Received EBT card but confused about uploading paystubs - already approved for CalFresh?

omg i had almost the exact situation lol. basically once u get the card ur approved!! but u still gotta send the paperwork or theyll cut u off next month. happened to my cousin

The EBT card with benefits loaded means you've been conditionally approved, but you absolutely need to submit those verification forms ASAP. The county gave you benefits based on the information from your interview, but they still need documentation to verify what you told them. Most counties have a policy of providing one month of benefits while waiting for verification, but they'll discontinue your CalFresh benefits if they don't receive the required documents. I'd recommend uploading your paystubs and completed forms to BenefitsCal right away (or mail them if that's what they requested). Regarding UIB - that's just a suggestion that your husband might qualify for Unemployment Insurance Benefits, which is a completely separate program through EDD. If he lost his job and meets eligibility requirements, he should apply at the EDD website.

they gave you $530?? we're a family of 3 too and only got $410... did you have to show any special expenses or somthing?

I work for a community organization that helps with benefits, and I can tell you this happens more often than you'd think! The system sometimes approves benefits provisionally based on the interview information while waiting for documentation. Here's what you need to know: 1. Yes, you absolutely must submit those verification documents even though you received the card. Think of it as a "good faith" approval that requires follow-up. 2. You typically have 10 days from when they requested the documents to submit them before risking discontinuance. 3. The UIB mention is simply the worker noting that your husband might qualify for unemployment. This is a separate program through EDD (Employment Development Department), not CalFresh. 4. Make sure you're set up for your first SAR7 (Semi-Annual Report) which will be due 6 months from approval. Mark this deadline on your calendar! If you're having trouble reaching someone at the county to confirm what you need to submit, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to a live person at the county office without the endless hold times. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. I've recommended it to several clients who needed urgent clarification on their CalFresh cases.

You're actually REALLY lucky! My application was pending for almost 2 months and they kept asking for more and more documents. First paystubs, then lease, then ID verification, then bank statements!!! It was so frustrating I almost gave up. Definitely send in those forms though. I made the mistake of thinking I was all set once and got cut off without warning. Then had to start the whole application over again which was a NIGHTMARE with three kids to feed.

Dont trust them AT ALL!!! They did this to me too and then claimed I never submitted my docs even though I HAD PROOF i uploaded them!!! Take screenshots of EVERYTHING and write down the confirmation numbers when you upload. The system is designed to trip you up and cut benefits whenever possible.

To directly answer your questions: 1. You should definitely submit the verification documents they requested, even though you received the EBT card. CalFresh regulations allow counties to issue benefits based on your statements during the interview, but they still need verification documents to continue your benefits beyond the first month or two. 2. The best way to submit your paystubs is through BenefitsCal.com - log in to your account, go to "My Benefits" and then you should see an option to "Submit Verification" or something similar. Upload clear photos or scans of your paystubs. 3. About the UIB mention - this is simply informational. The CalFresh worker noticed your husband is unemployed and is letting you know he might qualify for Unemployment Insurance Benefits. This is handled through EDD (Employment Development Department), not CalFresh. He can apply at edd.ca.gov if he lost his job through no fault of his own. 4. Your benefit amount of $530 for a family of 3 with one income seems in the expected range for 2025, especially if you have significant housing costs or childcare expenses that were reported during your interview. Make sure you keep track of your Semi-Annual Report (SAR7) due date, which will be approximately 6 months from approval. This is absolutely critical to continue receiving benefits.