Confused about CalFresh household reporting on Public Housing application - need help ASAP!

You're right to be careful with this! CalFresh benefits are NOT counted as income for housing programs. Section 8 and public housing applications shouldn't include your food stamp benefits in the income calculations. However, you should still disclose that you receive CalFresh on the application where it asks about other benefits your household receives. This won't negatively affect your eligibility. For verification documents, you'll need proof of your actual income (paystubs, award letters for SSI/disability if applicable), but you don't typically need to provide verification of your CalFresh amount. If you want to be thorough, you can print your benefit verification letter from your BenefitsCal account or request one from your county office.

went thru this last yr. definitely DONT put calfresh as income!! they dont count it but might get confused if u put it there. my housing caseworker told me food stamps arent income 4 housing calcs. but yes u should list it somewhere on form where it asks about benefits. good luck!!

Congratulations on getting selected! That's a long wait. I remember when I got my Section 8 voucher I was so nervous about the paperwork too.

One thing to be aware of - when you get approved for Section 8, you'll need to report this change in housing costs to your CalFresh worker. Your CalFresh benefits will likely change once your rent portion changes. Many people forget this step and end up with CalFresh overpayments later that they have to pay back. Make sure you submit a SAR7 or call to report the change within 10 days of moving into your subsidized unit.

I went through this exact process last year and let me tell you, the whole system is designed to CONFUSE people so they can deny you benefits! They made me submit my documents THREE TIMES claiming they never received them even though I had delivery confirmation. Then they tried to count my teenager's part-time job income even though he's a student!!! I had to fight them on EVERYTHING. But yes, CalFresh doesn't count as income for Section 8. Just be prepared for a NIGHTMARE of paperwork and follow up, follow up, FOLLOW UP!!!

To clarify a few important points: 1. CalFresh is not counted as income for housing programs because it's considered a food assistance benefit, not income. 2. On the application, there should be separate sections for "income" and "benefits/assistance programs." List CalFresh under the benefits section only. 3. For verification documents, you'll need: - Proof of all income (paystubs, award letters, child support) - ID for all household members - Social Security cards - Birth certificates for children - Current utility bills (if applicable) 4. Once approved for Section 8, you will need to report this change to CalFresh within 10 days if your rent amount changes significantly. This is because housing costs are a deduction that affects your CalFresh benefit calculation. 5. Remember that your reporting requirements for CalFresh (SAR7 every 6 months, recertification yearly) are separate from your Section 8 reporting requirements, so you'll need to keep track of both.

i think u have to tell section 8 about all ur other benefits but they dont count calfresh as money. my cousin got section 8 last year n she still gets her full calfresh

My daughter just went through this last month. Section 8 and CalFresh are completely separate programs. Just be honest about everything on your application, because they will verify your information. What's most important is accurately reporting your income from work, child support, disability, etc. CalFresh doesn't count toward the income limits for housing.

Hey Connor! Just wanted to add some reassurance - I went through this exact same process about 6 months ago and it's totally normal to feel overwhelmed. The key thing everyone here is saying is correct: CalFresh is NOT income for Section 8 purposes. One tip that really helped me: when you fill out the application, read each section heading carefully. There's usually an "Income" section (wages, SSI, child support, etc.) and a separate "Benefits/Assistance" section (CalFresh, Medicaid, etc.). Keep them separate and you'll be fine. Also, don't stress too much about the 10-day deadline - most housing authorities are understanding if you need a few extra days, especially if you call them and explain you're gathering documents. The important thing is they know you're working on it. You've waited 4 years for this opportunity, they're not going to snatch it away over a minor paperwork delay. You've got this! The hardest part (the waiting) is over.