So glad you got this resolved! This thread is incredibly helpful for anyone dealing with similar issues. Just wanted to add that if anyone else runs into this problem, it's worth knowing that you can also contact your local county supervisor's office if you're getting stonewalled by the regular channels. They often have staff who can help navigate these emergency situations and sometimes have more direct access to county services. I've seen them help cut through red tape when families are facing food insecurity. Also, for future reference, keeping a copy of your case number and worker contact info saved somewhere accessible can really speed things up when these emergencies happen.

This is such valuable information for anyone dealing with EBT issues! I'm really glad to see how this community came together to help. Just wanted to add that if you ever face this situation again, you can also request a "hardship exemption" which allows for same-day card replacement in emergency situations involving minor children. The county is required by state regulations to have a process for this, though they don't always advertise it. Also, if you have elderly household members (60+) or anyone with disabilities, that can also qualify for expedited emergency services. Keep all this info saved somewhere safe - you never know when you might need it again or be able to help someone else going through the same thing!

I went through something similar when my elderly father moved in with us last year. One thing I learned that might help you - even if you end up being counted as a household of 6, you're actually in a better position than you think! At $4,950 income with $2,400 rent + $650 childcare, your net income after deductions will be WAY below the limit. Also, pro tip: if your MIL receives Social Security, make sure they don't accidentally count her income toward your household if she does end up being considered separate. I had to correct this mistake twice with my worker because they kept adding my dad's SS to our household income even though he was applying separately. Good luck with your recertification - sounds like you should be fine either way the household gets counted!

I'm new to CalFresh but going through a similar situation with my grandmother who moved in with us recently. From what I've been reading online and talking to other families, it seems like the key thing is being really clear about the meal sharing situation when you talk to your worker. One thing I learned that might help - if you're worried about the household size determination, you could ask your eligibility worker to walk through the specific CalFresh household rules with you during your recertification appointment. They're supposed to explain exactly how they're counting your household and why. Also, based on what everyone is saying about your income and deductions, it sounds like you'll be fine either way! With that much in rent and childcare costs, those deductions should really help your case. Good luck with your recertification!

After this happened to me twice, I started transferring my benefits to a separate account as soon as they hit my EBT card. It's an extra step but worth the peace of mind. You can set up a transfer schedule on the EBT app.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! Unfortunately, EBT skimming is still a huge problem. I had my benefits stolen twice last year - it's devastating when you're already struggling to feed your family. Here's what worked for me when the county office phone lines were jammed: 1. Go to your county office first thing in the morning (like 7:30 AM) and wait in line - sometimes it's faster than calling 2. Bring printed screenshots of the fraudulent transactions and your ID 3. Ask specifically for Form EBT-2259 and emergency replacement benefits under AB-1690 4. If they give you the runaround, mention you'll be filing a complaint with the state office Also, while you're waiting for your claim to be processed, check if your area has any food pantries or churches doing emergency food distribution. Many don't require paperwork and can help same-day. Search "[your city] emergency food assistance" or call 211. The new chip cards ARE supposed to prevent this, but my county still hasn't issued them to everyone. Make sure to request one when you file your claim. Hang in there - you will get your benefits back, but I know that doesn't help when your kids are hungry right now. 💙

My experience with CalFresh as a senior has been AWFUL. I submitted medical expenses 3 times and they kept "losing" them. When I finally got through to a supervisor, my benefits went from $23 to $157 overnight. The system is designed to frustrate us into giving up!! One trick I learned - if you have any special diet needs recommended by your doctor (low sodium, diabetic, etc), get a doctor's note. Those special dietary needs can sometimes help your case because they recognize those foods cost more.

As someone who's been helping seniors navigate CalFresh for years, I want to emphasize something crucial that might not be obvious: ALWAYS submit medical expenses with your initial application, not just during appeals. The county workers often don't proactively ask about medical deductions, but they can make a huge difference. For seniors specifically, here's what counts as medical expenses: - Medicare Part B and Part D premiums - Supplemental insurance premiums - Prescription copays and deductibles - Over-the-counter medications prescribed by your doctor - Medical equipment (glasses, hearing aids, etc.) - Transportation costs to medical appointments - Dental and vision expenses not covered by insurance The key is documenting EVERYTHING over $35/month. Keep receipts, get statements from your insurance companies, and don't assume "small" expenses don't matter - they add up quickly and can significantly increase your benefits. Also, make sure to ask about the "elderly simplified reporting" option that @Mateo Sanchez mentioned. This protects seniors from benefit reductions due to small income changes like COLA adjustments.

This is such an important warning - thank you for sharing your experience! I work with seniors in my community and several of them have gotten these exact calls recently. The scammers are getting really sophisticated with the caller ID spoofing and having personal information. One thing I've learned is that these scammers often target people right around benefit deposit dates when they know recipients are expecting their monthly benefits. They create that false urgency about "suspicious activity" knowing people will panic about losing their food money. I always tell people: when in doubt, hang up and call back using the number YOU know is correct. Real customer service won't mind you being cautious - they actually appreciate it! And never feel embarrassed if you almost fell for it - these scams are designed by professionals to be convincing. Has your county office said anything about whether they're working with law enforcement to track down these scammers?

This is exactly why I always tell people to trust their gut feeling! The fact that you hesitated when they asked for your PIN shows you have good instincts. These scammers are counting on people panicking and not thinking clearly when they hear about "urgent" problems with their benefits. I wanted to add that if anyone is ever unsure about a call, you can also ask the caller for a reference number or case number and tell them you'll call back to verify. A legitimate representative will understand and provide that information. Scammers will usually get aggressive or hang up when you ask for verification details. Also, for anyone reading this - make sure your family members and friends know about this scam too. I've noticed scammers sometimes target elderly relatives or people who might not be as familiar with these types of phone scams. Knowledge is our best defense against these predators who are literally trying to steal food from families!