EBT office saying they're not accepting new CalFresh applications or renewals - is this legal?

omg they CANNOT do that!! it's literally illegal to refuse to take ur application. period. full stop. they have to accept all applications by law. sounds like u got a lazy worker who didnt want to do their job or didnt know what they were talking about. call back and try to get someone else!

Thank you! I thought it sounded super wrong. My mom gets nervous about these things and probably won't call back herself. I'll try calling tomorrow for her.

I work as an eligibility advocate, and I can confirm that what you were told is completely incorrect. By federal law, counties MUST accept all CalFresh applications at any time. They might be experiencing backlogs in processing, but they absolutely cannot refuse to take your application.\n\nSome possibilities for what happened:\n1. The worker misspoke or was poorly trained\n2. There might be a temporary issue with their computer system for inputting applications\n3. They might be short-staffed and overwhelmed\n\nRegardless, your mother has the right to apply. I'd recommend:\n- Try applying online through BenefitsCal.com instead of calling\n- Go in person to the county office if possible\n- Call again and ask to speak with a supervisor if told the same thing\n\nFor a 68-year-old on limited retirement income, she's likely eligible for expedited CalFresh service (benefits within 3 days) if her income and resources are low enough.

^^^ This! Online application is usually faster anyway. My mom is 71 and we did her application online last month and it only took like 15 minutes. Way easier than dealing with the phone people, and you get a confirmation number right away.

when I applied in december they told me something similar, that they were 'prioritizing renewals' but not that they couldn't take new applications. i just went to the office in person and filled out the paperwork there. got my EBT card 2 weeks later. definitely try a different approach!

What the worker told your mother is absolutely incorrect and unlawful. According to federal regulations that govern SNAP (which is what CalFresh is called at the federal level), counties MUST accept applications every business day during regular business hours. They are also required to process applications within 30 days, or 3 days for expedited service cases.\n\nIf your mother continues to face this issue, I recommend:\n\n1. Document everything - get the name of the person who refused to take the application\n2. File a formal complaint with the county using their Civil Rights Complaint process\n3. Apply online through BenefitsCal.com as others have suggested\n4. Contact your local legal aid organization as this is a clear violation of her rights\n\nAs a senior on limited income, she may also qualify for other programs like the CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) specifically for seniors 60+.

Thank you so much for this detailed information. She didn't get the worker's name unfortunately but I'll definitely help her apply online through BenefitsCal tonight. I had no idea there was a special expedited service for people in her situation. She only gets about $1,400/month from Social Security and her rent is $1,100.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I was having a similar issue where I kept getting the runaround on the phone and could never reach a real person. Claimyr connected me with an actual CalFresh eligibility worker in under 10 minutes. Check out their website at claimyr.com - they have a video demo too: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8\n\nIt made a huge difference for me when I needed to sort out an application issue. They basically wait on hold for you and call you back when they get a human on the line.

does this actually work? i've been trying to reach someone at the county for DAYS about my verification documents that they claim they never received (even though I HAVE the fax confirmation). might try this if it's actually legit

Yes, it worked for me! I was skeptical too, but after being hung up on 3 times by the automated system, I was desperate. Got through to someone who could actually help with my verification issues.

Theyre probably overwhelmed with the new COLA increases for 2025. Every time there's a big change the system gets all backed up. But ya they DEF cant refuse applications!!! My cousin works for DPSS and she said there dealing with major understaffing right now.

This happened to me last year!!!! I called for FOUR DAYS and kept getting different excuses. One person said the system was down, another said they were in training and couldn't take apps, and a third just flat out said they were too backed up! I ended up going in person and the supervisor was HORRIFIED that I was told this. I filed a complaint and eventually got approved with retroactive benefits back to when I first tried to apply.\n\nDON'T GIVE UP! They're hoping you'll just go away!

Wow, that's awful. But good to know you eventually got retroactive benefits. I'll definitely be persistent about this. My mom really needs the help.

Just following up to mention that your mother may also qualify for the senior simplified application process for CalFresh. Since 2025, California has been making it easier for seniors to apply with:\n\n- Three-year certification periods instead of one year\n- Simplified verification requirements\n- No interview required in many cases\n- Higher income limits for seniors\n\nWhen you help her apply, make sure to mention her age (68) prominently as this should qualify her for these simplified procedures. Also, if she's on Social Security or any other fixed income, she may qualify for what's called

That's really helpful information. I had no idea seniors get a longer certification period. That will be much better for her since she gets confused with paperwork. I'll definitely highlight her age on the application.

my grandma just got approved last month and shes 81. they didnt even make her do an interview just submitted the paperwork online and got approved in like 8 days. try the website!!!

UPDATE????? did ur mom get to apply yet?

Yes! Thank you everyone for the advice. We applied online through BenefitsCal last night and got a confirmation number. The application was actually pretty simple. They said they'll contact us within 30 days, but based on her low income they might process it faster. I'll update again when we hear something!