Hey! I went through something really similar last year with CalFresh overpayment collections. Those letters are super scary but they're mostly automated - the collection system and benefits system don't talk to each other at all. One thing that really helped me was keeping a simple spreadsheet tracking my EBT statements each month to make sure the $60 reduction was actually happening. Screenshot your benefit amount before and after each month if you can. Also, if you reported your income through BenefitsCal, there should be a timestamp on your submission. You might be able to log in and check your message history to see the exact date you reported. If it was within 10 days like the rules require, definitely fight the overpayment amount. The letters will probably keep coming for a few more months unfortunately, but as long as your benefits are being reduced each month you're doing everything right. Just keep all the paperwork together in case you need it later!

I'm dealing with something very similar right now! Got my first collection letter last week even though they've been reducing my CalFresh by $45/month since December. It's such a relief to read all these responses and know this is normal (even if it's frustrating). One thing I learned from calling the county's main number is that you can request a "payment history statement" that shows all the benefit reductions they've taken so far. They told me to send a written request with my case number and they'll mail it back within 10 business days. Might be worth trying since phone calls aren't working. Also wanted to mention - if you're getting collection letters that mention both CalWORKs and CalFresh like some people mentioned, definitely double-check that with someone. My cousin had an issue where they were accidentally collecting for the wrong program and it took months to sort out. Stay strong - sounds like you're doing everything right! The system is just really bad at communicating between departments.

I'm a former eligibility worker, and I can confirm that having no income will NOT disqualify you from CalWORKs or CalFresh. In fact, it will likely maximize your benefit amounts. Here's what you should do with your SAR 7: 1. Complete every section accurately 2. In the income section, clearly write that you lost your job and were denied unemployment benefits 3. Attach any proof of your job loss (termination letter, final paystub) 4. Include the EDD denial letter if possible 5. If you have any expenses like rent or utilities, report those as well Regarding your 3-year-old: make sure to ask about childcare assistance through CalWORKs. You can get help with childcare costs while you look for work or participate in approved WTW activities. Also request the diaper supplement if you haven't already. Don't wait until the deadline to submit your SAR 7. Get it in early so if there are any issues, you have time to correct them before the end of the month.

Just wanted to add that you should also look into your local food banks and WIC program while you're getting everything sorted out. Many food banks don't require any paperwork and can help supplement your CalFresh benefits, especially with fresh produce and baby items. WIC is specifically for women with children under 5, so your 3-year-old would qualify, and it provides additional food assistance plus nutrition education. You can usually apply for WIC at your local health department or community center. It's completely separate from CalFresh so you can receive both. Also, if you're struggling with utilities, ask about LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) - they can help with electric and gas bills. Hang in there, mama. You're doing everything right by staying on top of your paperwork and asking the right questions.

my aunt was in a situation kinda like urs and she got approved for CalFresh in like a week cause she had zero income. they can do emergency approval when ur in crisis. dont wait!!!

Just wanted to add - when you apply for CalFresh, make sure to mention that you're dealing with a medical condition that prevents you from working. This can help you get an exemption from any work requirements they might try to impose later. Also, since you have zero income and are struggling with food, you should definitely qualify for expedited CalFresh benefits (within 3 days) if you have less than $100 in cash/bank accounts. For your nephews - even though they're full-time students, they might still be eligible for CalFresh if they work at least 20 hours per week, participate in work-study, or meet other student exemptions. Have them check if their school has any programs that could help with their eligibility. Don't give up on the application process this time - you really need and deserve this help while you're dealing with your health issues!

One more tip - if you do end up going over your IRT during the month, you have 10 calendar days from when you receive the income (not from when you get paid) to report it. So if you get your paycheck on Friday but it covers work from earlier in the month, the 10 days starts from when you actually received the check. You can report online through BenefitsCal, by phone, or in person. I always recommend getting some kind of confirmation when you report - like a screenshot if you do it online or asking for a receipt if you go in person. That way you have proof you reported on time if there's ever a question later.

I just went through this same situation a few months ago! The stress of not knowing the exact IRT amount is real. One thing that helped me was calling first thing in the morning right when the county office opens - I had better luck getting through then rather than calling during busy afternoon hours. Also, if you have your case number handy, sometimes the automated phone system will let you hear some basic case information including benefit amounts, which might include your IRT. It's worth trying before waiting on hold forever. And definitely keep documenting everything - dates you tried to call, any confirmation numbers if you report income, etc. The system can be overwhelming but you're being responsible by asking these questions upfront!

I know this probably isn't what you want to hear right now, but even if the EBT customer service can unfreeze your card, I'd strongly recommend requesting an Emergency Draw from your county office if your rent is due in 2 days. If there's any kind of delay in resolving this, you don't want to risk being late on rent. You can request an emergency payment sometimes even if it's a card issue. Bring ID and your rental agreement to the office. Also, check your mail VERY carefully - they're required to send written notice before stopping benefits, but sometimes these notices look very generic and people throw them away thinking they're just regular correspondence. Look for anything from the county in the last 30 days.

UPDATE: I called the EBT customer service number and they said my card was frozen because of "suspicious activity" - probably because I tried multiple ATMs. They unfroze it and I was able to withdraw my money! Thank you everyone for your help. Definitely learned my lesson about not trying too many ATMs in a row. What a relief!