Will CalFresh and cash aid continue after moving without reporting my new housing? Homeless to housed question

You need to report your change in housing situation ASAP. In California, housing changes must be reported within 10 days. The good news is that just getting housing doesn't automatically disqualify you from CalFresh or CalWORKs (cash aid). Your benefits might change depending on your new housing costs, but as long as your income is still under the eligibility threshold, you should still receive something. Call your county worker or report the change through BenefitsCal online. You'll likely need to provide your new rental agreement and updated expenses. Better to report it yourself than have them find out another way, which could lead to an overpayment situation.

I went thru this last summer!! Went from living in my car to a room rental. I didn't report it for like 3 weeks cuz I was scared they'd cut me off completely. When I finally told my worker, they actually INCREASED my calfresh cuz I now had cooking facilities and shelter expenses. My cash aid went down a bit but not by much. They just asked for my rental agreement and did a recalculation. definitely report it becuz they can hit u with an overpayment later if u don't!!!

Congratulations on finding housing! That's a huge step. You absolutely need to report this change - it's required for both CalFresh and CalWORKs/cash aid. Here's what will happen: 1. Your CalFresh might actually increase since you now have shelter costs to factor in 2. Your cash aid will be recalculated based on your new situation 3. You'll need to verify your new address with a lease/rental agreement 4. Your worker will update your Semi-Annual Report (SAR7) information As long as you're still within the income limits and meet other eligibility requirements, you should continue receiving benefits. For a single person working part-time, you're likely still well within the income thresholds for 2025.

they will prob make u do a hole new application bc thats what they did to me. its so annoying the system is messed up. i waited 3 hrs at the office and they still didnt help me right. good luck

Try calling first thing in the morning! I always have better luck getting through to my worker before 9am. They always ask for proof of rent and all that so have your lease ready.

It's important to understand that homelessness exempts you from certain requirements, but once housed, those requirements apply again. That said, here's what you need to know: 1. For CalFresh, having housing expenses (rent, utilities) can actually INCREASE your benefit amount through the shelter deduction. With your $1,250 rent, you'll likely qualify for the maximum shelter deduction, which could mean more benefits, not less. 2. For CalWORKs (cash aid), your grant amount may change based on your new housing situation. They'll recalculate using your rent costs. 3. You must report this change within 10 days. Since you're at 8 days, you're still within the reporting timeframe, so report it tomorrow. 4. Be sure to keep documentation showing when you moved in, as that establishes you're reporting within the required timeframe.

Also, make sure to report ALL your utility expenses when you update your housing information. If you pay for heat, electricity, water, garbage, or phone service separately from your rent, make sure to tell your worker about ALL of these costs. In many cases, you can get the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) added to your CalFresh calculation if you pay for heating or cooling, which can significantly increase your benefit amount.

Congrats on getting housed! That's amazing after 8 months on the streets. Just want to add that when you call to report the change, ask your worker about the Homeless Shelter Deduction if you qualify. Since you were recently homeless, you might be eligible for certain transitional benefits or expedited processing. Also, if you have any moving expenses or security deposit costs, keep those receipts - sometimes they can help with your case. The fact that you're working part-time actually helps show you're making efforts toward self-sufficiency, which workers generally view positively. Don't stress too much - the system is designed to help people transition from homelessness to stable housing, not penalize them for it!