Do I need to physically go to CalFresh office for verification letter or can I print it online?

you can definitely get it online! login to ur BenefitsCal account, go to 'documents' section and look for 'proof of benefits' or 'verification letter'. should be able to download as PDF right there. Just printed mine last month for apartment application

You have several options to get your CalFresh verification letter without going to the office: 1. BenefitsCal.com - Log in to your account, go to Documents section, and download your verification letter 2. YouBenefits mobile app - This is the official CalFresh app that lets you access documents on your phone 3. Call your county office and request they mail or email you a verification letter 4. Ask them to fax the verification directly to your landlord (with your written consent) The online option is definitely the fastest. Just make sure the verification letter shows your current benefit amount and dates if that's what your landlord requires.

I had the WORST experience trying to get verification last year! Went to the office, waited 4 hours, then got told I needed to fill out some special request form & come back. Complete waste of time! BenefitsCal is def easier but sometimes the verification letter there doesn't show your benefit amount which some landlords want. Might need to call if you need the detailed version showing exactly how much you get.

If calling is still needed, I had good luck with Claimyr service (claimyr.com). They got me through to an actual person at the CalFresh office in like 5 minutes when I needed to update my address. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. I was super skeptical but it actually worked when I was desperate for verification letter that showed my benefit amount for housing application.

Just to add an important detail - there are actually two different types of verification letters in the CalFresh system: 1. The basic verification (available on BenefitsCal) - confirms you're enrolled but often doesn't show benefit amounts 2. The detailed verification (usually requires calling/visiting) - shows exact benefit amounts, household size, certification period dates If your landlord specifically needs to see your benefit amount, you likely need the detailed verification. Some counties now allow you to request this specific document through BenefitsCal messages section, but response times vary widely between counties.

cant u just take a screenshot of ur EBT card balance in the app??? thats what i did when my kids school needed proof lol they accepted it

if u do end up having to go to the office, get there BEFORE THEY OPEN and get in line early!!!! i made the mistake of going at noon once and literally waited 5 HOURS. also bring earbuds and phone charger, trust me

One other option - some counties have self-service kiosks at libraries and community centers where you can print CalFresh verification letters without going to the actual county office. Might be worth checking if your county offers this service. Could be closer than the main office.

I work at a nonprofit that helps people with benefits applications and I can confirm what others have said about the two types of verification letters. If you need the detailed one showing benefit amounts, try this: log into BenefitsCal, go to "Contact Us" or "Messages" section, and specifically request a "detailed verification letter with benefit amounts for housing purposes." Most counties will respond within 1-2 business days and email it to you. Way faster than calling or going in person. Also mention it's urgent for lease renewal - they sometimes prioritize housing-related requests.

Another quick tip - if you're in LA County specifically, they have a "Document Center" feature in their MyBenefitsCalWIN portal that's separate from the main BenefitsCal site. You can often get detailed verification letters there instantly. Other large counties like San Diego and Orange County have similar county-specific portals. Worth checking if your county has their own benefits portal in addition to the state BenefitsCal system. Sometimes the county sites have more document options available for immediate download.