Just got Homeless CalFresh exception status (H code) - what are my rights and benefits?

Congrats on getting the H code! This is actually really important for your benefits. Here's what it means: 1. You're eligible for expedited service (you should get benefits within 3 days) 2. You're exempt from certain verification requirements (you won't need to provide proof of housing costs) 3. You CAN deduct a homeless shelter allowance of $190 from your income even without receipts 4. You may qualify for higher benefit amounts because of these deductions 5. Many counties prioritize homeless cases for faster processing You DO still need to complete your SAR7 every 6 months, but there's more flexibility with documentation. I went through this last year and the extra benefits made a huge difference until I got back on my feet.

The H status is good but don't expect miracles. The system still treats you like crap half the time. I had the homeless status for 6 months and they STILL kept asking me for mail verification which is OBVIOUSLY impossible when you're HOMELESS!!! Had to go in person FOUR TIMES to explain the same thing. Make sure you keep your phone charged at all times because if they can't reach you they'll just cut you off without warning. The worst part of the system is NOTHING is consistent between workers!!! One tells you one thing, another says something completely different!

To answer your specific questions: 1. YES, you still need to submit your SAR7 even with the H code. However, you don't need to provide verification of housing expenses. 2. The H code gives you a standard $190 homeless shelter deduction automatically, which can increase your benefit amount depending on your income. 3. For odd jobs/cash work, you still need to report income on your SAR7, but they're more flexible about verification - a written statement from you explaining the work situation is often sufficient. 4. You're eligible for expedited services if you reapply or have interruptions in benefits. 5. Your H status should remain until your next recertification (12 months) unless you report obtaining permanent housing. Make sure you keep your contact information updated and check your EBT balance regularly to ensure benefits are being deposited.

ive had the h code for like 2 years lol. they gave me max benefits most months. but yeah u still gotta do the sar7 thing. i just put down $0 for housing costs. sometimes they ask for more info sometimes they dont. depends on who looks at ur case tbh

Have you been able to reach your caseworker by phone since getting the H code? I've had the homeless status for about two months now, and the most frustrating thing is trying to get through to my worker when I have questions. I discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually get through to my county worker after trying for DAYS on my own. They have this system that waits on hold for you and calls you back when a real person answers. Saved me from draining my phone battery waiting on hold! They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 For your situation specifically, you should definitely ask about the expedited service timeframe since you're newly homeless. Some counties have special homelessness workers who handle these cases faster.

My sister got the H code last year. One thing no one mentioned is that with the homeless status, you automatically qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in counties that have it. It lets you use your EBT card at certain restaurants like Subway, Domino's, some local places. Made a huge difference for her since she couldn't cook meals living in her car. Anyway I think they bumped her benefits up by like $60/month or something. Not life-changing but better than nothing I guess.

Regarding your original question about when you'll see the increase in benefits: The H code and homeless shelter deduction should be applied starting with your next benefit issuance. Since you just got the H code today, if your regular issuance date hasn't passed yet this month, you might see the adjustment in this month's benefits. If your issuance date already passed, you'll see it next month. One important tip: Make sure to provide a way for the county to contact you - either through general delivery mail at a local post office, a trusted friend/family member's address, or by checking your BenefitsCal online account regularly. Many homeless individuals miss important notices because they don't have a reliable way to receive communications.

Just want to add that you should DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Write down the name of every worker you talk to, date and time, and what they told you. The homeless system is so broken. I had a worker tell me I wasn't eligible for the homeless shelter deduction because I sometimes stayed at a friend's house. COMPLETELY WRONG. Had to file a formal complaint to get it fixed. If you have any issues, you can request a State Hearing where they have to review your case again. Don't let them jerk you around just because you're homeless.

hey i forgot to say but with the H code ur case also gets reviewed less often. like they dont bug u as much for updates n stuff. at least thats how it was for me. makes it easier when ur trying to handle more important things like finding a safe place to sleep every night. also check out if ur county has hotel vouchers for CalFresh peeps with the H code