Riverside County CalFresh office claiming 'understaffing' caused my application to stall after interview - no benefits issued!

Unfortunately, this is happening a lot in several counties, not just Riverside. By law, they're supposed to process applications within 30 days of submission (or 3 days if you qualify for expedited service). Since you've already had your interview, you should be close to that 30-day mark. Call the main CalFresh customer service line (not your county office) at 1-877-847-3663 and specifically ask about your 'right to expedited service' and mention that you're experiencing a 'food emergency.' Also ask if they can submit an 'escalation request' to the county. Document everything - who you talked to, what time, what they said.

the same thing happened to my sister last month in riverside. they told her the same thing but then she called her assembly persons office and filed a complaint and MAGICALLY her case was processed the next day. try that!!

I've been dealing with CalFresh for over 5 years now, and this 'understaffing' excuse is just their way of avoiding accountability. You need to file a formal complaint AND request a 'state hearing' - you have the right to both. For the state hearing, call 1-800-952-5253. The second you request a hearing, they usually process your case because they don't want to deal with the state investigation. Also, request 'retroactive benefits' from the date you first applied. Don't let them off the hook - they're required by federal law to process your application within 30 days. Period.

have you tried going IN PERSON to the office?? sometimes thats the only way to get them to do anything. bring all your documents and ask to speak to a supervisor not just a regular worker

I had a super similar issue with San Bernardino County last month. Called and called and kept getting the runaround about being understaffed. I finally tried Claimyr.com which got me through to an actual eligibility worker in like 15 minutes. It cost a few bucks but was worth it to actually talk to someone who could help instead of waiting on hold forever or being disconnected. There's a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. The worker told me they prioritize cases when people actually reach them on the phone (which is messed up but whatever works I guess).

Listen, instead of waiting for them to get to your case, you need to MAKE them get to your case. The squeaky wheel gets the grease in this system. Every single morning at 8:00 AM when they open, call them. Every. Single. Morning. Eventually, someone will get annoyed enough to just process your case to stop you from calling. Also, if you have ANY changes (even tiny ones like a $5 change in rent), report it through BenefitsCal - this sometimes triggers them to look at your case. The system is BROKEN and you have to work it to get what you legally deserve.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - check with local food banks in the meantime. If you're in Riverside County, try Feeding America Riverside|San Bernardino at (951) 359-4757. They can connect you with emergency food assistance while you're sorting out the CalFresh issues. Don't let your kids go hungry while dealing with bureaucracy. Also, most school districts in Riverside County have summer meal programs that provide free breakfast and lunch to anyone under 18, no questions asked about income or residency.

I work as a benefits counselor (not for the county), and I'm seeing this issue CONSTANTLY in 2025. The reality is that county offices lost a lot of staff after COVID and never fully recovered. That said, you still have rights. Here's what you should do: 1. Request expedited service if your household income is very low compared to your rent/utilities (sounds like you qualify) 2. Call the county AND submit a message through BenefitsCal specifying that you're facing a food emergency 3. If no response in 2 business days, contact your county Board of Supervisors office 4. You can also file a formal Civil Rights complaint if you believe the delay is discriminatory in any way Remember that when your benefits are eventually approved, they should be backdated to your application date. Make sure they don't just start from the approval date.

Quick update? Did you get anywhere with this? I'm curious because I'm having the exact same issue but with Alameda County and wondering if any of these strategies actually worked for you.