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.

Hey Connor! First off, congratulations on getting selected - that's huge after 4 years of waiting! I totally understand the panic, but you're asking the right questions. Everyone here has given you solid advice about CalFresh not counting as income. I just wanted to add a practical tip: when you're filling out the application, take it section by section and don't rush. I found it helpful to make copies of everything before I started writing, just in case I made mistakes. Also, if you're worried about the 10-day deadline, call the housing authority tomorrow morning and let them know you're working on it. Most of them are pretty reasonable about giving a few extra days if needed, especially when you're being proactive about communicating. One more thing - make sure you have a reliable way to submit everything (certified mail, hand delivery with receipt, etc.). You don't want your documents getting lost after all this waiting! You've made it this far, you can definitely handle the paperwork. Good luck!

Hey Connor! I just went through this exact situation about 8 months ago and wanted to share what worked for me. Everyone here is absolutely right - CalFresh is NOT income for Section 8, but you do need to list it under benefits received. Here's what I learned: bring MORE documentation than you think you need. I brought my last 3 paystubs instead of just the most recent one, and it saved me a second trip when they wanted to see my income pattern. Also, if you have any irregular income (like occasional gig work), be prepared to explain that. One thing that really helped me stay organized was making a checklist of every document they requested and checking them off as I gathered them. The housing authority workers see people mess up these applications all the time, so they're usually pretty patient if you're clearly trying to do everything right. You're so close to the finish line after 4 years - don't let the paperwork stress derail you now! Take it one section at a time and you'll get through it. Rooting for you!

Connor, I can really feel your stress through your post! I went through something similar about two years ago and that panic is so real - especially after waiting so long. The good news is everyone here has given you excellent advice about CalFresh not counting as income. One thing that really helped calm my nerves was calling the housing authority directly and asking to speak with someone about my application. They were actually really helpful in walking me through exactly what documents I needed and clarifying any confusing parts of the forms. Don't be afraid to use them as a resource - they want you to succeed too! Also, if you're having trouble getting through to anyone by phone, document everything you're doing (dates you called, who you spoke with, what documents you submitted). This saved me when there was confusion later about whether they had received something. The transition from CalFresh reporting to housing reporting can be confusing at first, but once you get settled into your new place, having that stable housing makes everything else so much easier to manage. You've got this - the hardest part really is behind you!

Hey Connor! I can totally understand your panic - I went through this same process about a year ago and felt exactly the same way. After waiting so long on that list, the pressure to get everything perfect is intense! Everyone here has given you great advice about CalFresh not counting as income. I just wanted to add one more tip that really helped me: when I submitted my application, I included a simple cover letter listing everything I was including in my packet. Something like "Enclosed please find: paystubs from [dates], ID copies, Social Security cards, etc." It helped me make sure I didn't forget anything and gave the caseworker a clear checklist of what I was submitting. Also, don't forget to keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit - not just the documents themselves, but also copies of the completed application forms. I had to reference mine a few times during the approval process. You're so close to getting stable housing after 4 years of waiting. That's going to be life-changing! Take a deep breath, tackle it one section at a time, and remember that thousands of people go through this process successfully every year. You've got this!

Connor, I just wanted to jump in and say how amazing it is that you got selected after 4 years! I'm still on the waitlist myself and hearing success stories like yours gives me hope. Everyone here has given you fantastic advice about CalFresh not counting as income - they're absolutely right. I just wanted to add something that might help with your nerves: remember that the housing authority WANTS you to succeed. They've invested time in processing your application and selecting you from thousands of people. They're not looking for reasons to disqualify you over minor paperwork issues. If you're still feeling overwhelmed, try breaking it down into smaller chunks. Maybe tackle one section of the application per day, or set a timer for 30 minutes and just focus on gathering documents. Sometimes when we're stressed, the whole task feels impossibly huge, but it's really just a series of smaller, manageable steps. You've already proven you have the patience and persistence to wait 4 years for this opportunity. The paperwork is just the final step between you and stable housing. You've absolutely got this!

Connor, I can totally relate to that panic feeling! I went through this exact same situation about 18 months ago and it's such a whirlwind of emotions - excitement about finally getting selected mixed with terror about messing up the paperwork. Everyone here has given you spot-on advice about CalFresh not counting as income for Section 8. I just wanted to share what helped me get through the application process: I created a simple spreadsheet with three columns - "Document Needed," "Have It," and "Submitted." It sounds nerdy but it really helped me stay organized and feel more in control when everything felt chaotic. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions! I called my housing authority probably 5 times during the application process with random questions, and they were always patient and helpful. They see people go through this stress all the time. One last thing - once you get approved and move in with your Section 8 voucher, that stable housing is going to be such a game-changer. I know it's hard to see past the paperwork stress right now, but you're literally days away from having secure, affordable housing after 4 years of uncertainty. That's incredible! You've already shown you have the persistence to make it this far. The finish line is right there!