Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I'm going to accept the job and make sure I document all our expenses carefully on the next SAR7. I'll try calling the county to get a calculation with our specific situation, and if I can't get through, I might try that Claimyr service that @profile5 mentioned. Really appreciate all the advice!

Just wanted to add that your health insurance premiums that are deducted from your paycheck DO count as a deduction for CalFresh purposes! This is often overlooked but can make a real difference in your net income calculation. Also, make sure to report any utilities you pay separately from rent - if you pay electric, gas, water, or trash separately, there's a standard utility allowance that gets added to your shelter deduction. With your rent at $2,200 plus utilities, you'll likely qualify for the maximum shelter deduction which could keep you eligible even with the higher income. Don't give up hope!

Has anyone else noticed that regular CalFresh benefits seem to be getting lower too?? My January amount was almost $100 less than December and I didn't report ANY changes. Is this related to the P-EBT ending or something else going on? Everything is so expensive now and they keep cutting benefits!!!!

Thanks for posting this confirmation! I've been wondering about this for weeks. My neighbor kept insisting that her friend's sister heard there would be more P-EBT payments coming, but I had a feeling the program was really done. It's frustrating that there wasn't better communication about the end date, but at least now I can stop checking my kids' cards every few days. Really appreciate everyone sharing info about the Summer EBT program too - that's the first I've heard about it and it sounds like it could be a real help during those long summer months when the kids are home all day.

Following up on your progress - were you able to submit the theft claim through BenefitsCal or get through to someone on the phone? If you're still having trouble, I'd recommend documenting everything (screenshots, dates/times of calls, names of anyone you speak with). Also, there's a misconception I want to clear up: California law now requires counties to replace cash benefits stolen through electronic theft (like skimming or hacking) once every six months up to the full amount. This is different from food benefits, which have different replacement rules. Don't let anyone at the county tell you that cash benefits can't be replaced - that policy changed with AB 1880 and was further expanded in 2024.

That's such great news! I'm so glad you were able to get through and get at least partial emergency replacement. 60% is better than nothing while you wait for the full investigation. For anyone else reading this thread dealing with similar issues, this shows that persistence really does pay off. The key takeaways seem to be: - Keep calling until you get through to your actual county office (not just the general EBT line) - Ask specifically about emergency/expedited replacement due to hardship - Document everything and take screenshots of fraudulent transactions - Don't give up even if the first person you talk to isn't helpful Hope you get the remaining 40% back quickly! This whole situation is so stressful but you handled it really well.

lol they never mail those things i swear. i got approved back in may & had to physically go to the office 3 times before someone gave me my card!!! the system is broken af

I feel your pain! I went through the exact same thing last year and it took forever to resolve. Here's what finally worked for me: I called the EBT customer service line (1-877-328-9677) instead of the county office. They were able to see that my cards had been "returned to sender" multiple times due to an address issue I didn't even know about. They expedited a new card with corrected info and I had it in 3 days. Also, if you have a trusted friend or family member, you might be able to have the card sent to their address temporarily - just make sure to update your address properly in the system first. Don't give up, that $1,875 is rightfully yours!

I want to clarify something important: If you were affected by this fraud, you are entitled to retroactive benefits under federal SNAP regulations (7 CFR 273.17). The county MUST restore any benefits stolen through no fault of your own, going back up to 12 months. Be prepared that they might initially deny knowledge or responsibility. Document everything: - Take screenshots of your EBT transaction history - Note any transactions you don't recognize - Keep copies of all communication with the county - Get the name and ID of every worker you speak with If they refuse to help, contact Legal Aid of Fresno County or the Western Center on Law and Poverty. This is a serious violation of program integrity requirements.

Update: I just called the number on the back of my EBT card and checked my transaction history. There were THREE transactions at a store in Madera that I've never even been to! They were for $86, $112, and $205 over the past 4 months. I'm literally shaking right now. That's over $400 of food money for my kids that someone STOLE. What do I do now? Do I call the police? The fraud department? I'm so upset I can barely think straight.