Lost CalFresh benefits without warning - struggling to get back on after cutoff

Same thing happened to me in March! Turns out they sent me a recertification packet but to my OLD address even though I updated it twice with them. By the time I figured it out, I was already cut off. You need to reapply completely - they won't just 'turn it back on' even if it was their mistake with the address. Go to BenefitsCal.com and submit a new application ASAP. The annoying part is you might lose benefits for the days that have already passed this month.

ask ur worker to restore ur bennies if it was a county error with ur address but u have proof u updated it!! they HAVE TO backdate it if it was their mistake not urs!!!

I had a similar experience last year and was absolutely FURIOUS at how they handle these situations. They put all the burden on US even when THEY make mistakes! I updated my address THREE TIMES and they still sent important paperwork to my old address. Then when I called about my benefits being cut off, I couldn't get through to anyone for TWO WEEKS. The system is designed to make us give up! Even after I reapplied, they made me wait ANOTHER 30 days for approval when they already had all my information. Completely ridiculous!

You have a few options here: 1. Submit a new application through BenefitsCal.com right away - this starts the clock on processing 2. Request a "Restoration of Aid" if you can prove you updated your address and the county failed to send notices properly. You'll need documentation showing you reported your address change. 3. When reapplying, request expedited services if your household income and resources are below the threshold (under $150 monthly income and under $100 in resources). This can get benefits issued within 3 days. For the immediate need, check local food banks while waiting for your application to process. 211 can connect you with emergency food assistance in your area. Make sure to include your new address, all household members, and complete income information on your new application.

For everyone struggling to reach a CalFresh worker by phone - I recently discovered a service called Claimyr that really helped me. They keep calling the county office for you and get you connected to a live person, usually within 30 minutes instead of spending hours calling yourself. I used it after trying for days to get through about my own benefits issue. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 It's definitely worth considering if you're in a situation where you desperately need to speak to someone about your benefits being cut off.

i had the same thing happen to me back in jan. my worker said i needed to submit a sar7 by end of dec but never got it in the mail. ended up having to reapply. try submitting a complaint form too it might help speed things up. website is benefitscal.com to apply again or call ur county dss

Just to clarify some confusion in the thread - there's a difference between your Semi-Annual Report (SAR7) and your annual Recertification: • SAR7: Due around the 6th month of your certification period • Recertification: Due at the end of your 12-month certification period Missing either one can result in discontinuance. When reapplying, make sure to check your "My Benefits Cal" account preferences to receive text or email notifications in addition to mail. This provides a backup notification method in case mail doesn't reach you. Also, keep documentation of any address updates you submit to the county - screenshots of online updates, copies of forms, or confirmation numbers. These are essential if you need to prove you properly reported changes.

When you submit your new application make sure you check the box for expedited services!! If your income is low enough right now they have to process your case within 3 days and issue benefits right away. The magic words are "expedited services" or "emergency CalFresh" when you talk to them. Also bring ID for everyone in household and proof of address to speed things up.

One important thing to know - if you're reapplying, benefits are never backdated to when you were cut off. They'll only start from the date of your new application. That's why it's important to reapply immediately rather than spending too much time trying to fix the old case (which sometimes can't be done if it's been discontinued for a certain period). For the immediate need while waiting for your application to process, most counties have Emergency Food Assistance Programs. Call 211 to find food banks and emergency assistance in your area that can help right away. Lastly, when you reapply, list all household expenses including rent, utilities, childcare costs, and medical expenses. These deductions can significantly increase your benefit amount by reducing your countable income.