I went through something similar with my grandmother last year when her recertification got messed up due to Social Security income reporting issues. The $340 on her EBT card is absolutely safe to use - that money was already issued for previous months and legally belongs to her. The key thing is getting that appeal filed ASAP since she's already at 2 weeks. I'd also suggest having her contact the family who gave her the holiday bonus to get some kind of written confirmation that it was a one-time payment, not regular income. Even a simple email or note on letterhead would help her case tremendously. Good luck to your mom!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! My recertification is pending and I've been so worried about what happens if there's any issues. Reading everyone's responses here is really helpful - I didn't know that existing EBT balances stay on the card even after denial. Also the tip about "non-recurring lump sum payment" terminology is gold! I screenshot that for my own files. Hope your mom's appeal goes smoothly and she gets her benefits restored quickly. The fact that it was just a holiday bonus should definitely work in her favor since that's clearly not regular income.

Update to my earlier comment: I just learned that CalFresh/EBT is doing a system update this weekend (April 19-21, 2025). If your card was locked before this, you might actually benefit from the update since they're resetting certain security parameters. Try accessing EBT Edge again on Monday morning - it might recognize your information correctly after the update.

UPDATE: Finally got my card unlocked! For anyone with the same issue, I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned here, and it actually worked! They got me through to a person at the county office in about 20 minutes (versus the 2+ hours I was waiting before). The worker was able to see that my account had a security lock that was different from just the PIN lock, which is why the automated system and website weren't working. She removed that security flag and then helped me reset my PIN. Card is working now! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

Update: I finally got through to someone helpful! Turns out there's a special verification form for independent study students that my kids' program was supposed to send us back in April. Going to the district office tomorrow to fill it out, but they said even with the delay we should still get the full benefit amount once processed. Thanks everyone for the advice!

So glad you figured it out! This is exactly why the system is so confusing - there are all these extra forms and requirements that nobody tells you about upfront. I'm dealing with something similar for my two kids who did independent study this year. Did they tell you if this verification form is something that needs to be done every year, or is it a one-time thing? I want to make sure I don't run into this same issue next time around. Thanks for sharing your update - it gives the rest of us hope that we can get this sorted out!

Adding to what everyone else has shared - I'm also in San Bernardino County and went through this exact same confusion when I first got CalFresh! The restaurant signs are definitely misleading if you don't know about the special eligibility requirements. One thing that helped me was downloading the USDA's SNAP Retailer Locator app - it shows you exactly which stores near you accept EBT and what types of food you can buy there. Super useful when you're still learning the ropes! Also, if you're looking for hot food options that work with regular CalFresh, some grocery stores like Food 4 Less have hot food bars where you can get things like fried chicken or pizza by the pound - but only if it's sold cold from a refrigerated case. It's a weird rule but once you get used to it, there are actually more options than you'd think. Welcome to the CalFresh community! Don't hesitate to ask questions - we've all been there with the confusion at the beginning.

Hey Oscar! I totally get the confusion - I had the exact same experience when I first got my CalFresh benefits and saw those restaurant signs everywhere. It's honestly kind of frustrating that they post the signs so prominently when most people with regular CalFresh can't actually use them at those places. What helped me was learning about some alternatives that do work with regular benefits. If you have a WinCo or similar grocery store nearby, they often have really good deli sections with things like rotisserie chicken, mac and cheese, and other prepared foods that you can buy cold with EBT. You can heat them up at home and it's still way more convenient than cooking from scratch. Also, don't feel bad about the confusion with the rules - the whole EBT system is honestly pretty complicated and even some store employees don't fully understand what's allowed. I've learned so much just from reading posts like this in the community. Thanks for asking the question because I'm sure other people are wondering the same thing!

Thank you everyone for the advice! I was able to go in person to the county office yesterday (waited 3.5 hours but finally got seen). The worker helped me submit an emergency change report for my housing situation and told me my benefits should be recalculated within 10 days. She also helped me apply for CalWORKs and gave me a list of emergency housing resources. My friend says I can stay with her for another month which helps. Fingers crossed the increased benefits come through quickly!

So glad to hear you got some help at the county office! That 3.5 hour wait sounds brutal but totally worth it. Just wanted to add - when your CalFresh benefits get recalculated, make sure to ask about the Homeless Shelter Deduction if they haven't already applied it. Since you're temporarily staying with your friend without paying rent, you might qualify for this special deduction which can increase your monthly benefits even more. Also, once you get stabilized with housing, don't forget to report that change too so your benefits stay accurate. Wishing you and your little one all the best - you're doing great advocating for yourself!