CalFresh keeps rejecting me - office visits getting me nowhere

same thing happen to me last year they kept saying i didnt submit my ID but i did like 3 times. so annoying

I know exactly how frustrating this can be. The CalFresh application process can be confusing, but here's what you need to do: 1. First, make sure you're applying for the right program. CalFresh is food assistance (used to be called food stamps), but your post is in the CalWORKs section which is cash aid. They're different programs with different requirements. 2. For CalFresh, you need to complete an interview after applying. If they didn't call you, you need to call them. Each county has different procedures. 3. Bring ALL these documents with you next time: - ID for everyone in household - Social Security numbers - Proof of income (paystubs, benefits letters) - Housing costs (rent/mortgage receipts, utility bills) - Childcare expenses if applicable 4. Ask specifically for a supervisor if you're getting different answers each time. I've been through this and eventually got approved. Persistence is key!

U should try calling the main CalFresh number not just going to the office. The ppl at the office sometimes dont know what theyre doing tbh. Call and ask for a supervisor right away dont waste time with the first person who answers.

I'm an eligibility worker (not for your county, but the rules are similar statewide). Here's what's probably happening: 1. CalFresh and CalWORKs are separate programs, though you can apply for both at once through BenefitsCal. Each has different verification requirements. 2. For CalFresh, the most common reasons for delay/denial are: - Missing or incomplete interview (this is REQUIRED and cannot be waived) - Verification issues (income proof, household composition, expenses) - Resources over the limit (for some households) 3. At this point, I suggest: - Call the main number and specifically request an interview appointment for CalFresh - Ask them to send you a list IN WRITING of all documents you need to provide - Request a supervisor if you get conflicting information - Document every contact (date, time, who you spoke with) If you're eligible, they MUST process your application within 30 days of a complete submission. If they fail to do this, you can request a fair hearing.

OMG the county offices are THE WORST!!! I applied for CalFresh in January and didn't get approved until APRIL because they kept "losing" my documents or claiming I missed interviews that were never scheduled!!! The system is DESIGNED to make you give up!!! Don't let them win! Keep calling EVERYDAY until someone helps you. And DEMAND to speak to supervisors when the regular workers give you the runaround!!!

To answer your follow-up question - yes, you can apply for both CalFresh and CalWORKs with one application on BenefitsCal. The website should show your application status, but sometimes it doesn't update properly. Regarding checking status online - it varies by county. Some counties have better online systems than others. If BenefitsCal isn't showing your status correctly, you'll need to call. One more thing: when you call, make sure to ask about expedited CalFresh. If your income is very low and your rent/utilities are high compared to your income, you might qualify for expedited service, which means they must provide benefits within 3 working days. Many workers don't check for this unless you specifically ask.

With those numbers, you likely qualify for expedited service! The general rule is if your monthly income is less than $150 and resources less than $100, OR if your housing costs are more than your income and resources combined. Your rent alone is almost your entire income, so you should definitely qualify for expedited CalFresh. For CalWORKs, the income limits are different, but as a single parent working part-time, you're likely eligible. With CalWORKs, you'll also need to participate in Welfare to Work activities unless you qualify for an exemption. One last tip: when you call, immediately ask for an Eligibility Worker specific to the program you're applying for. The general reception staff often don't have program-specific knowledge. And be sure to write down the name of everyone you speak with.

Update: I called this morning and spoke to an actual eligibility worker! She confirmed that my application was still active but "pending verification." Apparently they mailed me a list of required documents THREE TIMES but sent it to my old address even though I updated my address in the system. She resent the verification checklist to my correct address and scheduled a phone interview for next Wednesday. She also said I should qualify for expedited CalFresh and they'll process that right after the interview if I bring all the documents to the office the same day. Thanks everyone for your help!

Just to add - if you have trouble reaching someone by phone again (like if they don't call at your scheduled interview time), that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier can help. I missed my interview because my phone didn't ring, but when I called back I couldn't get through. Claimyr got me connected in about 20 minutes when I had been trying for hours on my own. The website explains everything: claimyr.com

Amy, I'm so glad you finally got through to someone who could help! Your experience is unfortunately way too common - the address mix-up alone shows how broken the system can be. For anyone else reading this thread who might be dealing with similar issues, I want to add a few things: 1. ALWAYS confirm your address is correct in their system every time you call or visit. Ask them to read it back to you. 2. If you're not getting mail from them, check with neighbors or your old address if possible - sometimes mail gets delivered to the wrong place. 3. Keep a folder with copies of EVERYTHING you submit. Take photos of documents before you hand them over at the office. 4. If you qualify for expedited CalFresh, they're supposed to give you an EBT card within 3 business days. Don't let them tell you it takes longer. Really hoping your interview goes smoothly next week! The fact that you got an actual eligibility worker who scheduled everything properly is a huge step forward. Good luck!