Update: I just got through to someone using that Claimyr service (it actually worked!). The worker explained that any electronic transfers over $250/month automatically trigger a verification request, which was supposedly mailed but I never received it. They're reissuing the request but she said I can upload the documents now and they'll process them within 3 business days. She also said they can issue emergency benefits for my kids since we're almost out of food. Really relieved but still frustrated by the whole process. Thanks everyone for your help!

So glad you got through and are getting this resolved! This is a perfect example of why the CalFresh system needs better communication - automatically flagging electronic transfers without proper notice is causing unnecessary stress for families. For anyone else dealing with similar issues, it's worth noting that you can also request all future correspondence be sent via email through your BenefitsCal account to avoid missed mail notices. The $250 threshold for automatic verification is something more people should know about upfront. Hope your benefits get restored quickly!

Something that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you're facing hardship while waiting for stolen benefits to be replaced, you can request an expedited hardship replacement. In California, if you're experiencing an immediate food need, you can request emergency benefits while your theft claim is being processed. You'll need to submit a statement of hardship along with your theft claim form (CF 303). This doesn't work in every case, but it helped me get partial benefits while waiting for my full theft reimbursement.

I had no idea about this option! Nobody at the county office mentioned it, even when I told them I was struggling to buy food. Is there a specific form for the hardship request or just a written statement?

Make ABSOLUTELY SURE you complete your recertification ON TIME!!! If you miss the deadline they will DISCONTINUE your benefits and you'll have to reapply from scratch which can take 30 DAYS or MORE to process!!! Don't risk your family going without food!!!

Just want to echo what others have said - the P-EBT program was definitely a temporary pandemic benefit that's now ended. I work at a community center and helped a lot of families navigate this confusion back in 2021-2022. For your recertification next month, here's a helpful tip: start gathering your documents NOW rather than waiting until the last minute. Create a checklist of what you need and check items off as you collect them. Most counties will send you a notice about 45 days before your recertification is due, so you should have plenty of time if you start early. Also, if you're having trouble with your case or need to speak to someone quickly, some counties now offer online chat options or callback services so you don't have to wait on hold for hours. Check your county's website to see what options are available. Good luck with your recertification! It sounds like you're being proactive about it which is great.

So glad you got through to someone who could help! This is exactly why I always tell people to keep pushing when they get denied - there are so many mistakes made during the initial review process. The fact that you weren't asked about childcare expenses on your original application is a red flag that the caseworker didn't do their job properly. Those deductions can make or break eligibility for families like yours. Fingers crossed your appeal goes through quickly and you get approved with backpay!

This is such an important thread for anyone dealing with CalFresh denials! I'm a case manager at a local food assistance nonprofit and I see this exact situation ALL the time. The biggest issue is that many caseworkers don't ask the right questions during the initial application review. They're required to ask about dependent care expenses, medical costs, and shelter expenses that can be deducted, but it often gets missed in the rush to process applications. For anyone reading this - ALWAYS mention childcare costs, even if you think they won't count. Also, if you get denied, don't just reapply right away - appeal first because you keep your place in line and they have to do a more thorough review. And definitely keep all your documentation organized (pay stubs, childcare receipts, medical bills) because you'll need them for the appeal process.

I've been dealing with this exact same frustrating issue! My EBT Edge app has been stuck showing $17.85 for the past 10 days, but when I call the automated number I actually have $124 available. What's really stressing me out is that I've started rationing my grocery trips because I thought I was almost out of benefits. I actually skipped buying protein last week because the app made me think I couldn't afford it - then I found out I had plenty left! It's affecting how I'm feeding my family and that's just not okay. I've tried everything - uninstalling, reinstalling, clearing cache, using different phones - nothing works. The phone system is reliable but calling every single time I want to check my balance is exhausting, especially when I'm juggling work and kids. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and workarounds here. I'm definitely going to try that midnight checking trick and start writing down my real balance each morning. It's ridiculous that we all have to become detectives just to access our own benefits, but at least we're helping each other navigate this mess. Fingers crossed they actually fix this by June and don't push the timeline back like government systems usually do!

I'm so relieved to find this thread! I've been having the exact same problem with the EBT Edge app for about three weeks now. It keeps showing my balance as $31.67 no matter what I spend, but when I call the automated line I have $178 available. What's really been getting to me is the anxiety every time I go to the store - I never know if my card will actually work or if I'll get that embarrassing decline at checkout. Just this morning I was at Target and almost put back the milk and eggs because I thought I was running low, but then I called from the cereal aisle and found out I had plenty left. It's exhausting having to call every single time, especially with my two young kids asking "why are we waiting, mom?" while I'm on hold. I've tried all the usual fixes - deleting the app, restarting my phone, even got a new phone thinking it was a device issue. Nothing works! Thanks to everyone for sharing the midnight checking tip and the manual tracking idea - I'm definitely going to start writing down my balance each morning after calling. It's frustrating that we have to create these workarounds just to buy groceries, but at least now I know it's not just me going crazy. Really hoping they stick to that June timeline because this is affecting real families trying to put food on the table!