How long does CalFresh approval take? Applied 3 weeks ago and getting nervous

CalFresh applications legally have to be processed within 30 calendar days (not business days). If you're approaching that deadline, it's definitely worth following up. Did you upload all your verification documents with your initial application? If they're waiting on pay stubs or ID verification that you didn't submit, the clock doesn't really start until they have everything they need. Check your BenefitsCal account - sometimes they send requests for information there that people miss.

they can take the FULL 30 days if they want to and theres nothing u can do about it. i once had to wait 28 days and was starving. but if ur really low on food u can ask for expedited services when u apply and they have to process it in 3 days.. might be too late for that now tho

So the 30-day processing time is standard, but in my experience, they often approve faster these days. My last recertification took about 12 days. However, if they're short-staffed at your county office, they sometimes use the full 30 days. What county are you in? Some counties are notoriously slower than others. Also - did you check if your phone number is correctly listed in your BenefitsCal account? Sometimes they try to call for a phone interview but have the wrong number.

After I applied it took about 2 weeks to get approved but my friend waited almost the whole 30 days so I think it really depends!!

The system is BROKEN. They make you wait until you're desperate, then expect you to be grateful for crumbs. I've had THREE applications where they claimed they "never received" documents I uploaded. Then they blame YOU for their mistakes. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Take screenshots of your uploads. Write down names and dates when you call. The whole system is designed to discourage people from getting benefits they're entitled to.

Have you tried using Claimyr to reach a CalFresh worker? I was stuck in the same situation last month—application pending for weeks and couldn't get through the phone system. Someone here recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it actually worked! They have this service that gets you connected to a real person at the county office instead of waiting on hold forever. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Once I got through to an actual worker, she told me my application was just sitting in a queue and she processed it that same day. Sometimes they just need a little nudge.

Each county processes applications a bit differently, but here's what typically happens: 1. Initial application review (1-5 days) 2. Interview scheduling (5-10 days after application) 3. Verification review (3-7 days after interview) 4. Final determination (2-5 days after all verifications) Since you're at the 3-week mark, they should have at least contacted you for an interview by now. Did you get any notice about an interview appointment? Sometimes they schedule these automatically and send the notification by mail, which you might have missed. If you're approaching the 30-day mark, I'd recommend: 1. Going in person to the county office 2. Bringing copies of all your documents 3. Asking specifically for the status of your application 4. Getting the name of whoever helps you They might be able to expedite it once you're there in person. Also, ask if you qualify for expedited services based on your current situation - they might be able to issue benefits within 3 days if you qualify.

my sister works for the county and she says they r SUPER behind right now cuz of staff shortages so thats probs why ur waiting so long

UPDATE: I went to the county office this morning and waited about 2 hours, but it was worth it! Turns out they had been trying to call me for an interview but the number in their system (not BenefitsCal) was wrong - they had transposed two digits. The worker did my interview right there and approved me on the spot since I had all my documents with me. She said my EBT card should arrive in 7-10 days and my benefits will be available as soon as I activate it! So relieved!