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Just wanted to share another option that might help - I've been using Verizon's Lifeline program combined with their home internet service for about 4 months now. It's $20/month after the ACP discount (was $50 before), and the speed has been really consistent even during peak hours. The setup was pretty straightforward - I applied online and they accepted my CalFresh documentation without any issues. One thing I really like is that Verizon's customer service for their discount programs is actually helpful (unlike some horror stories I've heard about other providers). They also sent me a text reminder when my ACP recertification was coming up, which saved me from potentially losing the discount. The downside is that Verizon isn't available in all areas, so you'd need to check coverage first. But if it's available in your zip code, it might be worth comparing to the other options mentioned here. I switched from a similar AT&T price increase situation and haven't looked back!
Thanks for sharing the Verizon option! I hadn't considered them since I always thought they were more expensive. $20/month is still reasonable and the consistent speeds during peak hours sound really appealing. I'm going to check if they have coverage in my area - that customer service reminder about ACP recertification is actually a huge plus since I'm terrible at keeping track of those kinds of deadlines. Did you have to sign any kind of contract with Verizon or is it month-to-month like some of the other discount programs?
I'm also dealing with AT&T's ridiculous price increase! Went from $10 to $30 just like you - it's honestly outrageous when our CalFresh benefits stay the same. I'm a single mom with three kids and that extra $20/month is money I don't have. I've been researching options and from everything I'm reading here, Xfinity Internet Essentials seems like the best deal. Free with ACP discount and no credit check is exactly what I need. I'm planning to make the switch this weekend. One tip I learned from my caseworker - when you apply for these programs, always ask them to email you confirmation of your application and approval. That way if there are any issues later, you have documentation. I learned this the hard way with a different benefit program where they "lost" my paperwork. Thanks for posting this - it's so helpful to see real experiences from other CalFresh families instead of just the company websites that don't tell you the whole story!
@cfa2ab97573f That's such a smart tip about getting email confirmation! I never would have thought of that but it makes total sense after hearing about all the "lost paperwork" issues people have had with these programs. I'm definitely going to ask for that when I apply. It's so frustrating that we have to deal with AT&T's price gouging on top of everything else - like you said, our benefits don't magically increase to match their greed! Hope your switch to Xfinity goes smoothly this weekend. Let us know how it works out!
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As someone who also just got approved for CalFresh benefits recently, I want to echo what everyone else has said about this thread being incredibly helpful! I was wondering the same thing about fast food restaurants and feeling frustrated about the time constraints of cooking with a busy work schedule. Reading through all these responses has been eye-opening - I had no idea about the cold prepared foods rule or that grocery stores have such extensive grab-and-go sections now. The microwave hack for heating up cold rotisserie chicken or deli sandwiches in the store's seating area is brilliant! I'm definitely going to explore my local grocery stores' prepared food sections this weekend. Based on everyone's recommendations, it sounds like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and even regular chains like Safeway have really good options. The sushi suggestion caught my attention too - I never would have thought that was EBT eligible! It's disappointing that the Restaurant Meals Program is so restrictive, but honestly these grocery store alternatives sound like they might be healthier and more varied than typical fast food anyway. Plus the convenience stores and gas stations having cold food options adds even more flexibility for grabbing something quick. Thanks to everyone for sharing such practical, real-world advice! This is exactly what newcomers like us need to navigate the CalFresh system effectively.
As someone who just received my CalFresh benefits this week, this thread has been absolutely invaluable! I was in the exact same situation - hoping to use my EBT card at places like McDonald's or Subway because of my crazy work schedule. While it's definitely disappointing to learn that the Restaurant Meals Program is so limited (I don't qualify since I'm not homeless, elderly, or disabled), all the alternative suggestions everyone has shared are actually amazing! I had no clue about the cold prepared foods rule - knowing that I can buy deli sandwiches, rotisserie chicken, sushi, and salads with my EBT card is going to be such a lifesaver. The grocery store microwave tip is pure genius! Being able to buy cold prepared foods and heat them up in the store's seating area basically creates your own fast-casual dining experience. I'm definitely checking out the prepared foods sections at my local Trader Joe's and Safeway this weekend. I also love the suggestion about gas stations and convenience stores - there's a 7-Eleven right by my workplace that I never thought to check for EBT-eligible cold foods. And the frozen meal options for quick microwave dinners at home sound perfect for those really hectic days. Thanks everyone for turning what seemed like a major limitation into discovering so many convenient meal solutions I never knew existed! This community is incredible for sharing practical, real-world advice that actually helps newcomers like us navigate CalFresh successfully.
