Welcome to California! Just wanted to add that if you're unsure about your eligibility, you can always contact an immigration attorney or a nonprofit legal aid organization before applying. Many counties also have CalFresh outreach coordinators who specialize in helping immigrant families navigate the eligibility requirements safely. In Orange County specifically, you might want to reach out to the Orange County Community Resources office - they have staff who are trained on the intersection of immigration status and benefits eligibility. They can do a confidential pre-screening to help you understand your options without filing an actual application first. Better to be cautious and get proper guidance than to worry about potential issues later!

Just wanted to share some additional resources that might help as you navigate this! Since you're in Irvine, the Irvine Community Services Department also has a CalFresh outreach program - they often have bilingual staff and can help walk you through the application process. They're located at the Irvine Civic Center. Also, many libraries in Orange County (including Irvine's) have computers you can use to apply online if you need help with the technology side of things, and librarians are usually great at helping people navigate government websites. The University Park Library branch is really close to many of the newer immigrant communities in Irvine. One more tip - if you do end up applying for CalFresh, try to submit your application early in the month. Benefits are processed faster at the beginning of each month, and if approved, you'll get your benefits prorated from your application date. Welcome to the community, and don't hesitate to ask more questions - we're all here to help each other!

Update: I went to the Florin Road office this morning, explained our situation, and got a replacement card within an hour! They made me fill out a form explaining why I needed an emergency replacement, but having kids with no food at home qualified me. Thank you everyone for your help! Special thanks to the person who recommended the Florin Road office specifically - they were right!

That's awesome news! So glad you were able to get your card the same day. This is really useful information for other families in similar situations - it shows that Sacramento County does still offer emergency replacements when you have kids and no food. Thanks for updating us on how it went!

Just want to add a safety tip - when you're setting up either app, make sure you're connected to a secure wifi network or using your phone's data, not public wifi. I work in IT and see people get their info compromised all the time on unsecured networks. Also, both apps will ask you to set up a PIN or use biometric login (fingerprint/face ID) - definitely do this for extra security! And if you ever get logged out unexpectedly or see transactions you didn't make, change your passwords immediately and call the fraud hotline on the back of your card.

This thread is so helpful! I just got approved for CalFresh too and was totally overwhelmed by all the different apps in the store. Based on what everyone's saying, it sounds like I should download both the official ConnectEBT app (for balance checks) and BenefitsCal app (for case management). Quick question though - do I need to create separate accounts for each app or do they use the same login? Also, has anyone had issues with the apps not working during the first few days of the month when benefits get loaded? I've heard the systems can get overloaded.

I've been in a similar situation with Stanislaus County - their phone system is absolutely terrible! One thing that worked for me was going to the office in person if you can manage it. I know it's a pain, but I was able to get a replacement copy of my Notice of Action the same day, and the worker looked up my exact IRT right there. The Modesto office on Oakdale Road usually has shorter wait times than the main office downtown. They can print you a fresh copy of all your paperwork including the IRT calculation. If you can't make it in person, definitely try Austin's suggestion about calling at 8 AM sharp - that's when I finally got through after days of trying. Good luck with the new job!

I work at a community organization that helps folks navigate CalFresh and I see this confusion about IRTs all the time! A few quick tips: 1) Your exact IRT is always on your most recent Notice of Action - it's usually in a section called "Reporting Requirements" or similar. 2) The Stanislaus County office does have a self-service kiosk where you can print copies of your notices without waiting in line - it's right when you walk in. 3) If you're really stuck, you can also request a copy of your Notice of Action through the C4Yourself portal under "Case Documents." The IRT varies by household even with same size because it factors in your specific benefit amount, so definitely get YOUR number rather than relying on estimates. Better safe than sorry with overpayments!

Just wanted to add - make sure you keep copies of EVERYTHING during this transfer process! Screenshots of your current benefit amount, copies of any paperwork you submit, confirmation numbers from phone calls, etc. I learned this the hard way when my case got mixed up between counties and I had to prove what my original benefit amount was. Also, if you have kids in school that get free lunch through CalFresh, make sure to notify their school district about the move too so there's no interruption in their meal benefits. The school districts don't always automatically know about address changes. Good luck with your move to the IE - you're making a smart financial decision with the lower housing costs!

Wow, that's an amazing savings on housing! $600 less per month plus getting a whole extra bedroom - that's going to be life-changing for your family. As someone who's helped families through county transfers before, I'd recommend creating a simple timeline for yourself with all the key dates and deadlines. Write down: 1) When you plan to call LA County to start the transfer, 2) Your actual move date, 3) Your next SAR7 due date (August), and 4) Any other important CalFresh deadlines. Having it all in one place will help you stay organized during what can be a stressful process. Also, once you get settled in San Bernardino, look into any local food pantries or community resources in your new area - many families find it helpful to have backup support while navigating county systems. The IE has some great community organizations that can assist if you run into any bumps along the way.