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CalFresh 'sun bucks' confusion - has anyone with 'W' last name received their summer EBT yet?
Hi everyone! I'm new to the CalFresh system and super confused about what my neighbor called 'sun bucks' - I think she means the Summer EBT program for kids? My last name starts with W and I haven't received anything yet, but I heard they're sending them out alphabetically. My 3 kids (ages 7, 10, and 12) should qualify since they get reduced lunch at school. Has anyone with a last name starting with W received their summer EBT benefits yet? The county office put me on hold for 45 minutes yesterday before I had to hang up for work. Getting worried since summer break starts next week!
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How to activate new EBT card for CalFresh? Need help with PIN setup
Just got my daughter's EBT card in the mail yesterday for our CalFresh benefits, but we're not sure how to activate it before using it at the store. Is there a specific number we need to call to set it up? And once we activate it and create a PIN, will it work right away? We have about $430 in benefits that should be on there according to the approval letter, but the card doesn't seem to work yet. This is our first time on CalFresh and I don't want to embarrass her by having the card declined at checkout. Any help would be really appreciated!
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Urgent: Replacing lost EBT card in Fresno - Do they issue new cards at welfare office same day?
My boyfriend just realized he lost our CalFresh EBT card yesterday 😫 Our benefits were just loaded and we have groceries to buy for the week! Anyone know the fastest way to get a replacement card in Fresno County? Can I go directly to the welfare office tomorrow morning and get a new one issued on the spot? Or do I have to call and wait for it to come in the mail? Really need access to our food balance ASAP since we're basically out of everything at home. #FresnoCa #ThankYouInAdvance
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Does anyone know if they charge for replacement cards in Fresno County? In Los Angeles they started charging $5 after your second replacement in a year... hoping Fresno doesn't do that because I'm already on my 3rd replacement this year 😬 (kids keep playing with my wallet
As of 2025, California state policy allows counties to charge up to $5 for replacement EBT cards after the first two replacements in a 12-month period. Fresno County does implement this fee, but there are exemptions for certain situations like stolen cards (with police report), domestic violence situations, or cards damaged through no fault of the recipient. You can request a fee waiver if you have documentation or explanation for why you needed multiple replacements.
Just want to add that if you're going to the Shields office tomorrow morning, bring a snack and something to drink! The vending machines there are usually broken and there's no food nearby. Also, make sure your phone is charged - you'll probably be waiting a while even if you get there early. I've been there several times and the staff is actually pretty helpful once you get to the front, they just have way too many people to serve each day. Good luck getting your replacement card! At least you'll have access to your benefits right away instead of waiting for mail delivery.
10-year-old CalFresh overpayment claim - Is there really no statute of limitations?
Just got hit with a $2,450 overpayment notice for CalFresh benefits from 2014!!! I'm completely shocked since this is from TEN YEARS ago. When I called the county office, the worker told me 'there's no statute of limitations on federally funded programs' and I need to pay it back or set up a repayment plan. But when I searched online, several legal sites say California has a 3-year statute of limitations for benefit overpayments. I'm so confused and stressed about this. The notice says they'll garnish my tax refunds if I don't respond within 30 days. Has anyone successfully fought an ancient overpayment claim like this? What documentation should I request? I don't even remember the details from 2014 - I've moved THREE times since then!
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I'm still FURIOUS they can come after people after TEN YEARS!!! What about the interest you could have earned on that money if you'd known about this debt?? The system is COMPLETELY biased against recipients. FIGHT THIS ALL THE WAY!!! And report back what happens please!!
You're right - it's totally unfair. I've requested a hearing and all documentation. I'll definitely update once I know more. Thank you all for the advice and support. It helps knowing I'm not alone in this!
I'm going through something similar right now with a 2015 overpayment claim that just showed up last month. After reading through all these responses, I wanted to add that you should also request a "waiver of collection" if you're experiencing financial hardship. Even if the overpayment is valid, they're supposed to consider your current ability to pay. I found out about this from a paralegal at our local legal aid office - apparently it's in the federal regulations but they don't advertise it. Also, document EVERYTHING from this point forward - every phone call, every letter, every interaction. Good luck fighting this!
CalFresh EBT card for my son shows zero balance - funds not available after receiving card
I just received my son's CalFresh EBT card in the mail today (the envelope called it a 'Golden State Advantage' card). We were approved for benefits last week according to the approval letter, but when I called the EBT hotline to check the balance, it's saying that no funds are available on the card. The automated system recognizes the card number but shows $0.00 balance. Has this happened to anyone else? The approval letter said benefits would be available within 3 business days of approval. It's been 5 days now and I was counting on these benefits for grocery shopping tomorrow. Do I need to call the county office or is there a delay in loading benefits onto new cards?
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btw make sure you activated it right? you have to call that number on the sticker and set up your PIN before anything works
Yes, I activated it and set up the PIN. That's how I was able to check the balance and see it was $0.
I had this exact same issue with my daughter's card a few months ago! The timing is so frustrating because you're expecting the benefits to be ready when the card arrives. In my case, it took exactly 2 business days after receiving the card for the benefits to load. I kept checking the balance multiple times a day (probably drove myself crazy lol). The EBT customer service rep told me that the benefits usually load during overnight processing, so checking first thing in the morning gives you the best chance of seeing the update. Since you got your card today, I'd expect to see the benefits by Thursday morning at the latest. The system is just really slow at syncing everything up, but it will come through!
Jessica Nolan
hey just wondering did u ever get ur sun bucks? my cousins in san bernardino still waiting too
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Skylar Neal
AuthorYes! They finally showed up on my EBT card yesterday (June 3rd). Tell your cousin to check their balance - San Bernardino County seems to be processing the R-Z batch now.
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Natalia Stone
Hey @Skylar! So glad to hear you finally got your Summer EBT benefits! I'm actually in a similar situation - my last name starts with Y and I'm also in San Bernardino County. Still haven't received mine yet but after reading this whole thread I feel way more informed about how the system works. It's my first time dealing with Summer EBT too and I was totally confused about the timing. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - especially the info about the R-Z batch processing. I'll keep checking my balance over the next few days!
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Sean O'Donnell
@Natalia Stone You re'welcome! I m'so glad this thread helped you understand the process better. Since you re'also in San Bernardino County with a Y last name, you should definitely be in the same R-Z batch that just started processing. I d'check your EBT balance every day or two - mine showed up without any notification, just the extra $360 $120 (per kid added) to my card. If you don t'see anything by next week, that Claimyr service that @Leo McDonald mentioned might be worth trying to actually get through to someone at the county office. Good luck and I hope yours comes through soon!
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