Thank you everyone for the helpful advice! I feel so much better knowing I can keep my card locked and still get my benefits. I'm setting up the lock feature today and will only unlock when I'm physically ready to check out at the store. I really appreciate all your suggestions about calendars and checking balances. It's horrible that so many of us have gone through this skimming nightmare. Hopefully the system improves eventually, but for now at least we have this lock option to protect ourselves.

I'm so sorry you went through that skimming experience - it's absolutely terrible that this happens so frequently to people who are already struggling. I've been following this thread and learned so much from everyone's responses. Just wanted to add that you can also set up text alerts for your EBT card through the customer service line. They'll send you a text whenever there's activity on your account, including deposits and purchases. This way you'll know immediately if your benefits were deposited or if there's any suspicious activity, even when your card is locked. I hope you never have to deal with skimming again, but at least now you have all these great security strategies from the community!

I'm glad you got through! One more tip - document EVERYTHING. Take photos of any papers they give you, write down the names of workers you speak with, and keep notes about all conversations. If the full replacement gets delayed, this documentation will help. Also, when you receive your new card, immediately set up the California EBT Mobile app if you haven't already. It allows you to freeze and unfreeze your card between uses, which provides extra security against theft in the future.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - it's incredibly stressful when you have kids to feed! I went through something similar last year and wanted to share a few things that helped speed up my case. First, when you go to your appointment tomorrow, bring any receipts from the last few times you used your card to show your normal usage pattern - this helps prove the fraudulent transactions. Second, ask specifically about "expedited processing" for households with children under 18 - some counties can fast-track these cases. Also, if you're still having trouble reaching county workers by phone in the future, try calling right when they open (usually 8 AM) or during lunch hours when call volume is sometimes lower. The food bank was a lifesaver for us during the waiting period. You're doing everything right by staying on top of this and advocating for your family!

Thank you! I'll try both of those. Really hoping I can find something that works with my situation.

UPDATE: I went to the CSA office today and they told me I do qualify for the Homeless Assistance Program even though I'm not on CalWORKs! The worker said because I have children and am in temporary housing (the motel), I meet their definition of

mine came in just now!!! just checked my balance and it finally loaded. maybe check yours again?

I'm so glad to hear your benefits came through! This is exactly why I always recommend people check this community first when they have issues - you get real-time updates from people going through the same thing. The system delays seem to be happening more frequently lately. For anyone else reading this thread in the future, it's worth knowing that the CDSS website posts official notices about system issues, and checking BenefitsCal for any pending tasks or messages is always a good first step. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and advice!

Update: Just wanted to let everyone know that I got through to someone at the county office yesterday and they confirmed what you all said - my regular deposit date is the 7th based on my case number. The worker explained that the first deposit often comes at odd times because they're processing initial approvals throughout the month. Thanks everyone for your help!

For anyone else who finds this thread with a similar question: It's important to note that there are three key dates with CalFresh you should be aware of: 1. Your issuance date (1st-10th of month based on case number) 2. Your SAR7 due date (typically 5th of your reporting month) 3. Your recertification month (every 12 months) Keep track of all three to avoid any benefit interruptions. And remember, your EBT balance carries over from month to month - you don't lose unspent benefits when the new month starts.