Wow, what a journey but I'm so relieved this worked out for your mom! This thread is incredibly valuable - I had no idea that caseworkers weren't automatically applying these deductions. It really seems like there should be a standardized checklist they go through for SSI recipients to make sure they're getting all the deductions they qualify for. The fact that she went from $23 to $237 just by mentioning medical expenses and shelter costs shows how broken the system can be. I'm bookmarking this thread because I know several elderly neighbors who might be in similar situations and not even realize they're missing out on benefits. Thank you for taking the time to update us with the resolution - it gives hope to others dealing with the same frustrating bureaucracy. Your persistence really made the difference here!

This is such an important success story! As someone new to this community, I'm amazed at how helpful everyone has been in walking you through the process. It's really eye-opening to see how a $23 benefit turned into $237 just by knowing which deductions to ask for. What strikes me most is that your mom shouldn't have had to fight for benefits she was already entitled to. The fact that caseworkers aren't automatically checking for medical expense and shelter deductions for SSI recipients seems like a serious systemic issue. How many other elderly folks are getting shortchanged simply because they don't know the magic words to say during recertification? I'm definitely saving this thread for future reference - the detailed breakdown of what counts as medical expenses (including transportation costs!) is incredibly valuable. Thank you for taking the time to share both the problem and the solution. Your persistence not only helped your mom but will likely help many other families who find this thread when facing similar issues. Really glad your mom will now be able to afford the food she needs with her dietary restrictions!

Just wanted to add that if you're ever traveling or temporarily staying somewhere else, your benefits will still load on your regular day regardless of where you are! I was worried about this when I had to stay with family in another county for a few weeks, but everything worked normally. Also, pro tip - if you're ever unsure about whether a store accepts EBT, most grocery store websites have a "payment methods" section that lists if they accept SNAP/EBT. This saved me from some embarrassing situations when I was new to the program. The first few months are definitely the hardest while you're learning everything, but it gets so much easier!

This thread has been so incredibly helpful! As someone who just got approved for CalFresh last week, I was completely lost about when benefits would load. The last digit system makes perfect sense now - my case number ends in 2, so I'll be getting benefits on the 2nd of each month. I've already downloaded the EBT Connect app and set up my BenefitsCal account. It's amazing how much clearer everything becomes when you have people explaining the real-world aspects that aren't covered in the official paperwork. Thank you all for being so welcoming and sharing your experiences - it makes navigating this whole system feel much less overwhelming!

UPDATE: I had my interview this morning and explained the family emergency situation. They're going to restore my benefits under the 'good cause' provision! The worker said there might be a slight delay, but I should get my full benefit amount for next month. She also explained that the payment I get on the 25th is actually from the CAPI program for my elderly mother who lives with us, not P-EBT or CalFresh. So that would have continued regardless. Thank you everyone for your help and advice! And special thanks to whoever recommended Claimyr - that's the only reason I got through to reschedule my interview so quickly.

That's awesome news! Really happy to hear they approved the good cause restoration. It's such a relief when the system actually works in our favor for once. Your story will probably help other people in similar situations too - knowing that family emergencies can qualify for good cause and that there are resources like Claimyr to help get through to the county offices. Thanks for posting the update!

Hi Melaena! The RAMP (Restaurant Meals Program) allows eligible CalFresh recipients to use their EBT cards at participating restaurants. For Blackstone Avenue in Fresno specifically, I'd recommend checking the official CalFresh website or calling your local county office at (559) 600-2060 for the most current list of participating locations. Restaurant participation can change, so it's best to get up-to-date information. You can also look for "CalFresh EBT Accepted Here" signs at restaurants along Blackstone. Common chains that often participate include Subway, Carl's Jr., and some pizza places, but each location needs to be individually approved. Hope this helps!

I'm really glad I found this thread! I'm pretty new to receiving CalFresh benefits (just got my first card about 3 weeks ago) and honestly had no idea that EBT fraud was such a big issue. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been both terrifying and incredibly helpful. @Ava Thompson - Thank goodness you acted so quickly with the freeze! That could have saved you from losing everything. I can't imagine how stressful that must have been. After reading all these stories, I realize I've been way too careless with my EBT card. I've been using it at random gas stations and small shops without thinking twice about it. I'm definitely going to: 1. Set up those text alerts immediately 2. Start using the freeze/unfreeze feature between shopping trips 3. Be way more careful about inspecting card readers before using them 4. Stick to major grocery stores for my big shopping trips One question - has anyone noticed if certain times of day are safer for EBT transactions? Like, are scammers more likely to place skimmers during overnight hours when there's less staff around to notice? I usually do my grocery shopping late at night because the stores are less crowded, but now I'm wondering if I should switch to daytime shopping for security reasons. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and tips. This community is such a valuable resource for people like me who are still learning how to navigate the CalFresh system safely!

As someone who recently went through a similar scare with my EBT card, I can't stress enough how important it is to act fast like you did @Ava Thompson! I'm so relieved you were able to freeze your card before any benefits were stolen. For anyone new to CalFresh reading this thread - please don't let these stories scare you away from using your benefits, but definitely take the security precautions seriously. Here are a few additional tips I've learned: 1. **Save the EBT customer service number in your phone** - Don't wait until there's an emergency to look it up 2. **Take a photo of your card (front only, never the back with security code)** - This makes it easier to reference your card number when calling customer service 3. **Keep receipts for a few days after shopping** - If there are any discrepancies, you'll have proof of legitimate transactions The rise in EBT fraud is really concerning, but this community sharing experiences and tips like this is so valuable. Knowledge is power when it comes to protecting our benefits! @Ava Thompson - Thanks for sharing your experience and keeping us updated. Your story will definitely help other people know exactly what to do if this happens to them.