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.

Good luck with your application! Just wanted to add one more tip - if you're in a real bind for food right now while waiting for your CalFresh approval, many counties have emergency food assistance programs that can help immediately. Also check if there are any local food banks or churches in your area that do weekly food distributions. Some don't even require paperwork, just show up. It can really help bridge the gap while you're waiting for your benefits to get processed. Stay strong, you're doing the right thing by applying for help when you need it!

Hi Oliver! I'm a case worker who helps people navigate these programs every day, and I want to reassure you that you're absolutely on the right track. Your EDD income of $385/week will NOT disqualify you from CalFresh or CalWORKs - especially with children in your household. Here's what you need to know: - CalFresh IS the same as food stamps/EBT. CalFresh is California's name for the program, EBT is just the card system. - With your income level and kids, you'll very likely qualify for both CalFresh and CalWORKs cash aid - Apply through BenefitsCal.com - one application covers both programs - Check the "expedited service" box since you have children and limited income. This can get your CalFresh processed in 3 days instead of 30. For a household of 3 with your income, you could receive around $200-400/month in CalFresh benefits plus some CalWORKs cash aid. The exact amounts depend on your rent and other expenses. Don't feel bad about needing help - this is exactly what these programs are designed for. You're working with EDD to find employment while ensuring your kids are fed. That's responsible parenting! Apply as soon as possible and feel free to call your county office if you need help with the application.

Hey Oliver! I went through this exact same situation last year when I lost my warehouse job. I was getting around $400/week from EDD and was so worried that it would disqualify me from getting any food assistance, but I'm so glad I applied anyway! You can absolutely get CalFresh while receiving EDD benefits. Yes, the unemployment counts as income, but with kids in your household, you'll very likely still qualify for benefits - they just calculate how much based on your total income and expenses. I ended up getting about $275/month in CalFresh benefits for me and my son, which was honestly a lifesaver. And yes, CalFresh is the same thing as food stamps/EBT. CalFresh is just California's name for the SNAP program, and EBT is the electronic card they give you to access your benefits. Here's what I wish someone had told me when I was in your shoes: 1. Apply for BOTH CalFresh AND CalWORKs (cash aid) at the same time on BenefitsCal.com - it's one application 2. Definitely check the "expedited service" box since you have kids and limited income 3. Have all your documents ready to upload: EDD award letter, rent receipts, utility bills, etc. 4. Start keeping track of your EDD payment dates and amounts RIGHT NOW - you'll need this for reporting later The whole process was way less scary than I thought it would be. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for getting help - this is exactly what these programs are designed for. You're being responsible by making sure your kids are taken care of while you're between jobs. Good luck with your application!

Hey Oliver! I just wanted to add another perspective as someone who's been through this process recently. I lost my job at a logistics company about 4 months ago and was getting $380/week from EDD - sounds very similar to your situation! The good news is that yes, you can absolutely get CalFresh while receiving unemployment benefits. The EDD income does count toward your total household income, but with kids, the income limits are much higher. I ended up qualifying for about $290/month in CalFresh benefits for me and my daughter, which honestly made groceries so much less stressful. A couple things that really helped me during the application: - Apply online through BenefitsCal.com but also call your county office 2-3 days later to make sure they received everything properly - If you qualify for CalWORKs cash aid, you'll automatically get the maximum CalFresh amount for your household size, which can be really helpful - Keep copies of everything - your EDD award letter, bank statements showing EDD deposits, rent receipts, utility bills One thing I wish I'd known earlier - if money is really tight right now while you wait for approval, look into your local food pantries and churches. Many have weekly food distributions that don't require any paperwork and can really help bridge the gap. You're absolutely doing the right thing applying for help. These programs exist for exactly this situation - when you're between jobs and need support to keep your family stable. Good luck with your application!

Hey Oliver! I'm so glad you reached out for help - that takes courage, and you're absolutely doing the right thing for your family. I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when I lost my job at a packaging facility and was getting $375/week from EDD. The short answer is YES - you can definitely get CalFresh while receiving unemployment! Your EDD income does count, but with kids in your household, the income limits are much higher than you might think. I ended up getting about $340/month in CalFresh benefits for me and my two kids, which was honestly a game-changer for our grocery budget. A few quick tips based on my experience: 1. Apply for BOTH CalFresh AND CalWORKs on BenefitsCal.com - it's one application for both programs 2. Definitely check the "expedited service" box since you have limited income and children 3. CalFresh IS the same as food stamps/EBT - CalFresh is just California's name for it 4. Start keeping detailed records of your EDD payments NOW (dates and amounts) - you'll need this for future reporting Your $385/week with kids should absolutely qualify you for assistance. Don't let anyone make you feel bad about needing help - these programs exist for exactly this situation. You're being a responsible parent by making sure your kids are fed while you get back on your feet. Apply as soon as you can, and feel free to ask if you have more questions. We're all rooting for you!

Hi Oliver! I'm a case manager who works with families transitioning between jobs, and I want to reassure you that you're absolutely making the smart choice by applying for benefits. Your $385/week from EDD definitely won't disqualify you from CalFresh or CalWORKs - especially with children. Here's what you need to know: - Yes, EDD unemployment counts as income, but the income limits for families are much higher than most people realize - CalFresh IS food stamps - it's just California's name for the program. EBT is the card system. - With your income level and kids, you'll very likely qualify for both CalFresh AND CalWORKs cash assistance For a family of 3 with your income, you could receive $250-350/month in CalFresh benefits plus some CalWORKs cash aid to help with other expenses. Apply through BenefitsCal.com and definitely check "expedited service" - with children and limited income, you could get CalFresh approved within 3-7 days instead of waiting 30 days. Pro tip: Have all your documents ready before starting the application (EDD award letter, rent receipts, utility bills, etc.) and create a simple tracking system for your EDD payments from day one. This will save you headaches later when you need to do income reporting. You're being a responsible parent by ensuring your family has what they need during this transition. That's exactly what these programs are designed for!

Hey Oliver! I just wanted to jump in and say you're absolutely doing the right thing by reaching out for help. I went through this exact same situation about 9 months ago when I lost my job at a warehouse and was getting around $370/week from EDD. The great news is that yes, you can definitely get CalFresh (which is the same as food stamps/EBT - just California's name for it) while receiving unemployment benefits. Your EDD income does count, but with kids in your household, the income limits are much higher than you might think. I ended up getting approved for both CalFresh and CalWORKs even with my unemployment income. The CalFresh gave me about $295/month for groceries for me and my son, and the CalWORKs cash aid helped with utilities and other expenses that unemployment wasn't covering. It's not luxury living, but it gave me enough breathing room to actually focus on job hunting instead of constantly stressing about whether I could afford groceries that week. My biggest advice: apply for BOTH programs on BenefitsCal.com (it's one application), definitely check the "expedited service" box since you have kids and limited income, and start keeping track of your EDD payment dates and amounts RIGHT NOW. You'll need that info for reporting later and it'll save you headaches down the road. With your $385/week and kids, you should absolutely qualify for assistance. These programs exist for exactly this situation - helping families stay stable while getting back on their feet. You've got this!