I've been helping people navigate CalFresh for years, and one thing I want to emphasize is that the Restaurant Meals Program approval can sometimes take a few weeks to process even after you submit everything. Don't get discouraged if it's not immediate! Also, once you do get approved, make sure to call ahead to restaurants before going - even participating locations sometimes have issues with their EBT systems or staff who aren't familiar with the program. I always recommend having a backup plan like keeping some easy-to-prepare foods at home (crackers, peanut butter, etc.) for days when your disability flares up but you can't get to a participating restaurant. The program is a lifesaver when it works, but having multiple options helps ensure you don't go hungry during any gaps or technical issues.

I went through this process in San Diego County last year and want to share a few additional tips that helped me. First, when you get your doctor's note, ask them to include specific examples of kitchen tasks you can't do safely - mine mentioned I can't lift pots with water, can't stand at the stove for more than a few minutes, and can't grip knives safely. Second, if you're denied initially, you can appeal! I was denied first time because my doctor's note wasn't specific enough, but I appealed with a more detailed letter and got approved. Also, once you're approved, download the "Fresh EBT" app - it shows you exactly which restaurants near you accept EBT for the program. Some unexpected places participate, like certain gas station delis. The whole process took about 3 weeks for me from submitting the doctor's note to getting my card updated. It's been a game changer for my quality of life, especially on bad pain days.

As a newcomer to this community, I just wanted to say how incredibly helpful this entire thread has been! @Liam Sullivan, congratulations on getting your recertification approved - I can only imagine the relief you must have felt after weeks of anxiety. What really stands out to me is how this discussion captures both the human side of navigating CalFresh (the stress, the uncertainty, the fear of not being able to feed your family) and the practical realities of a system that seems to work differently for everyone. The fact that you submitted everything properly three weeks in advance and still had to endure weeks of not knowing is really telling about how much transparency is lacking in the process. I'm taking notes on all the advice shared here - submitting early through BenefitsCal, checking regularly, calling right at 8am if needed, setting up text notifications. It's unfortunate that families have to become experts in navigating bureaucracy just to access basic food assistance, but I'm grateful this community exists to share that knowledge. The county-by-county inconsistency that multiple people mentioned is particularly frustrating. It seems like such a fundamental fairness issue that your experience with the same program can vary so dramatically based on geography. Thanks to everyone who contributed their experiences and advice - this thread is going to be a valuable resource for anyone facing CalFresh recertification anxiety!

This thread has been such an incredible resource! As someone completely new to CalFresh, I'm amazed by how much practical wisdom has been shared here. @Liam Sullivan, huge congratulations on getting approved - your journey from panic to relief really shows how nerve-wracking this process can be even when you do everything right. What really resonates with me is how you submitted all your documents three weeks early and still had to endure that awful waiting period of not knowing. It highlights just how much the system lacks basic communication about timelines and status updates. The fact that BenefitsCal doesn't have a simple progress tracker in 2025 seems like such an obvious gap. I'm taking detailed notes on everyone's advice here - the early submission strategy, checking BenefitsCal daily, the 8am calling tip from @Anita George, and even the Claimyr option from @Fatima Al-Qasimi for when phone calls become absolutely necessary. It's honestly wild that accessing basic food assistance requires becoming an expert in bureaucratic navigation, but I'm so grateful this community exists to share that hard-won knowledge. The $85 reduction in benefits due to income increase is tough, but you're absolutely right that it beats losing everything entirely, especially with grocery prices being what they are these days. Thanks for coming back to update everyone - it gives real hope to others waiting in that stressful limbo period!

Hey Ravi! I'm so happy to see how this thread has evolved - it's amazing to watch someone go from confusion to confidence with the help of this community! I wanted to add one more resource that's been a game-changer for me: CalFresh Healthy Living (formerly SNAP-Ed) has a free app called "Fresh EBT" that not only tracks your balance but also shows you which stores near you accept EBT and even has digital coupons you can use WITH your CalFresh benefits to save even more money. Also, since you mentioned budgeting, I've found that planning meals around sales and seasonal produce really helps stretch those benefits. Like right now, winter squash and root vegetables are usually cheaper and last longer in storage. One last thing - if you ever have issues with your card or need to report it lost/stolen, save the customer service number (1-877-328-9677) in your phone. I had to use it once when my card got demagnetized and they were super helpful. You're going to do amazing! This community has your back, and don't hesitate to come back with any other questions. We've all been where you are now! 💪

Hey Ravi! What an incredible thread this has become - it's so heartwarming to see how this community has rallied around you with such detailed, practical advice! I wanted to add one more tip that I wish someone had told me when I first got CalFresh: consider shopping with a calculator (or using your phone's calculator) for your first few trips. It really helps you stay within budget and avoid any awkward moments at checkout. I used to add up my total as I shopped and it made me feel so much more confident. Also, if you have a Dollar Tree near you, they accept EBT and have surprisingly good deals on things like canned goods, pasta, and frozen vegetables. Just make sure to check expiration dates since items sometimes sit on shelves longer at discount stores. One thing I noticed from reading through all these responses - this community is absolutely amazing! The way everyone has shared their experiences and tips shows what mutual aid looks like in action. You're not just getting CalFresh benefits, you're joining a network of people who genuinely care about each other's success. Enjoy your first shopping trip tomorrow, and remember that every expert was once a beginner. You've got this! 🌟

This is such valuable information for anyone dealing with EBT theft! I'm bookmarking this thread because unfortunately these thefts seem to be happening more and more. Really glad to see Oliver got his full benefits back - that must have been such a relief with three kids to feed. The tip about Claimyr is genius - I never knew services like that existed to help you get through government phone lines. And wow, I had no idea about the 5-day reporting rule or that they count business days instead of calendar days. These are the kinds of details that really matter when you're in crisis mode and need your benefits back ASAP. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and tips!

This thread is incredibly helpful - I had no idea about so many of these details! The distinction between business days vs calendar days is huge, and that Claimyr service sounds like a total game-changer for actually reaching someone. I'm dealing with my own EBT theft situation right now (happened 4 days ago) so this gives me a roadmap of what to expect. Oliver, I'm so relieved you got your full $675 back! That must have been terrifying with three kids. Quick question for anyone - when you got your benefits restored, did they load back onto the same card or did you have to get a new one? I'm worried about using my current card even after I get the money back since it was clearly compromised.

Hey is anyone still having trouble withdrawing cash from the ATMs or is it just me only?

@Chippale - if you're having similar issues with ATM withdrawals, I'd recommend trying the same steps that worked for the original poster. First check if your food benefits are still working (that helps narrow down if it's a card issue vs account block). Then try calling the EBT customer service line or use that Claimyr service to get through to your county worker. Security blocks on EBT cards seem to be pretty common, especially if you've used your card somewhere new recently. The county can usually fix it right away once you reach them!