UPDATE: I got through on the phone finally! The Sacramento office is open normal hours today. I uploaded my pay stubs through BenefitsCal as suggested and also called to confirm they got them. The worker said my benefits should continue without interruption as long as my income is within the limits. Thanks everyone for your help!

Im glad u got it figured out! Quick tip for next time - if u ever get those verification notices, respond RIGHT AWAY even if u dont have all the documents yet. U can submit a note saying u need more time to get the documents and they usually will extend the deadline. I learned this from my worker after the 3rd time i almost lost benefits lol. Also i keep a calendar with all my SAR7 and recert deadlines marked so i never miss them. This system makes it so hard to keep benefits sometimes!!

I'm so sorry your daughter is dealing with this! As someone who recently went through a similar CalFresh issue, I can tell you that documentation is absolutely key. When I had my benefits incorrectly reduced, I had to provide: 1. Bank statements showing the mortgage payments coming from her account (at least 3 months) 2. Copy of the property deed with both names 3. The actual mortgage statement showing the monthly payment amount 4. Utility bills showing her name (if possible) or a statement explaining the cost-sharing arrangement The advice about requesting a fair hearing immediately is spot-on - you have 90 days but don't wait! Also, definitely ask for "aid continuation" during the hearing process so she gets her full benefits while they review the case. One thing that helped me was writing a simple letter explaining the living arrangement: "I am a co-owner of the property located at [address]. I pay $450 monthly toward the mortgage from my personal account. I am not living rent-free." Sometimes having it in writing helps the caseworker understand faster than trying to explain over the phone. Good luck - this should definitely be fixable once they have the right information!

I work for a disability advocacy organization and see this exact scenario way too often. The CalFresh system really struggles with co-ownership situations, especially when one person receives SSI. A few additional things to keep in mind: - Since your daughter is disabled and on SSI, she may qualify for expedited processing of her case review (within 7 days instead of 30) - Make sure to mention she's "elderly or disabled" when you call - this can get you prioritized - If she has any medical expenses over $35/month that aren't covered by insurance, those can be deducted too and increase her benefit amount The timing with the new EBT card is definitely just coincidence - benefit calculations and card replacements are handled by completely different systems. One thing I'd add to the great advice already given: when you submit documents, always keep copies AND get a receipt showing what you submitted and when. County offices sometimes "lose" paperwork, and having that receipt can save you from having to resubmit everything. This should absolutely be resolved in your favor - co-owners paying mortgage costs have every right to that shelter deduction. Don't let them brush you off!

Just wanted to jump in as someone who works with homeless services - you're getting great advice here! One thing I'd add is that when you apply, make sure to mention if you have ANY income at all (like odd jobs, gig work, etc.) even if it's irregular. They won't deny you for having some income, but they need to know about it to calculate your benefits correctly. Also, if you're staying in your car, that actually counts as having shelter costs of $0 which can work in your favor for the homeless shelter deduction calculation. The workers are generally pretty understanding when they know someone is genuinely homeless and trying to get back on their feet. You've got this!

Hey Arjun! I went through something really similar about 6 months ago when I was couch surfing and sleeping in my car. Just wanted to echo what everyone's saying - you really don't need to prove homelessness for CalFresh, which was such a relief when I found out! One thing that really helped me was keeping a simple list on my phone of where I slept each night for about a week before applying. Not because they asked for it, but because when the worker asked general questions about my living situation, I could give specific answers that showed I understood what homeless meant in their system. Like "I slept in my car outside the 24-hour laundromat on Tuesday and Wednesday, then stayed on my friend's couch Thursday" - just basic stuff like that. Also, if your sister is cool with it, definitely use her address for mail! I used my mom's address and the worker said that was totally normal and didn't affect anything. The whole process was way less scary than I thought it would be. You're going to do great - sounds like you've got all the info you need now!

my friend got backpay too and bought a bunch of meat to freeze right away cuz she was worried theyd take it back lol. but they dont take it back its urs

I went through something similar last year! The backpay confusion is totally understandable - I thought the same thing when I got approved after a 2-month delay. But like others have said, those back payments are completely separate from your ongoing monthly calculations. Each month is calculated fresh based on your current income and expenses at that time. With your rent at $980 plus utilities and part-time income around $1,190, you should still get a decent benefit amount for April. The high housing costs actually work in your favor for the calculation. Don't stress about the backpay affecting anything - just make sure to report any significant income changes if you go over your reporting threshold. Congrats on finally getting approved!

hav u tried goin to ur county office agen? sometimes thats the only way i can get anythng done w my calfresh. its so annoying but I bring a book and just wait all day if i have too. the online stuff never works right for me either and im tired of the phones.

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to confirm they received your SAR7? If your income change was less than $125/month, you technically don't even have to report it on the SAR7 mid-period (though it's always good that you did). The key threshold to worry about is the IRT that was listed on your approval notice. As long as your total household income stays below that, your benefits should continue without interruption.