Mixed up CalFresh with EDD - how long does CalFresh approval actually take?

EDD is for unemployment benefits when u lose ur job, CalFresh is food stamps to help with groceries. Totally different programs but u can get both at the same time if ur eligible

CalFresh applications are supposed to be processed within 30 days by law, but many counties are approving them much faster - sometimes in as little as 7-10 days. If you're in an emergency situation with very little income and less than $150 in resources, make sure to ask about expedited services which can get you benefits within 3 calendar days. Since you already submitted verification documents, that's a good sign. Most delays happen when they need to request additional verification. You can check your application status through your BenefitsCal account or by calling your county office.

It's not too late at all! Call your county office and specifically mention that you need expedited services because you have less than $150 in resources and limited income. They should screen your application for expedited services, and if you qualify, you could receive benefits within 3 days. If you have trouble getting through to someone on the phone (which is unfortunately common), be persistent. You might need to call early in the morning when the lines first open.

I was in your exact situation last year! The phone systems at most county offices are absolutely terrible. After spending days trying to reach someone about expedited services, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me actually get through to a person. They basically wait on hold for you and call you when a real person is on the line. Saved me hours of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 For my CalFresh application, once I actually talked to someone about needing expedited services, they processed it within 2 days and I had benefits on my EBT card on day 3. Totally worth it when you're desperate for food assistance.

EVERYONE needs to know that CalFresh workers are REQUIRED BY LAW to screen every application for expedited services!!! But they often "forget" to do this! They are supposed to determine if you qualify for 3-day processing automatically. If you submitted your application online through BenefitsCal there should have been questions about your current resources and income to screen for this. The system is designed to DENY people benefits by making everything confusing and difficult!!!!!

when i apllied for calfresh last month it took exactly 11 days from submishin to approval. but my friend got hers in 3 days cuz she was homeless. they did the expediate process for her. i think it depends on ur situation and if u turn in all the right papers

make sure u check ur mail everyday cuz sometimes they send u a letter asking for more papers and if u miss the deadline they deny u and u have to start all over!

One thing I recommend is checking your BenefitsCal account daily if you applied online. Sometimes notices appear there before you receive them in the mail. Also, keep an eye on your phone - many counties now send text updates about your application status. In terms of timeline, here's what typically happens with CalFresh applications: 1. Day 1-3: Application is registered in the system 2. Day 3-10: Initial eligibility review 3. Day 7-15: Request for additional verification (if needed) 4. Day 7-25: Final determination 5. Day 10-30: Benefits issued if approved With expedited services, this entire timeline is compressed to 3 days. The county must issue benefits even if they haven't verified everything, though they'll continue the verification process afterward. Also, once approved, benefits are prorated from your application date, so you'll get the full month's amount even if the approval happens later in the month.

my sister just got calfresh last month and she had benefits in like 5 days but she has 3 kids so maybe thats why it was fast? idk how it works exactly but i think families with kids get prioritized

UPDATE: I called this morning and had to wait on hold for 45 minutes, but I finally spoke to someone! They confirmed I qualify for expedited services and are processing my application today. They said I should have benefits loaded onto an EBT card within 3 days and they'll mail the card to me ASAP. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and advice.