Do I need to report reduced hours at my retail job to CalFresh? Working only every two weeks now

Yes, you should definitely report this change! When your income decreases significantly like this, you could be eligible for an increase in benefits. In California, you're required to report changes that impact your eligibility or benefit amount. The good news is that decreased income doesn't need to be reported until your next SAR7 UNLESS you want your benefits recalculated sooner (which most people do). If you want the increase now rather than waiting months, contact your county office and let them know about your reduced hours. They'll likely increase your benefits starting the following month after you report.

my hurs got cut last year to and i didnt tell them nothing. nothing bad hapened just got my regular benefits. but then when i did my sar7 they gave me more $ so maybe just wait for that? less hassle imo

There's a specific rule about this! According to CalFresh regulations, you're actually required to report income changes on your SAR7 (Semi-Annual Report), but you can voluntarily report decreases in income at any time to potentially get increased benefits sooner. If your monthly income has decreased by a significant amount, it's definitely in your interest to report it now rather than waiting. For retail workers with variable schedules like yours, you should provide your last few pay stubs showing the reduced hours, and your county worker can recalculate your benefits based on your current circumstances. They typically use an average of your recent income to determine benefits when hours fluctuate. One important note: when you report the decrease, make sure to explicitly ask for them to recalculate your benefits based on this change. Sometimes they'll note the change but won't automatically adjust your benefits unless you specifically request it.

Just be prepared for the hold times when you try to call the county. I waited 3+ hours last month trying to report a change and got disconnected twice. So frustrating. Have you tried using the BenefitsCal website to report the change instead? Sometimes that's faster than calling.

BE CAREFUL about reporting income changes!!!!! I reported when my hours increased last year and they DECREASED my benefits right away, but when I reported hours decreasing they made me wait until my next SAR7 for an increase. The system always works AGAINST us never FOR us! 😡😡😡

Update: I called the CalFresh office this morning after gathering my last few paystubs. Was on hold for almost an hour but finally got through to a worker. They were actually really helpful and said my benefits will increase starting next month! They're recalculating based on my current reduced hours. Thanks everyone for the advice - definitely worth reporting the change rather than waiting for my SAR7!

what did they say about back benefits? do u get extra for the time u already worked less hours?

Same thing happened to my cousin but with walmart. they cut everyones hours this time of year its so stupid. glad ur getting more snap $ tho.