January 2025 CalFresh benefits still pending - Anyone else waiting?

Mine pending 2. Prolly cuz of the new year holiday backlog. My worker told me last year they get behind in january

This is pretty normal for January unfortunately. The county offices are typically backed up after the holidays, plus there's usually a surge of new applications in January. A few things you can check: 1. Did you submit all required verification documents with your recertification? Sometimes they're waiting on proof of income, rent, etc. 2. Log into BenefitsCal and check if there are any pending tasks or notices in your account. 3. Make sure your address is current so you haven't missed any notices requesting additional information. If you verified everything was submitted correctly, benefits should be issued, but may be delayed up to 10 days from the normal issuance date. If you're experiencing a food emergency, request an expedited interview when you call.

There's a way to actually reach a CalFresh worker without the endless hold times. I was in the same situation last month (pending for 3 weeks) and was going crazy trying to get through. My friend told me about this service called Claimyr that gets you through to a live person without waiting on hold. You just go to claimyr.com and they call the county for you, then connect you when a real person answers. Worked for me after trying for days to get through myself. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

SAME ISSUE HERE!! Been pending since Dec 27th when I did my recert interview. This happens EVERY January and it's ridiculous! Last year they told me there was a "system update" causing delays. Year before it was "staff shortages." Always some excuse while families go hungry. I've started applying for emergency food boxes at local pantries during January because I know they'll mess it up. Try calling right when they open at 8am - sometimes easier to get through.

I work for a non-profit that helps people with CalFresh applications. January delays are unfortunately common, but if your recertification was received before the 15th of December, they should have processed it by now. A couple things that might help: - The IRT (Income Reporting Threshold) changed for 2025. For a family of 3, it's now $3,625 monthly. If your income is anywhere near this, double-check they have your current income correctly recorded. - Check if your Semi-Annual Report (SAR7) from July was fully processed. Sometimes old reporting issues can affect recertification. If you're experiencing a food emergency, tell them specifically you need "expedited service" - they are required to issue benefits within 3 working days if you qualify.

Just wanted to add - if your benefits were approved but just not issued yet, once they do process it, you'll get the full amount you're entitled to for January. CalFresh benefits are always retroactive to the date of eligibility. So even with the delay, you shouldn't lose any benefit amount.

Update - just checked my EBT and my benefits loaded today!! Check yours!