absolutely get replacement benefits! After a disaster that causes food loss, CalFresh allows for replacement up to the amount of your monthly benefit. You need to submit form CF 303 "Request for Replacement of Food Purchased with CalFresh Benefits" within 10 days of the disaster event. If it's been more than 10 days already, you might still qualify for an extension since the Hills Canyon Fire was declared a disaster. Make sure to explain that the power outage was due to the wildfire specifically. They'll likely ask for some verification of the outage - utility notification, news report, or even a statement from neighbors can work.

we got replacment benefits after the lakeview fires in 2023 but it was SUCH a headache. filed the paperwork and they denied us first time saying we didnt prove the power outage was related to the fire. had to call like 50 times before i finally got someone who actually helped. got about $280 back which was WAY less than what we lost but better than nothing i guess

I work with CalFresh recipients and can clarify a few things that might help you: 1. The CF 303 form should be submitted within 10 days of food loss, but counties can extend this to 30 days for good cause, especially with declared disasters. 2. You can get the form online through the BenefitsCal portal, at your county office, or sometimes they'll email it if you request it. 3. For verification, you'll need to prove both the disaster (easy since Hills Canyon was declared) and your specific food loss. The text from your utility company is perfect documentation. 4. The replacement amount can be up to the full monthly benefit you received, but you need to estimate the actual food loss value. If you're having trouble reaching someone, I'd recommend filing the form asap through BenefitsCal and also trying to reach your specific caseworker rather than the general line.

I had a similar situation after the Baker County floods in January. Couldn't reach anyone at my county office for WEEKS!!! Finally discovered a service called Claimyr that connected me to a live CalFresh worker within 10 minutes after I'd been trying for days on my own. They help you skip the phone queue. Saved my application from being denied due to the deadline approaching. You can see how it works at claimyr.com or check their demo video: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 After finally talking to someone, I learned they DONT automatically offer disaster replacement - you HAVE to specifically request it and complete the paperwork. Good luck with your claim!

The whole disaster replacement thing is SUCH A SCAM!!!!!! I lost $600+ in food after the Ridgecrest power outages and they only gave me $200 back because that's all I had left on my EBT for the month. How does that make ANY sense???? The food I lost was bought with PREVIOUS months' benefits that I had been saving up. The system is RIGGED against people who are careful with their money!!

my cousin got replacment after her fridge went out but it wasnt from a fire just old fridge broke down and they still gave her new benefits

Update: I finally got through to the county office today! For anyone else dealing with this issue, here's what I learned: 1. They ARE extending the deadline to 30 days for Hills Canyon Fire victims 2. I need to submit the CF 303 form WITH some proof of the power outage 3. I'm eligible for replacement up to my full June benefit amount ($425) 4. They recommended I submit everything through BenefitsCal for faster processing Thank you all for your help! I'll post again when I find out if my request is approved.

ANOTHER UPDATE: I got approved!! They replaced the full amount I requested ($350). The benefits were added to my EBT card today, just 5 days after I submitted everything. The worker I spoke with said they're processing Hills Canyon claims quickly because so many people were affected. Don't give up if you're in the same situation!