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Ravi Malhotra

Where to do my 2025 CalFresh recertification online? BenefitsCal not working

My recertification deadline is coming up next month and I'm totally confused about which website to use. I used to do it through C4Yourself but then they switched everything over. Now I'm getting a letter saying I need to complete my recertification by May 15th or my benefits will stop. Is it BenefitsCal? When I tried to login there it kept giving me some error about my account information. Do I need to create a new account? Or is there a different website? The paper letter mentions some portal but doesn't actually say the website address! So frustrating. Anyone done their recert recently? Thanks in advance!

Yes, it's BenefitsCal.com - that's the current online portal for all CalFresh recertifications in California. The old C4Yourself and YourBenefitsNow systems were all migrated over to BenefitsCal. If you're getting an error when trying to log in, you might need to set up a new account even if you had one on the old system. Make sure you have your case number handy from your recertification letter when creating the account. Also, double-check you're using your current email - if your email changed since your initial application that could be causing the error.

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Thank you! Ok I'll try again with my case number. I did create an account last year I think but maybe it got deactivated or something? I'll try the forgot password option first.

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benefitscal is right but that site is ALWAYS having issues!!! been using it since 2023 and its constantly down for "maintenance" especially on weekends when people actually have time to do this stuff. so annoying!

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This is actually a really good point. If you're getting close to your deadline (May 15th), don't wait until the last minute to try completing the recertification online. The BenefitsCal system does undergo regular maintenance, usually announced on their homepage, but sometimes unexpected outages happen too. If you're within a week of your deadline and still having technical issues, call your county office directly to ask about alternatives like completing it by phone or requesting a paper form.

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i had this SAME PROBLEM last month!!! the site kept saying my info was wrong but i KNEW it was right. turns out i needed to use my full legal name exactly as it appears on my calfresh account (with middle initial and everything) not just what i usually go by. try that maybe?

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Omg that might be it! On my mail it has my middle name but I never use it for anything. I'll try logging in with my full name. Thanks for the tip!

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If BenefitsCal continues giving you problems, I'd highly recommend trying Claimyr to get through to an actual CalFresh worker by phone. After spending hours trying to fix my online account issues, I used Claimyr and they got me connected to a real person at my county office in under 10 minutes who helped me complete my recertification by phone. It saved me so much stress with my deadline approaching. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 and their website is claimyr.com. Way better than waiting on hold for hours or dealing with website glitches.

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does that actually work? i tried calling my county office last recert and was on hold for like 2 hours before i gave up and just kept trying the website

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Yes, it definitely works. I was skeptical too after spending so much time on hold before, but they have some kind of system that waits on hold for you and then calls you when they reach a real person. Saved me a ton of time and stress.

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Im going thru recert right now and yes BenefitsCal.com is correct. But also check your mail carefully! I almost missed that they wanted additional verification documents even after I submitted my recertification application online. They sent me a separate notice 5 days later asking for pay stubs and my lease. If I hadn't uploaded those additional docs they would have discontinued my benefits even though I did the recertification form on time.

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That's super helpful, thank you! I'll keep an eye out for any follow-up mail. The whole process is so confusing sometimes.

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sometimes u gotta clear ur cookies and cache in ur browser if the website keeps giving errors. worked for me when i couldnt log in last month

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One important thing to note about the recertification process: When you complete it on BenefitsCal, make sure you go all the way through to the end until you see a confirmation number. Many people think they've completed their recertification but actually just saved a partial application. After submission, you should receive both an on-screen confirmation number AND an email confirmation. Print or screenshot the confirmation page as proof of completion. Also, the system will prompt you to upload any required verification documents during the process. Common documents needed for recertification include: • Recent pay stubs (last 30 days) • Utility bills (if you claim the utility deduction) • Rent/mortgage documentation • Any changes in household composition If you're still having technical issues and your deadline is approaching, you can also request a paper SAR 7 or recertification form by calling your county office.

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Thank you for such detailed info! I didn't know about the confirmation number - that's really good to know. I'll make sure I have all my documents ready before I start the process.

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also dont 4get that u need to do the SAR7 every 6 months AND the recertification once a year... they're different forms and ppl get confused all the time

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Great point about the difference between SAR 7 and recertification! The Semi-Annual Report (SAR 7) is due in the 6th month of your certification period to report any changes in your household, income, or expenses. The Recertification is the full application renewal that happens once every 12 months. Both are required to keep your benefits going. You can complete both online through BenefitsCal now.

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Just wanted to add that if you're still having trouble with BenefitsCal after trying all these suggestions, you can also visit your local county social services office in person. I know it's not as convenient as doing it online, but when I was having persistent login issues last year, I went in person with my recertification letter and they were able to help me complete it right there. They have computers you can use and staff who can walk you through the process if needed. You can find your local office location on the county website or by calling 211. Don't let the website issues cause you to miss your deadline - there are always backup options available!

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