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If I could give 10 stars I would
If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
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Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
Worth not wasting your time calling for hours.
Was a bit nervous or untrusting at first, but my calls went thru. First time the wait was a bit long but their customer chat line on their page was helpful and put me at ease that I would receive my call. Today my call dropped because of EDD and Claimyr heard my concern on the same chat and another call was made within the hour.
An incredibly helpful service
An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
Consistent,frustration free, quality Service.
Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
IT WORKS!! Not a scam!
I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
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update us when u get it fixed! curious how long it takes in 2025... system seems worse than last year tbh
UPDATE: I finally got through to my county office! Used that Claimyr service someone suggested and it worked perfectly - got a callback within 20 minutes instead of being on hold forever. The worker confirmed it was indeed the multiple swipes that triggered a security lock. She verified my identity over the phone and was able to reactivate my SAME card! No need for a new one. Benefits were accessible again within an hour. For anyone else with this problem - definitely mention you never reported it lost yourself. They can see in their system it was an automatic security flag. She also noted on my account what happened so if it ever happens again, they'll know it's the same issue. Thanks everyone for the help! Crisis averted and kids are fed!
yay!! so glad it worked out for u! thx for updating us
Great to hear! Just a tip for the future - if your card gets declined once, it's better to call the EBT customer service line right away rather than trying multiple swipes. That way you can avoid triggering the security lock. Glad you got it resolved quickly!
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Great news! When you get your new card, remember to activate it right away through the automated system. Also, for future reference, you can check your EBT balance and transaction history anytime by calling the number on your card or through the ConnectEBT mobile app. The app is really helpful for monitoring your account regularly.
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i think everybodys overthinking this tbh... just dont use sketchy atms and check ur balance often. ive had calfresh 3 years never change my pin except when i first got the card lol never had a problem 🤷♀️
ur lucky then!!! my cousin AND me both got skimmed at totally normal lookin ATMs at safeway! these scammers r getting really good at hiding the skimmers u cant even see them anymore!!!!
Quick update on the skimming replacement process: As of March 2025, California implemented a faster reimbursement process for EBT theft. Now, once you file the EBT-2259 form, you should receive provisional replacement benefits within 10 business days while the investigation continues. You don't have to wait for the full investigation to complete anymore. Make sure to ask specifically about this when you contact your county worker.
That's amazing news! No one mentioned this to me when I filed my claim last week. I'm going to call them tomorrow and ask about the provisional replacement. 10 days is so much better than 90!
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To address your question about Xfinity and credit checks - Internet Essentials specifically does NOT require a credit check, which is part of what makes it accessible for many CalFresh recipients. They also don't check for past due balances for Internet Essentials customers. One thing to be aware of though - the ACP program that helps fund these discounts is projected to run out of federal funding by early 2026 unless Congress renews it. So while prices are good now, everyone using these discount programs might face significant increases next year.
This is EXACTLY why I don't trust ANY of these "discount" programs! They get you signed up and dependent on the service then BOOM the "program ends" and suddenly you're paying full price or scrambling to find something else. The government doesn't care about making internet actually affordable for CalFresh families long-term.
Update: I went with Xfinity Internet Essentials! Signed up online, brought my EBT card and CalFresh approval letter to the store, and got approved right away. It's completely free with the ACP discount, and the speed is actually better than what I had with AT&T. Thanks everyone for your help! Special thanks to those who mentioned no credit check - that was a huge relief since my credit isn't great after some medical bills last year.
That's great to hear! Just make sure to mark your calendar for when you need to recertify both your CalFresh benefits and your Internet Essentials eligibility. They don't always sync up, and missing either recertification can cause problems with your service or discount.
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If you're really struggling without the extra allotments, make sure you report ALL your expenses on your SAR7 and recertification. A lot of people don't know they can deduct childcare costs, excess medical costs (for elderly/disabled household members), and a homeless shelter deduction if applicable. Also, if your income dropped, report it right away - don't wait for your next SAR7. You might qualify for more regular benefits that way.
This is really helpful advice. I pay $950/month for childcare for my youngest and wasn't sure if that counted. I'll make sure to include that on my next report. Do you know if after-school programs count as childcare expenses too?
Yes! After-school programs definitely count as childcare expenses if they allow you to work or attend school/training. Make sure you have receipts or some documentation. It can make a big difference in your benefit calculation!
just want to add that you should check your EBT card balance regularly using the app or calling the number on the back of your card. sometimes they load benefits without any notification. and ya the pandemic extra benefits are over - my family really misses those too. made a huge difference for us.
Thanks for the tip about checking regularly. I'm downloading the app now. And yeah, sounds like those extra benefits were really helping a lot of families.
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To address your question about specialized formula - yes, hypoallergenic formulas for babies with allergies are definitely covered by CalFresh. The EBT system doesn't distinguish between regular and specialized formula varieties. As long as it's formula, it's covered! And I strongly second the recommendations to apply for WIC as well. They can provide formula vouchers specifically for your baby's needs, which would help stretch your CalFresh benefits further for other food items your family needs.
