Can I use CalFresh benefits to help pay my rent? Housing assistance options?
I'm at my wit's end with these rent increases in Sacramento. Just got notice that my rent's going up another $275 next month, and I already struggle to afford groceries even WITH my CalFresh benefits. I'm a single mom with two kids (8 and 11) and work full-time at a daycare center, but only bring home about $2,800/month after taxes. My rent will be $1,950 starting April and I'm panicking. Can CalFresh benefits somehow help with rent costs? Or is there a way to get more CalFresh to offset my housing costs so I can use more of my paycheck for rent? Are there other programs I should look into? Already applied for Section 8 two years ago but still waiting. Any advice would help - we can't become homeless.
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Brian Downey
CalFresh only covers food, not rent unfortunately. But you might qualify for CalWORKs since you have kids. They give cash aid that CAN go toward rent. Also check out Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) - they helped my cousin with 3 months rent last year when she almost got evicted.
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Myles Regis
•Thank you! I didn't know about CalWORKs being an option since I work full-time. Will look into it. How long did ERAP take for your cousin? I only have about 3 weeks before the new rent amount kicks in.
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Jacinda Yu
CalFresh is specifically for food assistance and cannot be used for rent. However, there are several housing programs you might qualify for based on your income: 1. Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) - provides temporary help with rent and utilities 2. CalWORKs - provides cash aid to families with children (even some working families qualify) 3. Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) - which you're already on the waitlist for 4. Housing Support Program (HSP) - for families at risk of homelessness 5. Local non-profit rental assistance programs I'd recommend contacting your county social services office to see what's available. Your income of $2,800/month with two children might qualify you for additional assistance.
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Myles Regis
•Thank you for such a detailed response! I didn't know about HSP - is that through the county too? And should I apply for CalWORKs at the same office where I got CalFresh or is it different?
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Landon Flounder
I was in similar situation last yr. CalFresh only covers food but your income sounds low enough to qualify for several housing programs. What helped me was calling my county worker directly and asking about ALL available resources. I kept getting disconnected until I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that holds your place in line and calls you back when a worker is available. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 After 20 mins on hold, I finally got through & found out I qualified for emergency housing assistance AND CalWORKs even though I work. The worker helped me apply for everything at once. Saved us from eviction.
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Myles Regis
•That's exactly my problem - I can never get through on the phone! I'll check out that service, thanks. Did you have to provide the same verification documents for CalWORKs that you did for CalFresh? I'm trying to prepare everything ahead of time.
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Landon Flounder
•Yes, similar documents but they needed more proof of my housing situation - copy of lease, rent increase notice, and utility bills. Also needed birth certificates for my kids which I didn't need for CalFresh renewal. Having everything ready definitely sped things up. Good luck!
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Callum Savage
calfresh is just food stamps it DOESNT pay rent AT ALL!!!
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Ally Tailer
•Right but she was asking if there's a way to use the CalFresh for food so more of her money can go to rent...
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Aliyah Debovski
Have you tried applying for low-income housing apartments? They calculate rent based on income, usually around 30% of what you make. The waitlists are shorter than Section 8 sometimes. My sister got into one within 6 months in Elk Grove. With your income and kids, you'd probably qualify. Just Google "income-based apartments Sacramento" and start calling them all to get on waitlists.
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Myles Regis
•That's a good idea, I didn't think about actual income-based apartments. 30% of my income would be SO much better than what I'm paying now. I'll start making those calls tomorrow. Thank you!
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Miranda Singer
Everyone keeps mentioning CalWORKs but no ones telling you the FULL truth - if you apply for CalWORKs you have to participate in their Welfare-to-Work program which means meetings and paperwork and job search requirements EVEN IF you already work full-time!!! They'll hassle you about child support from the fathers too and make you cooperate with child support services. The cash aid might not be worth all the extra requirements and appointments, especially if you're already working full time. Just so you know what you're getting into.
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Myles Regis
•Oh wow, I had no idea about all those requirements. With my work schedule, I don't know if I could manage all those extra appointments. That's definitely something to consider before I apply.
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Jacinda Yu
•This isn't entirely accurate. If you're already working 32+ hours per week at minimum wage or higher, you can typically be exempt from many Welfare-to-Work requirements. You would just need to provide proof of your employment. The child support cooperation requirement is true, but there are also good cause exemptions available if there are safety concerns or other valid reasons not to pursue child support. I'd recommend speaking directly with a CalWORKs eligibility worker about your specific situation before deciding.
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Ally Tailer
have u tried churches? my family got help from catholic charities when we almost got evicted last year. they paid one month rent for us which gave us time to figure things out. salvation army sometimes helps too. worth a shot!
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Myles Regis
•I hadn't thought about churches, that's a great idea for some immediate help while I wait for the government programs to process. Thank you!
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Landon Flounder
I just remembered! There's also something called Family Stabilization funds through CalWORKs that can help with move-in costs if you need to find a cheaper place. They helped my cousin with security deposit and first month's rent when she had to move due to rent increase. Might be worth asking about if you decide to move rather than try to stay in your current place.
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Myles Regis
•That's really helpful information! My lease is actually up in 2 months, so maybe instead of renewing with this crazy increase, I could look for a more affordable place and get help with the moving costs. I'll definitely ask about this.
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Callum Savage
Your rent is WAYYY too high for your income! Financial advisors say housing should be MAX 30% of income which means you should pay like $840/month not almost $2000!!! The whole system is broken!!
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Miranda Singer
•Yeah that 30% rule is from like 50 years ago and completely impossible in California now. No one pays only 30% anymore unless they've had their apartment for decades with rent control. The whole housing market is insane.
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Myles Regis
•Trust me, I KNOW it's too high. But there's literally nothing available cheaper in my area that's safe and has 2 bedrooms. I've been looking for months. The cheapest 2br I could find was still $1700 and in a really dangerous neighborhood. It's either pay too much or move 2 hours away from my job.
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Reina Salazar
I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - housing costs are absolutely crushing families right now. While CalFresh can't directly pay rent, maximizing your food benefits does free up more of your paycheck for housing costs, which is smart thinking. A few things that might help immediately: Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they have a database of local emergency rental assistance programs beyond just ERAP. Also, check if Sacramento has any tenant protection ordinances that might limit how much your landlord can raise rent at once. For your CalFresh, make sure you're getting the maximum amount by reporting any changes in your situation. Sometimes people don't realize they can get more benefits when their housing costs go up significantly. And definitely apply for CalWORKs - even with the requirements others mentioned, the cash assistance could be a lifeline right now. You're doing everything right by reaching out and exploring all options. Don't give up - there are people and programs designed to help prevent exactly this situation.
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