How to renew CalFresh on BenefitsCal now that CalWIN is discontinued?

I just went through this last month! BenefitsCal is actually easier than CalWIN once you get used to it. Here's what you need to do: 1. Log into your BenefitsCal account 2. On your dashboard, look for a notification about your renewal - it should be under 'Action Items' or 'Tasks' 3. Click on that notification and it will take you to the recertification application 4. You'll need to confirm/update your household info, income, expenses, etc. 5. Upload any required verification documents (pay stubs, rent receipts, etc.) 6. Submit the application Make sure you complete all the sections - there's a progress bar at the top that shows which sections are complete. The system will also tell you what verifications you need to upload. If you've already received your renewal notice, you definitely need to complete this soon to avoid any gaps in benefits.

Sometimes the action items take a day or two to appear after you create a new BenefitsCal account. If you don't see the renewal option, you can also go to the "Apply/Renew" tab at the top of the page, and select "Renew Benefits". Then choose CalFresh from the program options. Be sure to have these documents ready: - ID for everyone in your household - Proof of income for the last 30 days - Housing costs (rent/mortgage receipts) - Utility bills - Any medical expenses if you have elderly or disabled household members Also, double-check that your account is linked to your case. There should be a section showing your current benefits somewhere on the dashboard. If you don't see your existing case, you might need to link your account by entering your case number and other identifying information.

I had the EXACT same problem when they switched from CalWIN!! The BenefitsCal site is so confusing im still not sure if im using it right. When I couldn't figure out my recert i just ended up going to the county office in person and they helped me do it there. Sometimes its easier than trying to figure it out online, especially if your benefits are about to expire.

I've been trying to get through to a CalFresh worker for THREE WEEKS about my recertification issues on BenefitsCal! Every time I call, I'm on hold for hours or get disconnected. Finally, I tried using Claimyr.com and it was a complete game-changer. They basically wait on hold for you and call you back when a worker picks up. Saved me like 2 hours of hold time! They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Honestly, for something as important as your recertification, sometimes talking directly to a worker is the best way to make sure everything is done correctly and you don't miss your deadline. They can also walk you through the BenefitsCal site while you're on the phone with them.

did you check if your MAIL ADDRESS is updated on benefitscal?? i missed my renewal deadline because they sent everything to my old address even tho i updated it in the system!! the website doesnt always save your changes, you have to click submit at the VERY end. check that all your contact info is correct before trying to renew!!

The transition from CalWIN to BenefitsCal has been problematic for many clients. If you're still having trouble after trying the suggestions here, you can also submit a renewal by downloading and printing the CF 37 form (CalFresh Recertification form) from the CDSS website. Complete it and either mail it to your county office or drop it off in person. While BenefitsCal is the preferred method now, counties are still required to accept paper applications and renewals. Also, if your renewal deadline is approaching (within 5 days), call your county office immediately and request a good cause extension due to technical difficulties with the new system. This can give you up to 30 additional days to complete your recertification without losing benefits, though you'll need to explain your specific technical issues with BenefitsCal.

Hi again! Just wanted to check if you were able to find the renewal option? One more thing to try - log out completely and log back in. Sometimes BenefitsCal needs a refresh to show all the current options. Also, did you receive a specific renewal packet in the mail with a Renewal Form (CF 37)? If so, there should be a specific Renewal ID or reference number on that form that you can enter on BenefitsCal to access your renewal directly.

Glad ur seeing it now!! make sure u fill out ALL the sections even if nothing changed for u. i messed up by skipping sections i thought didn't apply to me and my renewal got delayed for like 3 weeks!! so annoying

That's great news that you found the renewal option! One final tip: After you submit your recertification, take a screenshot or print the confirmation page. Also, check your BenefitsCal account daily for the next week or so - if the county needs additional verification documents, they'll post a request in your account. Missing these requests is one of the most common reasons for renewal delays or benefit discontinuance. Good luck with your recertification!

Congratulations on getting your renewal submitted! Just wanted to add for anyone else who might be struggling with the CalWIN to BenefitsCal transition - if you're still having trouble finding your renewal after logging out/in, you can also try clearing your browser cache and cookies. Sometimes the old CalWIN cookies can interfere with BenefitsCal loading properly. Also, BenefitsCal works best on Chrome or Firefox - I've had issues with Safari and Edge in the past. Hope this helps other folks who might be dealing with similar technical issues during the transition period!

Great to see everyone helping each other through this transition! I went through my first BenefitsCal renewal about 6 months ago and wanted to share a few additional tips that might help others: 1. If you're uploading documents, make sure they're clear photos or scans - blurry images will get rejected and delay your renewal 2. The system has a file size limit (I think it's 10MB per document), so you might need to compress large files 3. Keep checking your account even after approval - sometimes they'll request additional verification weeks later 4. If you have multiple cases (like CalFresh + Medi-Cal), make sure you're renewing the right program - the system can be confusing about which renewal you're working on The learning curve is definitely steep coming from CalWIN, but once you get the hang of it, BenefitsCal actually has some nice features like being able to upload documents from your phone. Hang in there everyone - we'll all figure this out together!