Something no one mentioned - sometimes stores put formula behind locked cases now bc its expensive. if u need help getting an employee to unlock it dont be shy to ask! no one should be embarrassed about feeding their baby ❤️
Thank you ❤️ That's so kind. I have noticed the locked cases at some stores. It's a little intimidating but you're right - nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to feeding my baby.
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had this happen 2x already this year...its gotten so bad. now i just transfer my benfeits to my other account as soon as they hit so theirs nothing to steal. wish theyd fix this problem but they dont care about us
wait what??? you can transfer CalFresh to another account????? i never heard of this before????
This is incorrect information. You cannot transfer CalFresh benefits to another account - they can only be used via the EBT card for eligible food purchases. The commenter may be confusing CalFresh with CalWORKs cash benefits, which can be transferred to a personal bank account in California.
UPDATE: I wanted to follow everyone's advice here. I filed the CF 303 form online through BenefitsCal and used Claimyr to get through to a real person at my county office. The worker was super helpful and processed an emergency replacement for 60% of my benefits that will be available when my new card arrives in a few days. The rest will be replaced after the investigation, which she said typically takes 10 business days. Thank you all for your help! This forum literally saved my family from going hungry.
That's amazing news! So glad you got the emergency replacement. Make sure to check your mail carefully for the new card - they come in very plain envelopes that can look like junk mail.
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Hi there, this might be a silly question, but I'm new to the EBT system. How do you know if you have cash benefits vs food benefits? I just got approved for CalFresh but don't know if I have cash on my card too? When I called the number on the back it just gave me one balance. Sorry if this is a dumb question!
Not a silly question at all! CalFresh and cash benefits are separate programs. When you call the EBT hotline (1-877-328-9677), you need to listen to BOTH balances: 1. They'll first tell you your FOOD benefits balance 2. Then they'll tell you your CASH account balance If you only have CalFresh, your cash balance will be $0.00. To have cash benefits, you need to be enrolled in CalWORKs, General Assistance/Relief, or another cash aid program. These require separate applications from CalFresh.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful answers! I found a MoneyPass ATM at the CVS near me using the app someone suggested. I was able to withdraw with no fees! And I tried the cash back at Walmart too - super easy and no charge. This has been really helpful since I'm new to the area and was worried about accessing my benefits.
Glad it worked out! Just remember to always check your balance after withdrawals to make sure no surprise fees pop up later. Happened to me once 😕
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Here's an updated list of ALL San Diego County restaurants that accept EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program as of March 2025. Remember, you must be homeless, elderly (60+), or disabled AND enrolled in the RMP portion of CalFresh to use your benefits at these locations: - Burger King (select locations) - Del Taco (ONLY Mission Valley, Chula Vista, and Oceanside locations) - Denny's (all San Diego County locations) - El Pollo Loco (select locations) - Jack in the Box (select locations) - McDonald's (select locations) - Pizza Hut (ONLY Mira Mesa and National City locations) - Subway (select locations) - Wendy's (ONLY Clairemont and El Cajon locations) Unfortunately, the Barrio Logan Del Taco is NOT on this list. Your best bet is to use your EBT at a grocery store that sells ready-to-eat cold items like sandwiches or salads. 7-Eleven also accepts EBT for qualifying food items.
Wow thats actually way more places than I thought!! Didnt know Wendys was on there now
THANK YOU for posting the actual list!! Why doesn't the county just text this to everyone on CalFresh?? Would save so much confusion!
Update: I ended up going to the 7-Eleven instead and got a sandwich and some fruit with my EBT. Thanks everyone for your help and for the restaurant list! I'm going to save that for future reference even though I don't qualify for the restaurant program. Maybe someday they'll expand it to all CalFresh recipients.
glad u found something! 7-11 sandwiches actually not bad in a pinch
Romeo Barrett
this happened 2 me 2!!! i got skimmed 4 like $250 and they only gave me back like $220 something. i called and they said it was bcuz of transaction fees from the ATM that they dont replace. did u withdraw any cash from ur ebt? they dont replace those fees
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Jackie Martinez
•Interesting! I did withdraw $40 cash at one point to pay my neighbor back for giving us a ride to the grocery store. Maybe that's where the $15 went - in transaction fees? Seems really high for a fee though...
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Marina Hendrix
Have you checked if your county has a specific form for contesting replacement amounts? In Sacramento County, we have a "Benefit Replacement Dispute Form" that you can submit if you think the replacement amount was calculated incorrectly. Most counties have something similar. The form typically asks for your transaction history and requires you to mark which specific transactions you're disputing. It's usually processed within 3-5 business days rather than waiting for a regular case review which can take weeks. Also, for anyone dealing with card skimming: immediately change your PIN through the BenefitsCal portal rather than waiting for the new card. Sometimes thieves will continue attempting transactions even after you've reported the card stolen.
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Jackie Martinez
•That's really helpful, thank you! I'm in San Bernardino County - I'll ask if we have a similar form when I call. And thanks for the PIN change tip too. I did change my PIN right away but I'll make sure to remind friends who might deal with this in the future.
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