Need CalFresh while waiting for Section 8 - any way to speed up application?

CalFresh and Section 8 are completely separate programs, so applying for one won't affect the other! CalFresh is specifically for food assistance while Section 8 is for housing. With your income and household size, you'd likely qualify for CalFresh. You can apply online through BenefitsCal.com, at your county office, or by phone. The application process usually takes about 30 days max, and they'll conduct an interview (phone or in-person). With your situation, you might get expedited benefits within 3 days if you meet certain criteria like having less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in resources.

i got calfresh while on section 8 waitlist for like 3 years now lol. its pretty easy to get but the interview part SUCKS. waited on hold for like 2 hrs and then got disconnected twice!!!! so frustrating

APPLY FOR BOTH! Section 8 waitlists open maybe once every several years in some counties and close after a few days or when they hit capacity. Get yourself on that list ASAP even if it takes years. CalFresh you can get much faster and it definitely helps with food costs. It's all about getting in every program you can qualify for.

With ur income u definitely qualify for calfresh!! When u apply make sure u check the box for expedited services (emergency need) and they HAVE to process ur application within 3 days not 30. Also there's programs like CAlWorks that give you cash aid which is different from calfresh (which is just for food) might wanna look into that too

To answer your question about the expedited services: With $1,750 monthly income, you wouldn't qualify for the 3-day expedited service since one requirement is having less than $150 in monthly income. However, you might still qualify for expedited service if your rent and utilities are more than your income, which sounds possible in your case. When you apply, make sure to accurately report all your housing and utility costs. And yes, CalWorks is different from CalFresh. CalFresh is specifically for food while CalWorks provides cash aid. You can apply for both simultaneously through the same application on BenefitsCal.com. The good news is that once you're approved for CalFresh, you'll receive benefits backdated to your application date.

Just to clarify some information that's been shared: 1. For expedited CalFresh service (3-day processing), you qualify if your household's combined monthly income and accessible resources are less than your monthly rent/mortgage and utilities. In your case, if your rent and utilities exceed $1,750, you could qualify for expedited service. 2. Yes, CalWorks does have work requirements for most participants, but there are exemptions for certain situations. It provides cash aid and is worth applying for, but understand there are more participation requirements than CalFresh. 3. When you apply through BenefitsCal.com, you can submit one application for multiple programs (CalFresh, CalWorks, Medi-Cal) simultaneously. 4. While you're waiting for Section 8, also look into local emergency rental assistance programs through community action agencies and nonprofit organizations. These can sometimes provide short-term help with rent and utilities.

dont forget to apply for the utility discount programs 2!!! CARE/FERA for electricity & gas, they give u like 20% off your bills. they dont advertise these things u gotta ask for them

One important thing to know - when you get CalFresh, make sure you complete your Semi-Annual Report (SAR7) every 6 months and recertification every year. If you miss these deadlines, your benefits stop and you have to reapply all over again. They should send you these forms in the mail about a month before they're due. I learned this the hard way and lost benefits for almost two months while reapplying!

They mostly send paper notices in the mail, but many counties now offer text or email alerts if you opt in. When you complete your application, there should be a section where you can provide your phone number for text notifications and email for electronic notifications. I highly recommend signing up for both! Also, the BenefitsCal website/app will show your upcoming deadlines once your account is set up.