I'm really sorry to hear everyone is going through this stress. I just wanted to share that I've been meal planning more strategically since I heard about the emergency allotments ending. Things like buying rice, beans, and lentils in bulk have helped stretch my food budget way further than I expected. Also, I discovered that some grocery stores mark down meat and produce that's close to expiration - I've been checking those sections first and then planning meals around what's discounted. It's not ideal having to shop this way, but every little bit helps when you're trying to make the regular benefit amount work. I also started a small container garden on my apartment balcony with herbs and lettuce - even that saves a few dollars each month. We shouldn't have to do all this extra work just to eat, but I figure we might as well share strategies to help each other get through this.

This is such devastating news for so many families. I've been on CalFresh for about 8 months now after losing my job, and that emergency allotment has been a lifeline. Without it, I'm looking at going from $620/month to around $280 for just myself - and that's with rent and utilities already reported. I keep seeing people mention updating expenses and adding things like medical costs. Can someone explain what kinds of medical expenses qualify? I have a chronic condition and pay for prescriptions, but I wasn't sure if those counted since I have insurance. Also, has anyone had success with the voluntary mid-period report that was mentioned? I'm wondering if it's worth the hassle of trying to get through to the county office or if they'll just tell me to wait until my next recertification. This whole situation is making me realize how broken the system is - we get help during a pandemic when there were other supports available, but lose it right when inflation is hitting hardest and those other programs are gone. Really grateful for everyone sharing resources and tips though. We're all in this together.

That's such great news! I'm so glad you were able to get through and have an appointment scheduled. The fact that they found a winter shelter that accepts pets is huge - I know how hard it must be to worry about your dog's safety too. Please keep us updated on how the GA application goes. Your situation shows that persistence really does pay off, even when the system seems impossible to navigate. Wishing you and your pup warmer nights ahead!

So happy to hear this update! The pet-friendly shelter is such a relief - I was worried about your dog too. Having been through homelessness myself, I know how isolating it can feel when you're struggling to navigate all these different programs and acronyms. Your story is going to help so many other people in similar situations who read this thread. The GA program really can be a game-changer, and it sounds like you connected with someone who actually knows the system. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly at your appointment tomorrow. Stay safe and warm tonight!

Just wanted to add something that might help while you're waiting for housing programs to come through - make sure you update your CalFresh case to reflect that you're homeless. This can help in a few ways: you might qualify for higher benefit amounts since homeless individuals get different deductions, and it puts you in the system as someone who needs expedited services. Also, if you haven't already, ask about the Homeless Client Tracking system in your county. Being registered in this system is often required to access many of the housing programs people have mentioned. It's separate from your CalFresh case but equally important. One more tip - if you're in a county with a lot of colleges, sometimes there are emergency housing programs specifically for students/young adults that might have shorter wait times than the general homeless services. Worth asking about even if you're not currently enrolled in school.

Just wanted to share another resource that might be helpful - many counties have "housing specialists" at their CalFresh offices who specifically help people navigate housing programs. They're different from regular eligibility workers and often know about programs that aren't widely advertised. Also, if you're in a rural county or smaller city, check with local churches and community organizations. They sometimes have emergency rental assistance funds that move much faster than government programs. I've seen people get help within days rather than months. One last thing - document everything about your housing situation (dates you've been staying places, any correspondence with landlords, etc.). Having a clear timeline can really help when you're applying for rapid rehousing or other programs, and some require proof of how long you've been homeless. Stay persistent - the system is complicated but there are people out there who want to help you succeed!

This entire thread has been so educational and heartwarming to read! As someone who just joined this community and is navigating CalFresh for the first time, I was really nervous about potentially making mistakes or losing my card. Seeing how everyone rallied around Sean with practical advice, reassurance, and zero judgment shows what an amazing support network this is. The tips about photographing the card, calling 211, and knowing that replacements are totally normal have all been incredibly valuable. Sean, I'm so glad everything worked out and you found help through the food pantry! Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - it really helps newcomers like me feel more confident about accessing these benefits.

This whole thread has been such a perfect example of why I love being part of this community! As someone who's still pretty new to both CalFresh and this forum, reading through Sean's experience and everyone's helpful responses has been incredibly reassuring. I was actually wondering about this exact scenario myself - what happens if you lose your EBT card multiple times - and now I feel so much more prepared if it ever happens to me. The practical tips everyone shared (like the 211 number, photographing your card, and knowing that replacements are totally normal) are going to be lifesavers for so many people. Sean, I'm really glad everything worked out with the food pantry helping you bridge the gap! It's amazing how this community turns what could be a really stressful situation into a learning opportunity for everyone. Thank you all for being so welcoming and supportive to newcomers like me!

Hey Jacob! Just wanted to add that as someone who works with families navigating these programs, you're absolutely right to be confused - the terminology across different benefit programs can be really overwhelming. The good news is that for CalFresh specifically, your 2 and 4 year old grandchildren will definitely qualify as household members regardless of school or daycare enrollment. The application might have been asking about childcare needs for other programs like CalWORKs or childcare subsidies, but that won't affect their CalFresh eligibility. One tip: when you do speak with your county worker, ask them to walk through which programs you might be eligible for with the kids in your care. Sometimes they can do a "one-stop" screening that checks you for multiple benefits at once. With your retirement income and two young children to care for, there might be additional support available beyond just CalFresh. Also, don't stress too much about the paperwork - custody documents are excellent proof that the children live with you. That's actually stronger documentation than most people have when they apply!

Just want to echo what everyone else has said - your grandkids definitely qualify for CalFresh regardless of school or daycare! I went through something similar when my nephew came to live with us last year (he was 3 at the time). The county worker explained that the only children who have education-related requirements for CalFresh are college students between 18-49. For little kids, they just count toward your household size and increase your benefit amount. One thing that really helped me was calling the CalFresh hotline at 1-877-847-3663 instead of trying to reach my specific county worker. The state hotline folks were way more knowledgeable about the actual program rules and could answer my questions right away. They can also check the status of your application and see if anything is missing. Sounds like you're doing everything right - those custody papers will be perfect documentation. Hope you hear back from your county soon!