Missing birth certificates for CalFresh application - will my EBT be delayed?

Don't panic! They won't automatically deny your application just because you're missing birth certificates. The county will issue a 'Verification Checklist' after reviewing your application that lists any documents they still need. You'll typically have 10 days to provide those. For the kids, you might have alternatives to birth certificates - school records, medical records, or even baptismal certificates can work as proof of identity. Focus on submitting whatever documentation you do have.

The whole system is ridiculously complicated!!! When I applied last year they kept asking for DIFFERENT documents every time I called. First birth certificates, then pay stubs, then rental agreement. THEN they said they never received stuff I ALREADY SENT! Took almost 2 months to get approved when my family was starving. My advice: call them EVERY DAY until someone helpful answers. Document EVERYTHING. Get worker names. The system is designed to make you give up!!!!

As someone who's helped many people with CalFresh applications, here's what you need to know: The county has to follow what's called "expedited services" rules if you qualify (very low income/resources). In those cases, they must provide benefits within 3 calendar days if you meet certain criteria, even without all verification. For regular applications, they have 30 days to process. For the children's identity verification, school records work well. Also, if you receive other benefits like Medi-Cal or CalWORKs, mention that because they can often verify through those systems. You should receive a verification checklist within a week of applying. You can also check your status through BenefitsCal.com if you applied online.

when i applied the worker told me they need birth certif for all household members no exceptions. she was wrong tho cuz i talked to a supervisor later n they said school records work too. lot of workers give wrong info tbh

Had exact same issue last month. I've been trying to call my caseworker for two weeks straight and couldn't get through. The automated system keeps disconnecting me after 45+ minutes on hold. So frustrating! I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a real person in like 20 minutes. They have this service where they wait on hold for you and call when someone picks up. Totally worth checking out their video demo: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Anyway, once I got through, they told me school IDs and medical records work fine for kids. My application was approved the next day.

Not having birth certificates won't completely stop your application, but you definitely need to provide SOME form of ID for the kids. My advice is to call your county office ASAP and ask what other documents they'll accept for children. Don't wait for them to contact you - that could take weeks. Also make sure you've correctly reported all income and expenses on your application, because those affect your benefit amount calculation.

ur fine they'll just ask for them later. my neighbor didnt even have SSNs for her kids (they were waiting for cards in mail) and they still processed her application and gave her EBT. she had to bring the ssn cards later tho

I just remembered something important! If you're really struggling financially right now, make sure to check the box for "expedited services" or tell them you need emergency CalFresh. If you have less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in resources, or if your housing costs are more than your income and resources combined, you can get benefits in 3 DAYS instead of 30!!! Don't let them tell you otherwise!!!

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know that I got a call from the county worker today! They're processing my application and said I can bring in my daughter's school ID and the kids' Medi-Cal cards as proof of identity. I should have benefits loaded in 7-10 days! Thank you all for the help and calming my nerves.

So happy to hear your update! This is exactly why I always tell people not to panic about missing documents - the system is designed to work with you, not against you. The fact that they accepted Medi-Cal cards as proof of identity is a perfect example of how having other benefits can actually help streamline the process. Hope your benefits load smoothly and you get the food assistance your family needs!