Making anonymous posts on CalFresh forums - worried about privacy when asking about benefits

Your profile on this forum is already pretty anonymous. County workers don't typically monitor these forums - they're way too busy handling actual cases! They process hundreds of SAR7 forms and recertifications every week. They don't have time to cross-reference random forum posts with their caseloads. That said, if you're concerned about unreported income, you should know that CalFresh has an Income Reporting Threshold (IRT). If your total household income goes above that amount, you're required to report it within 10 days. Failing to report can lead to overpayment claims and potential benefit reduction.

omg ive been freaking out about the same thing!! i didnt report some babysitting money lol. but seriously your fine. the forum doesnt show your real info to anybody

I've worked with CalFresh recipients for years as an advocate, and can confirm these forums aren't monitored by county eligibility workers. If you're worried about unreported income, here's what you need to know: 1. If your total household income stayed below your IRT, you technically only need to report it on your next SAR7 or recertification, whichever comes first 2. Income under $500/month from self-employment often doesn't significantly impact benefits after deductions 3. Honesty at recertification is always the best policy - they can check tax records and bank statements during the verification process If you report the income at recertification and explain it's a new source, they'll likely just calculate your benefits going forward without penalizing you for the past months.

Wait but my cousin got in big trouble for not reporting her doordash income and they made her pay back like $2000 in calfresh!!!! Be careful they CAN check ur bank account during recert

The forum itself is pretty anonymous, but I totally get your concerns. When I had an issue with unreported income last year, I couldn't get straight answers calling the county office. I waited on hold for HOURS and kept getting disconnected. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual person at my county office. They got me connected to a worker in under 10 minutes who explained exactly what I needed to do. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 The worker told me that for side gig income, they're most concerned about accurate reporting going forward, and as long as I was honest during recertification, it usually works out fine.

They mostly wanted to know when the income started and how much it was each month. The worker I spoke with was actually pretty understanding that I was confused about when to report it since it was under my IRT. Just be honest about when it started and how much you've been making. Having documentation ready helps too - any payment records or invoices from your side gig.

Not to scare you but I think the bigger issue is the FRAUD DEPARTMENT might be monitoring these forums!!! They are always looking for people admitting to not reporting income!!! My sister's friend's cousin got investigated because of something they posted online about unreported income!!! Be careful what you admit to!!!

I had something similar happen with my side business selling crafts. I didn't report about $250/month for almost 6 months because I thought I only needed to include it on my SAR7. When I finally mentioned it during recertification, they just adjusted my benefits going forward and asked me to bring proof of the income. Every county handles these things a bit differently though.

My benefits only went down about $30/month after reporting the extra income. They let me deduct some of my craft supplies as business expenses, which helped. The worker said as long as I was reporting it now and hadn't gone over my IRT, they weren't concerned about the past months. Just be upfront at your recertification and you should be fine.

Thanks everyone for the advice! I feel much better about my upcoming recertification now. I'll be honest about the side income and bring documentation of when it started. And I'll try that Claimyr service if I can't get through on the phone tomorrow to ask any follow-up questions. Appreciate all the help!