Welcome to CalFresh! I'm also super new to this - just got my benefits approved a couple weeks ago and had the exact same questions about restaurant use. This thread has been such a goldmine of information! I love how everyone has shared so many practical alternatives that honestly seem way better than fast food anyway. The grocery store prepared foods route has been a game changer for me too. I tried the cold rotisserie chicken + microwave hack at my local Kroger last week and it felt almost like dining out but so much more affordable. The variety you get from grocery stores is actually way better than what you'd find at most fast food places. Plus places like Trader Joe's have some really creative prepared food options that make meals feel special even when you're in a rush. It's amazing how this community turns what could be a frustrating limitation into discovering all these convenient solutions we never knew about!
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Sofia, I just went through this same process in Stanislaus County (right next to you in Fresno!) about 2 weeks ago and they called me on day 5. Since you mentioned being down to your last bit of money for food, I wanted to share a resource that really helped me bridge the gap - the Second Harvest Food Bank has mobile food pantries that come to different locations throughout Fresno County every week. You can check their website or call 211 to find the schedule. They don't require any paperwork and you can get fresh produce and pantry staples while waiting for your CalFresh to process. Also, when they do call for your interview (probably from a blocked number), make sure to mention that you're in immediate need - they might be able to expedite your case or connect you with emergency food resources through the county. The waiting is definitely the hardest part, but hang in there! You're taking the right steps to get the help you need. 💙
Thank you so much Ethan! It's really reassuring to hear from someone in Stanislaus County since we're neighbors - 5 days sounds very manageable! I just looked up Second Harvest Food Bank and they have a mobile pantry coming to a location about 15 minutes from me this Thursday, which is perfect timing. I had no idea these mobile pantries existed and didn't require paperwork. That's going to be such a huge help while I wait for the interview! I'll definitely mention that I'm in immediate need when they call - I didn't realize that could help expedite things or connect me to additional resources. Thanks for the specific local advice and for letting me know what to expect with nearby county timing. It really helps to hear from someone so close by who just went through this! 🙏
Sofia, I went through this same process in Tulare County (also Central Valley like you!) just 3 months ago and they called me on day 8. Since you're in Fresno County, the timing should be pretty similar. One thing that really helped me was calling the CalFresh hotline at (877) 847-3663 on day 6 just to confirm they had my application - sometimes that gentle check-in helps move things along without being pushy. Also, since you mentioned being tight on food, definitely check out the Fresno County Food Bank - they have several distribution sites throughout the week and don't require any documentation. I used their services while waiting for my benefits to start and it was a lifesaver. The staff there are also really knowledgeable about CalFresh and might have additional tips specific to your county. When they do call for your interview, they'll likely ask about your living situation, monthly expenses, and any income you have. Have your rent amount, utility costs, and recent pay stubs handy. The caseworker I spoke with was actually really understanding about my financial situation and walked me through everything step by step. Hang in there - I know the waiting feels endless when you're stressed about food, but you're taking the right steps to get help. The interview itself was much less stressful than I built it up to be in my head! 🙏
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Hey Jibriel! Welcome to CalFresh and don't worry - everyone feels lost at first! I just wanted to add one more balance-checking method that's been a lifesaver for me: you can also check your balance by texting "BAL" to 511-99 from the phone number you registered with your EBT account. It sends you back a text with your current balance instantly. This is super handy when you're in the grocery store and the app is being slow or you don't want to call the number with people around. Just make sure your phone number is registered with your EBT account first (you can do this when you set up the Connect EBT app). Also, totally agree with everyone about downloading the Connect EBT app - it really is the easiest way once you get it set up. And don't stress about the learning curve! I remember being so nervous my first time using the card that I practiced entering my PIN at home before going to the store. You'll be a pro at this in no time!
