California CalFresh

btw has anyone noticed the HUGE increase in ebt theft lately??? my cousin and 2 ppl from my building all had their benefits stolen in the last couple months. someone said theres these new skimmer things thieves put on store card readers that can copy ur card when u swipe. now i only use my ebt at the big safeway near me cuz i dont trust the corner stores anymore!!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! This is absolutely heartbreaking and unfortunately way too common. While the federal rules around CalFresh theft replacement are frustrating, definitely follow up on what Kevin mentioned about the new federal demonstration project - it's worth a shot even if it only covers certain types of theft. In the meantime, here are some immediate resources that might help: - Many churches and community centers have emergency food boxes that don't require paperwork - Check if your local library has information about mobile food pantries in your area - Some grocery stores participate in programs that provide emergency food vouchers through nonprofits - If you have young kids, contact Head Start programs - they often know about family emergency resources Also, when you call about the federal program, ask to speak with a supervisor if the first worker doesn't know about it. Sometimes the frontline workers haven't been trained on newer programs yet. Document everything - dates, times, who you spoke with. Hang in there, and I hope you can get some help soon. No family should have to go through this.

my favorite thing is seeing when people try to steal my card info at those card skimmers!! the app shows every transaction so i can see if someones trying to use my card somewhere i wasnt at!

I just wanted to add that if you have any issues with the app not working or if you need to reset your PIN, you can also visit your local county office and they can help you with that. Sometimes the app might not work if your card has been temporarily suspended for security reasons (like if you entered your PIN wrong too many times at a store). The county workers are usually pretty helpful with tech issues like this. Also, make sure your phone has enough storage space - I had a friend who couldn't get the app to work properly because her phone was almost full!

My sister had to report a raise and they REDUCED her benefits by like $50!!! For just a tiny raise!!! The system is SO UNFAIR!!!

I'm in a similar situation - just started a new job and had to report the income change. From what I've learned reading through these comments, it sounds like if your case shows "Active" in BenefitsCal, that's a good sign that they've processed your verification. The app really is limited though - I wish they'd add a feature to show pending deposits or at least confirmation when verifications are processed. For now, I'm just going to check my EBT card on my usual deposit date and call if nothing shows up. Hope your benefits come through on the 7th as expected!

Just an FYI - once you report the theft, you might qualify for emergency replacement benefits while your claim is being processed. Ask specifically about "expedited replacement" due to hardship. They can sometimes issue a partial replacement within 3 days if you explain that your family has no food. Also, going forward, here are some security tips: 1. Change your PIN regularly (monthly) 2. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN anywhere 3. Check for loose or suspicious card readers before inserting your card 4. Use the BenefitsCal app to check your balance instead of ATMs 5. Set up alerts so you get a text/email notification whenever there's a transaction Wishing you the best - please update us on what happens!

I'm so sorry this happened to you Isabella! This is absolutely heartbreaking and unfortunately way too common. I went through something similar last year and want to share what worked for me. First, don't give up on calling - the fraud line IS open today but it's swamped. Try calling right when they open at 7am or later in the evening around 9-10pm when call volume is lower. When you do get through, use these exact words: "I need to report ELECTRONIC BENEFIT THEFT and request form EBT-2259 for benefit replacement." Since this is your second time, definitely mention that - they should flag your account for extra monitoring. Also ask them to completely change your card number, not just issue a new card with the same number. For immediate help with groceries, contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they can connect you with local food banks and emergency food assistance that can help your family eat while you sort this out. Many churches and community centers also have food pantries that don't require paperwork. You WILL get through this, and with the new California law, you should be able to get your benefits replaced. Stay strong! 💙

UPDATE: I finally got through on the phone number! My benefits were loaded yesterday as scheduled. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions. Looks like it's just the website having issues but our benefits are still being processed normally.

Same thing happened to me last month during a "system upgrade" - the website was down for 3 days but my benefits were still deposited on time. I've started keeping the EBT customer service number saved in my phone (1-877-328-9677) because this seems to happen regularly. Pro tip: if you call early in the morning like around 7-8 AM, you usually get through faster than during peak hours. The automated system works even when the website doesn't, so your benefits should still be there on your normal date!