One more thing that might help you: after you submit your CalFresh application, you'll have an interview with an eligibility worker. During this interview, make sure to clearly explain your current situation - that you recently separated, your child's father doesn't live with you, and you're applying for CalFresh only. This will help ensure your case is processed correctly. For verification, they'll likely ask for something showing your current address (lease, utility bill) and possibly something documenting the separation if it's available. If you don't have formal separation documents, don't worry - a statement explaining your situation is usually sufficient for CalFresh purposes. The important thing is to be clear and consistent about your household composition.

Just wanted to add my experience - I was in almost the exact same situation 6 months ago. Separated from my daughter's dad and was worried about applying for CalFresh because I didn't want to mess up our co-parenting situation. Everyone here is right - CalFresh won't trigger child support enforcement at all. I've been getting benefits for 5 months now and my ex has never been contacted by anyone. The key things that helped me: 1) Only checked the CalFresh box on BenefitsCal, 2) Listed just me and my daughter as household members, 3) In the "other income" section I mentioned that her dad sometimes helps with expenses but made it clear he doesn't live with us. The eligibility worker was totally understanding during my phone interview and didn't ask any invasive questions about our relationship. My benefits were approved within 2 weeks and it's been a huge help with groceries. Don't let fear of child support issues stop you from getting the food assistance you and your son need!

I just saw your reply about CalWORKs eligibility. Even with your partner working, you might still qualify for some cash assistance through CalWORKs - especially if you're unemployed with two young children. The income limits are higher than many people realize. For San Bernardino County, a family of 4 can have income up to about $3,800/month (after certain deductions) and still potentially qualify for some level of cash assistance in 2025. What's nice is that once you're approved for CalWORKs (even a small amount), you typically get a higher CalFresh allotment automatically. Also, CalWORKs provides access to other benefits like: - Childcare assistance while you look for work or attend school/training - Medi-Cal coverage if you don't already have it - Job training and employment services - Diaper stipend for children under age 3 Definitely worth applying! Just be aware that unlike CalFresh, CalWORKs does have work requirements for adults (WTW - Welfare to Work), though you might qualify for an exemption with a 3-month-old.

I'm in a similar situation in LA County with a family of 3 and got around $120/month, so your $89 for a family of 4 does seem unusually low. A few things that helped me increase my benefits: 1. Make sure they're using your NET income, not gross - some workers accidentally use the wrong number 2. Report ALL your housing costs including utilities separately if you pay them 3. The childcare deduction you mentioned ($320) should definitely increase your benefits significantly 4. If you're breastfeeding, there might be additional deductions available One thing that caught my attention - you said your partner brings home $1500 twice a month "before taxes." Are you reporting $3000 as your gross income or net? Because if that $3000 is actually gross income, your net (after taxes and deductions) might be closer to $2400-2500, which would qualify you for more benefits. Also, since you have a newborn, you're in what they call the "immediate need" category, so they should be prioritizing your case if you need to make changes. Don't hesitate to push for a supervisor if the first worker isn't helpful!

so glad u got it fixed!!! make sure u get it ALL in writing tho. i've had verbal promises from workers before that never happened. ask them to mail or email u confirmation of everything they're fixing!!

That's great news that you got it sorted out! Just wanted to add - if you don't receive that Notice of Action within a week, definitely follow up. Sometimes the system glitches and doesn't generate the paperwork even when workers say they've made the changes. Also, since you mentioned Regina wasn't helpful before, you might want to ask if you can be assigned to the worker who actually helped you fix everything. You have the right to request a specific caseworker if one has been more responsive to your needs. The $380 CalFresh amount sounds about right for your situation once they're calculating it correctly. Make sure they're also applying the excess shelter deduction for your high housing costs - that can make a big difference in the monthly amount.

Thank you everyone for the helpful information! I feel so much better knowing I only need 20 hours and that my current job already covers that. I'm going to gather all my recent paystubs and make copies just to be prepared. I'll definitely ask about the childcare assistance too - that would be a huge help since my mom is getting tired of watching my daughter so often. I really appreciate all of you taking the time to explain everything!

Hey Norman! I just wanted to add that you should also ask about the "good cause" policy during your WTW appointment. If you ever have issues with your work schedule (like if Target reduces your hours or you get sick), you can report "good cause" to temporarily adjust your requirements without losing benefits. Also, since you're already working, you might qualify for the Earned Income Disregard which lets you keep more of your CalWORKs cash aid even while working. Make sure to ask about both of these - a lot of people don't know about them but they can really help!

Thanks everyone for the advice! I called the county today using that Claimyr service and actually got through! The worker said I need to submit verification for my boyfriend and his kids (birth certificates, social, ID) and come in for an appointment. She said his kids can be added but he'll be considered non-needy since he's not the dad of my kids. She also said I should apply for emergency CalFresh since we have more mouths to feed now. I'm going to my appointment next week!

That's awesome that you got through and have an appointment set up! Just wanted to add a couple things that might help when you go in: 1. Bring multiple forms of address verification for everyone (utility bills, lease agreement, school enrollment records if the kids are in school) since proving they all live with you is super important. 2. Ask specifically about the Emergency Aid program while you're there - it can provide immediate help with things like deposits or moving expenses since you just had people move in. 3. Make sure to ask about the timeline for when the benefits would start if his kids get approved. Sometimes there's a delay and knowing when to expect changes helps with budgeting. 4. If any of his kids have special needs or medical conditions, mention that too as it might qualify you for additional support programs. The fact that you reported it right away and are being proactive about getting everything documented properly will definitely work in your favor. Hope your appointment goes smoothly!