Can CalFresh help with rent payments when I'm 2 months behind?

CalFresh specifically doesn't cover rent - it's nutrition assistance only. But you should contact your county's Housing Support Program (HSP). Most counties have emergency rental assistance for families with children who receive CalFresh. Call the same office where you applied for CalFresh and ask specifically about 'Housing Support Program' or 'Homeless Assistance'. They might be able to help with those back payments, especially if you can document your reduced income. Bring your rental agreement, eviction notice if you have one, and proof of income reduction when you go in.

omg Im in almost the exact situation right now except im 3 months behind!!! did u try 211? thats what my neigbor told me to call. i think theres rental help but its not thru calfresh its different program

The county won't help with rent through CalFresh, but they DO have separate emergency programs. When my sister was facing eviction last year, she got help through the Housing Support Program that the first commenter mentioned. In some counties it's called something else though. The PROBLEM is getting through to an actual person at the county office!!! I spent DAYS trying to reach someone when I needed to update my address on my EBT account. The phone system is TERRIBLE.

Just to provide some correct information here - CalFresh benefits don't cover rent, but California counties do have homeless prevention programs. In addition to the Housing Support Program mentioned above, look into: 1. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program 2. Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP) 3. County General Assistance/Relief You typically need to show that you have income to sustain rent payments going forward but had a temporary setback. Since you're already getting CalFresh, you might qualify for expedited assistance. Visit your county's Human Services or Social Services department in person if possible - phone systems are overwhelmed right now with the benefit reevaluations happening in 2025.

Have you checked with local non-profits? When I fell behind, Catholic Charities helped with a month's rent. Also, if you're in subsidized housing or Section 8, contact your housing authority ASAP to report income change - they might be able to adjust your portion retroactively.

Did you report your income decrease on your SAR7? If not, you might want to file an updated report. Won't help with rent directly, but could increase your CalFresh benefits which frees up money for rent. Also, make SURE you talk to someone in person at the county. Online applications for emergency assistance often get stuck in processing limbo. When my cousin applied for housing help last year, her application sat for weeks until she went in person!

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get any assistance? One thing I forgot to mention is that if you have children, you might also qualify for CalWORKs which does provide cash aid that can be used for housing. The income limits are different from CalFresh but if you're struggling with work hours, it might be worth applying. The application can be submitted through BenefitsCal.com or at your county office.

That's great news that you went in person and got the application expedited! The Housing Support Program has really helped a lot of families in similar situations. While you're waiting for that decision, you might also want to reach out to your local Salvation Army or United Way - they sometimes have emergency funds that can help bridge the gap if the county assistance takes longer than expected. Also, document everything with your landlord (keep texts, emails, etc.) in case you need to show you're actively working to resolve the situation. Hope it all works out for you!