Thank you so much for checking! I just logged into my BenefitsCal account and found the form under Report Changes. I've uploaded the receipt and the text from my landlord about the fridge. Fingers crossed they process it quickly!

I'm so glad you were able to submit the form online! That's much easier than trying to get through on the phone. Just wanted to add that if you need food right away while waiting for the replacement benefits, many WIC offices also have emergency food resources even if you're not enrolled in WIC. They sometimes have partnerships with local food banks that can provide fresh produce and dairy. Also, 211 (dial 2-1-1) is a great resource to find all the emergency food assistance in your area. Hope your replacement benefits come through quickly!

For anyone finding this thread later: This kind of system outage happens about 2-3 times a year with CalFresh. If you experience something similar: 1. Check if others are having the same issue (forums like this or calling friends who also use EBT) 2. Try not to panic - system outages usually resolve within 24-48 hours 3. If you need to reach someone at the county office, try Claimyr or visit in person 4. Remember your benefits aren't lost, just temporarily inaccessible 5. Use alternative food resources (food banks, school meals) during the outage 6. Once resolved, check that your full balance is restored It's also good practice to keep a small emergency food supply for these situations if possible. And remember to save a screenshot of your balance after each monthly deposit so you have proof of what should be available when systems return.

I'm so glad this got resolved quickly! As someone who's been through a few of these system outages, I wanted to add that it's also worth knowing that during major outages like this, some community organizations and churches will sometimes set up emergency food distributions specifically for EBT users who are affected. If you're on any local community Facebook groups or NextDoor, those are good places to check for announcements about emergency food resources during system outages. Also, for future reference, the California EBT Customer Service line (1-877-328-9677) usually has a recorded message about known system issues when there are statewide outages - sometimes that's faster than trying to get through to a live person. Hope everyone was able to get the food they needed!

This thread has been super helpful! I'm new to CalFresh and was totally overwhelmed by all the paperwork and deadlines. From what I'm reading, it sounds like most people get the 12-month certification with a SAR7 at 6 months, and you only need to send income proof for that one specific month they ask about on the form. I work retail with inconsistent scheduling too, so it's good to know I just need to focus on whatever paystubs I got during their requested month. I was stressing about having to compile months of documentation! Thanks everyone for breaking this down in plain English - the official notices they send are so confusing with all the legal language.

I got this SAR7 reverification form but I just got on calfresh like 3 months ago. I also have variable income so this is really inconvenient for me because I got a lot more hours last month than usual in order to save up for needing to miss some work in the coming months. I'm worried that if I report that month I'll lose my benefits AND coveredcal insurance since they share the income info. But it's not like I've escaped poverty or something, I just got lucky enough to be able to work an extra 40 hours temporarily.

Yes, you would need to report when your income resumes in the fall. However, if that falls within 10 days of when your next SAR7 is due, you can just report it on the SAR7 instead of filing a separate change report. For your daughter, here's the complete list of student exemptions she might qualify for: 1. Working 20+ hours weekly 2. Approved for work-study (even if not currently working) 3. CalGrant A or B recipient 4. Taking care of a dependent under 6 5. Taking care of a dependent 6-11 if no adequate childcare 6. EOP/EOPS participation 7. WIOA/SNAP E&T program participation 8. Single parent of a child under 12 9. Career Technical Education program (CTE) 10. College Promise Program participation Check each one carefully - many students qualify without realizing it.

Just wanted to add that if your daughter is receiving any financial aid at all (not just CalGrant), she might qualify for the College Promise Program exemption. Many community colleges automatically enroll students in this program if they're getting any form of financial aid, but students don't always realize it. I'd suggest having her check with the financial aid office - they can tell her right away if she's in any qualifying programs. Also, about your summer income situation - definitely report that change ASAP! I made the same mistake for years and lost out on hundreds of dollars in benefits during summer months. The system is confusing but once you know how to work it, it can actually help a lot more than people realize.

Just wanted to add - if you do go to the office, try to arrive early (at least 30 minutes before they open). Many counties prioritize the first people in line, and replacement EBT cards are considered urgent services. Also, while you're there, make sure they verify your address is correct in the system. Many delayed cards happen because of small errors in the address. And since you're new to CalFresh, ask them to explain how to use the card, when benefits are deposited (usually based on the last digit of your case number), and how to check your balance. Lastly, make sure you understand when your SAR7 (Semi-Annual Report) will be due - missing that deadline can cause benefit interruptions in the future.

Did you ever resolve this? Please update us on what worked! Others will likely have the same problem in the future.