This is such a great thread to find! I'm currently waiting on my CalFresh decision (applied 2 weeks ago) and had no idea about WINS being separate. This totally explains why some people in other forums mention getting small amounts first before their main benefits. I'm definitely going to save this info so I don't panic if I see a $10 notification before hearing about my regular benefits. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's so helpful to hear from both recipients and an actual eligibility worker!

This thread is incredibly valuable! As someone who went through the exact same confusion about 6 months ago, I can totally relate to that panic of thinking $10 was going to be my entire food budget. The lack of clear communication from the system really does cause unnecessary stress during what's already a difficult time for most applicants. One thing I'd add for future readers - if you're in a similar situation and need food immediately while waiting for your EBT card, many food banks and pantries don't require you to already be receiving benefits. They can help bridge the gap while you're waiting for the system to catch up. Also, some grocery stores will let you check your EBT balance by phone even before your physical card arrives if you have the card number from your approval notice. It's so great to see this community helping each other navigate these confusing processes. Posts like this probably save dozens of people from the same worry and confusion!

UPDATE: My benefits just got loaded this morning! It took exactly 3 business days after approval. Thank you everyone for your help and advice. I'm so relieved to be able to get groceries for my kids today.

So happy to see your update! Three business days is pretty typical from what I've seen. For anyone else dealing with EBT skimming, here are some tips that helped me after my card got hit: 1. Always cover your PIN when entering it - skimmers sometimes have tiny cameras 2. Check your balance regularly through the app so you catch fraud early 3. Use your card at busy, well-lit locations when possible 4. If a card reader looks loose or different, don't use it The whole experience is so stressful when you have kids to feed. Glad you got through it quickly and can get groceries again!

Also, make sure to report ALL your utility expenses when you update your housing information. If you pay for heat, electricity, water, garbage, or phone service separately from your rent, make sure to tell your worker about ALL of these costs. In many cases, you can get the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) added to your CalFresh calculation if you pay for heating or cooling, which can significantly increase your benefit amount.

Congrats on getting housed! That's amazing after 8 months on the streets. Just want to add that when you call to report the change, ask your worker about the Homeless Shelter Deduction if you qualify. Since you were recently homeless, you might be eligible for certain transitional benefits or expedited processing. Also, if you have any moving expenses or security deposit costs, keep those receipts - sometimes they can help with your case. The fact that you're working part-time actually helps show you're making efforts toward self-sufficiency, which workers generally view positively. Don't stress too much - the system is designed to help people transition from homelessness to stable housing, not penalize them for it!

As someone who's been helping families navigate CalFresh for years, I'm so glad this community came together to help you out! Just wanted to add one more tip for anyone reading - if you're ever in a similar emergency situation and need food immediately while waiting for your card, many grocery stores (especially larger chains like Safeway, Lucky, and FoodMaxx) have managers who can work with you if you explain your situation. They sometimes allow you to shop and pay later once you get your replacement card, especially if you're a regular customer. It's not guaranteed, but it's worth asking. Also, make sure to keep the receipt from today's county office visit - some counties require documentation if you need multiple replacements in a short time period. Great job advocating for yourself and your kids!

This entire thread is such a great example of community support in action! I'm relatively new to this group but have been so impressed by how quickly everyone jumped in to help with practical, actionable advice. As someone who just started receiving CalFresh benefits last month, I'm bookmarking this whole conversation for future reference. The tips about the ebtEDGE app, emergency food assistance at county offices, and even the grocery store manager approach are all things I never would have known otherwise. It's reassuring to know there are so many safety nets and resources available, and that there's a community here willing to share their knowledge and experiences. Thanks to everyone who contributed - this is invaluable information for anyone navigating the CalFresh system!

I've been through this exact scenario with Safeway pickup and wanted to share my experience to help ease your stress! In my case, it took exactly 3 business days for the EBT refund to appear back on my card. What I found really helpful was checking my balance first thing in the morning each day, because the refund actually showed up around 5 AM rather than during regular business hours. Also, make sure you save that cancellation confirmation email - I had one situation where the refund got delayed and customer service needed that confirmation to track it down. The waiting is definitely nerve-wracking when you're on a tight budget, but Safeway has been pretty reliable in my experience. One tip: if you don't see the refund by day 4, call the EBT customer service number and ask them to check for "pending credits" - sometimes they can see it in the system before it hits your available balance. Hang in there, it should show up soon!

I just wanted to add something that might help while you're waiting - if you have any other stores in your area that accept EBT and have competitive prices, it might be worth checking them out while you wait for your Safeway refund. I've been in similar tight budget situations and sometimes found that places like WinCo or even some smaller ethnic grocery stores have really good deals that can stretch your remaining EBT balance further. Also, don't forget about discount grocery stores like Grocery Outlet if you have one nearby - they often have name brand items at significantly lower prices. I know it's frustrating to have that money tied up, but there are ways to make your remaining balance work harder while you wait. Based on everyone's experiences here, you should definitely see those funds back within the next few days!