Thanks Jamal! The text message option sounds perfect for when I'm actually at the store - I can see how that would be way more discreet than calling or fumbling with an app while people are waiting behind me. I'll definitely make sure to register my phone number when I set up the Connect EBT app. And honestly, practicing entering the PIN at home is such a smart idea! I was already worried about being nervous and messing up at the checkout, so getting comfortable with it beforehand makes total sense. This whole thread has given me so much confidence that I can actually figure this out. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to share their experiences and tips!
Hey Jibriel! Welcome to CalFresh - you're definitely not alone in feeling overwhelmed at first! Everyone here has given you amazing advice already. I just wanted to add that it might help to write down the key info in one place so you're not scrambling later: - Connect EBT app (the official one with state branding) - Phone number on back of card: 877-328-9677 - Your deposit date: 5th of each month (since your case number ends in 5) - Text "BAL" to 511-99 for quick balance checks One thing that really helped me was doing a "practice run" - I went to a small convenience store for my very first transaction and just bought a pack of gum. Super low pressure, no big line, and I could take my time figuring out the card reader without stress. The cashier was really nice about walking me through it too. Don't be hard on yourself for not knowing this stuff - the system really isn't intuitive and they don't exactly give you a user manual! You're being smart by asking questions upfront. You've got this! 🙂
Sebastián Stevens
I'm dealing with something similar right now! My ex gets mail at my place for our daughter's school stuff and now they're saying he's part of my household even though he lives 20 minutes away with his girlfriend. The frustrating part is I reported him as the father on my application but clearly stated he doesn't live with us. It feels like they're just looking for reasons to claw back benefits. I'm definitely going to file an appeal after reading all this advice. Has anyone had success showing that co-parenting arrangements don't equal living together? I have our custody agreement that shows we have separate addresses.
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Hannah Flores
•Your custody agreement should be really strong evidence! That's exactly the kind of documentation that proves separate households. The fact that you already reported him as the father but specified he doesn't live with you shows you were being transparent from the start. Co-parenting definitely doesn't equal cohabitation - courts wouldn't issue custody agreements with separate addresses if parents lived together! Make sure to include any other evidence of his separate residence like his lease with his girlfriend, and maybe even get a statement from the school confirming they know he has a different address but uses yours for convenience. The county really shouldn't be penalizing people for responsible co-parenting arrangements.
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Noah huntAce420
•Yes! I had a very similar situation and the custody agreement was key to winning my appeal. I also included documentation showing his separate utility bills and bank statements with his actual address. The hearing officer specifically asked about our parenting plan and when I showed the court-ordered custody schedule with different pickup/dropoff addresses, it was clear we maintained separate households. One tip - if you have any text messages or emails between you two that reference "your place" and "my place" or discuss meeting up (rather than him just being there), those can help show you're coordinating between two separate homes. The school mail thing is super common for divorced parents and shouldn't count against you at all.
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Nia Davis
I'm going through something really similar right now and this thread is so helpful! My situation is a bit different - my kids' dad doesn't even get mail here, but the county is saying he's part of my household because he has a key to pick up the kids when I'm at work (I'm a nurse and work weird hours). They're claiming that having a key means he "has access to food preparation areas" so he should be counted. It's ridiculous because he literally just comes in, grabs the kids' backpacks, and leaves. He has his own apartment across town with his own lease and everything. Now they want $2,100 back and I'm panicking. Reading about everyone's appeals is giving me hope though. Has anyone dealt with the "access to kitchen" argument before? I feel like by that logic, babysitters and relatives would all count as household members too. Definitely filing my appeal this week!
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