How quickly will I know if my CalFresh application is approved after submitting verification documents?

The county is legally required to make a decision on your application within 30 days from when you first applied (not from your interview date). But in my experience, once you've completed the interview and submitted all verification documents, you'll usually hear back within 3-7 business days. Have you checked your BenefitsCal account? Sometimes they update your status there before sending the official notice in the mail.

when i applied last year it took like 2 days after i sent in my stuff. my friend waited almost 3 weeks tho so i think it depends on your county and how busy they are. they never called me just got a letter and then the ebt card came seperately

In most counties, you'll typically get a decision within 7-10 days after submitting all required verification documents. LA County can sometimes be slower due to high volume. Since you already completed your interview and submitted everything they requested, you're in a good position. A few things to know: 1. They will mail you a Notice of Action (NOA) with their decision 2. If approved, your EBT card will be mailed separately and can take 5-7 additional days to arrive 3. Benefits are prorated from your application date, not approval date 4. Your BenefitsCal account should update before the physical mail arrives If you're in urgent need of food, consider calling 211 to find local food banks or emergency food assistance while you wait. They might be able to help bridge the gap.

Call them!!! Don't just wait around!! I was in the exact same situation last month and waited for TWO WEEKS after my interview before I finally called. Turns out they had "misplaced" my pay stubs and couldn't process my application. As soon as I called and spoke to a worker, they found my documents and approved me THE SAME DAY!!! The system is so broken, you have to advocate for yourself!!

I had my interview on a Tuesday and got approved Friday that same week. My EBT card came in the mail about 5 days later. But my sister applied in the same county and it took her almost the full 30 days because they kept requesting more verification documents. Hope yours goes quick!

If you're having trouble reaching someone at the county office (which is super common), I'd recommend trying Claimyr. I was in your exact situation last month - submitted everything but couldn't get through to check my status. I used Claimyr.com and they got me connected to a live CalFresh worker in about 10 minutes. Saved me hours of hold time and frustration. They have a quick demo video here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 that shows how it works. Worth it when you're anxious about your benefits and can't get through on the regular line.

Don't count on anything happening quickly! The 30-day timeline is the MAXIMUM they're supposed to take, but in my experience they use every single one of those days even when you've given them everything. The system is DESIGNED to make people give up. My advice? Call every 48 hours to check on status. Be polite but persistent. Document who you talk to and what they say each time. The squeaky wheel gets the grease in this broken system!!!

One more thing I should mention - if you're experiencing immediate food insecurity, make sure to ask about expedited services when you call. If you have less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in resources, or if your housing costs are more than your income and resources combined, you may qualify for expedited CalFresh, which can be processed within 3 days. Many workers don't automatically check for this even though they should.

It's definitely worth calling to check on your application status, but be prepared to wait on hold for quite a while. In my experience, calling early in the morning (right when they open) or mid-week tends to have shorter wait times. Also, when you do get through, ask them to put notes in your file about your urgent need for food assistance - sometimes that can help prioritize your application.

BTW if ur approved dont forget they load benefits at different times each month depending on the last digit of ur case number. My sister didnt know this and kept checking her card everyday lol