Can I get CalFresh/EBT while receiving EDD unemployment benefits? Confused about income rules

EDD unemployment benefits DO count as income for CalFresh (what most people call food stamps or EBT), but that doesn't automatically disqualify you! CalFresh eligibility depends on your household size, expenses, and total income. With kids, you might still qualify even with your unemployment. CalFresh is the program, and EBT is just the card they give you to access the benefits. The EBT card can also be used for CalWORKs Cash Aid if you qualify for that too. You should definitely apply! A family of 3 can make up to about $3,000/month gross and still qualify for some CalFresh benefits. Your rent and childcare expenses are deductions that can help you qualify for more. The application is the same one you'd use for CalWORKs (cash aid).

my cousin got EDD and calfresh at same time last yr. she got less food stamps cuz of the uneployment $ but still got like $400 for her n her 2 kids. better than nothing right

You should definitely apply for CalFresh AND CalWORKs (cash aid). With children and limited income from unemployment, you likely qualify for both programs. Here's what you need to know: 1. Yes, EDD counts as income for both programs, but with children, you still have good chances of qualifying. 2. CalFresh is the program name in California for what people call food stamps. EBT is just the card payment system. 3. Apply through BenefitsCal.com - it's one application for both programs. 4. For a faster response, call your county office directly after applying. They're required to process CalFresh applications within 30 days, but can expedite in emergencies. Based on what you've shared, you might qualify for: - CalFresh (food benefits) - CalWORKs (cash aid) - Medi-Cal (if you don't already have it) Make sure to request expedited service on your application if your income is very low right now!

when i got laid off i applied for eveything at once on benefitscal. took like 30 min. got calfresh in like 10 days but calworks took longer cuz they need more verification stuff. but OMG the phone system to reach a worker was HORRIBLE!! kept getting disconnected after waiting forrever

To answer your follow-up question - yes, CalWORKs does have work requirements called Welfare to Work (WTW). But it's different from EDD: 1. When you first apply, you'll be exempt from WTW requirements for the first 30 days while they process your application. 2. After approval, you'll need to participate in WTW activities (job search, training, education, etc.) for a certain number of hours per week based on your family situation. 3. Looking for work for your EDD requirements CAN count toward your WTW hours too - you just need to document it properly. 4. If your children are under 6, you have reduced hour requirements (20 hours vs 30 for those with older children). Make sure to attend your CalWORKs orientation (usually scheduled after approval) where they'll explain everything in detail!

Just be careful about reporting your EDD income correctly on your SAR7 forms once you're approved for benefits!! My sister got hit with an overpayment because she didn't report her unemployment correctly and had to pay back like $800 in CalFresh benefits. The reporting requirements are SUPER confusing and the workers all tell you different things. MAKE SURE to keep all your EDD payment stubs and report the income in the month you RECEIVE it, not when you certify for it on EDD.

Yes, exactly! For CalFresh and CalWORKs, you report income in the month you RECEIVE it, regardless of when you earned it or certified for it. Here's a simple system to stay organized: 1. Create a folder (physical or digital) just for your benefits paperwork 2. Screenshot or save every EDD payment confirmation 3. Write down the exact dates you receive payments 4. When you get your SAR7 form (Semi-Annual Report), report ALL income received in the report month 5. If your income changes by more than the Income Reporting Threshold (IRT) listed on your approval notice, report it within 10 days Most CalWORKs/CalFresh overpayments happen because of income reporting errors. The system isn't very forgiving even when it's an honest mistake.