How long until I can find out if my CalFresh/SNAP application was approved or denied?

they're SUPPOSED to make a determination within 30 days by law, but my county (Alameda) routinely takes the full 30 days. Have you tried logging into BenefitsCal to check the status? sometimes they update there before they send anything out. Also check your spam folder, I almost missed my interview because their email went to spam

they should've sent you a letter with an interview date. did you do the interview yet? they won't approve/deny until after they interview you

They are legally required to make a determination within 30 days of your application date. If you haven't had an interview yet, that's the issue - they can't approve or deny without completing the interview process. You need to contact your county office directly and ask about scheduling your interview. They should have sent you a notice with the date and time, but sometimes these get lost in the mail. If it's been 3 weeks, I'd definitely be proactive about contacting them. When you call, make sure you have your application confirmation number handy. Also, if your situation is truly desperate, you can request expedited services (emergency CalFresh), which they must process within 3 calendar days if you qualify. But you'd still need to complete an interview for that.

I had the same problem last year. Try using Claimyr - it's a service that basically waits on hold with the CalFresh office for you and then calls you when a real person is available. Saved me hours of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 I was in week 4 of waiting with no interview scheduled, used this service, got through to someone who told me my interview notice had been sent to an old address. They scheduled me on the spot and I had benefits within a week after that.

Did u check ur mail tho? They always send stuff in the mail not email. My worker said they have to send paper notices for legal reasons.

If your situation is really desperate, you should have checked the box for expedited services on your application. That means you'd get benefits within 3 days if you qualify (very low income/resources). Did you check that box? If you did and still haven't heard anything, that's definitely not right and you need to contact them ASAP.

sometimes thye just deny u for no reason. happened to my sister three times and she had to keep reapplying. system is broken af

btw make sure ur phone accepts blocked numbers cuz thats how my worker calls me every time... shows up as unknown number

Update us when u find out! I'm curious if the Claimyr thing works cuz I might need it for my recertification next month.

Hey @Savanna Franklin, I went through something similar last year and it was so stressful! A few things that helped me: 1) Go to your county office in person if possible - sometimes that gets faster results than calling. 2) Bring a copy of your application confirmation and any documentation you submitted. 3) Ask specifically about your interview date and mention you haven't received any notices. They can usually look up your case right there and tell you what's happening. Some counties are way behind on mailing notices but they can schedule your interview on the spot. Also definitely turn off that spam call blocking like Amy suggested - that was probably the issue! Good luck and don't give up!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - applied 2.5 weeks ago and crickets! What's really frustrating is that food costs have gone up so much that every day waiting makes things worse. One thing I learned from my neighbor who works at social services is that you can also try reaching out to your county supervisor's office if you're not getting responses from the CalFresh office directly. They sometimes have staff who can help cut through the red tape. Also, if you have any local food banks or community organizations nearby, they might have advocates who know the system better and can help you navigate it while you're waiting. Don't feel bad about being proactive - you have every right to know what's happening with your application!