Pregnant and about to deliver - CalFresh application stuck for over a month! Need emergency food assistance NOW

You absolutely qualify for expedited service as a pregnant woman with limited income! They should have processed your application within 3 days if you requested expedited service. Did you specifically check the box for expedited service when you applied? If not, call the county ASAP and explain your situation - use the phrase "expedited services" and mention you're about to deliver. Also, have you tried contacting your local WIC office? They can provide emergency food resources specifically for pregnant women while your CalFresh gets sorted.

If you're 37 days out and already completed your interview, something is definitely wrong. The county is required to make a decision within 30 days from your application date. At this point, you should request to speak with a supervisor. When you call, immediately say "I need to speak with a supervisor about my overdue CalFresh application." Also, contact your local food bank right away - most have special programs for pregnant women with no waiting period. You can find your nearest one at cafoodbanks.org.

this happend to me too honey!!! pregant with my 2nd and waited 45 days!!! the system is RIGGED against moms i swear. what worked for me was going IN PERSON and refusing to leave till they helped me. bring all ur paperwork and make a scene if u have to. these workers dont care unless u force them too!!! good luck mama

I've been helping clients with CalFresh applications for years, and unfortunately this kind of delay has become more common in 2025 due to staffing shortages. Since you've already had your interview and submitted all verification, you should utilize the Advocacy Helpline at 1-800-952-5253. They can flag your case as urgent due to your pregnancy and imminent delivery. Also, request an "immediate need" payment - this is different from expedited service and can be processed in 24-48 hours when there's a documented emergency food situation. Good luck with your delivery!

I had similar issues reaching someone when my CalFresh benefits were delayed during my pregnancy. I discovered a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to a real person at the county office. I was skeptical at first, but it actually worked! You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 and their website is claimyr.com. They called the county for me and then connected me when they reached a real person. Saved me hours of frustration with the phone system. The worker I spoke with processed my expedited benefits that same day.

Hey, just wanted to say i'm really sorry ur going through this. The system sucks sometimes. When I was pregnant last year my benefits got delayed too. Have u tried calling right when they open? Like literally dial at 7:59 am? Thats how I finally got through. Also check if ur hospital has an emergency food pantry - mine did!

why dont u try the app? i redid my calfresh right on my phone and got approved in 5 days. way faster then calling. just take pics of all ur docs and upload em. thats what my worker told me to do

I wanted to follow up about the immediate need payment I mentioned. When you call, specifically say: "I'm requesting an immediate need payment due to an emergency food situation. I'm 39 weeks pregnant with less than 3 days worth of food in my home." They should take your information and escalate it. If they try to brush you off, mention California MPP Section 63-804 which covers immediate need procedures. Also, write down the name of everyone you speak with, along with date and time. This creates accountability.

Update from my earlier comment - I just realized you may also qualify for the CalFresh Pregnancy Special Situation. In California, pregnant women who meet income guidelines can receive benefits as a household of 2 even before the baby is born. Make sure your worker knows you're pregnant (medical verification may be required). This should increase your benefit amount once approved.