just fyi ive been on calfresh for 6 yrs and sometimes the letter comes a week AFTER the money hits your ebt... makes no sense but thats how they do it lol

Glad to hear you got your benefits Jessica! This whole thread has been super helpful. I'm new to CalFresh and had no idea about these summer benefits. My kids just finished their first year at a new school and I wasn't sure if we'd qualify since we moved to Kern County in February. Should I be expecting Sunbucks too if we're already getting regular CalFresh? And does it matter that my youngest is only 4 and in pre-K? Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's so much better getting info from real people who actually go through this stuff!

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.

UPDATE: Finally got it fixed! The Claimyr service connected me with a worker after about 50 minutes. The worker confirmed it was a security freeze from the app crash. She asked a few verification questions and unfroze my account right away. My EBT card is working again! For anyone else dealing with this - definitely try Claimyr or go to the office in person. The regular EBT customer service line can't help with this specific issue. Thanks everyone for your help!

I'm so glad you got this resolved! This thread is really helpful - I had no idea about the Claimyr service or that you could set up PIN reset authorization questions. I've been dreading using the BenefitsCal app because I keep hearing about these crashes, but now I know what to do if it happens to me. It's frustrating that we have to rely on workarounds for what should be basic functionality, but at least there are solutions. Thanks for updating us with what worked!

I've been using the EBT Edge app for about a year now and can definitely confirm what everyone else is saying - locking your card won't affect your benefit deposits at all! I actually keep mine locked most of the time as a security precaution, especially after hearing stories about benefit theft. Your CalFresh will deposit on schedule tomorrow regardless of the lock status. Just wanted to add that if you're ever unsure about your balance or deposit status, you can also check by calling the automated phone line on the back of your card (it's usually faster than waiting for the app to update). The automated system is available 24/7 and gives you real-time balance info without having to wait on hold for a representative.

I've been through this exact situation multiple times and can definitely put your mind at ease! The card lock feature only prevents transactions from being processed - it doesn't interfere with benefit deposits at all. Think of it like putting a freeze on your debit card vs. your employer still being able to direct deposit your paycheck. Two completely separate systems. Your CalFresh benefits will absolutely deposit tomorrow as scheduled. I actually recommend keeping your card locked when you're not actively using it - it's become a habit for me after hearing too many horror stories about benefit theft. Just remember to unlock it before you go shopping, and as others mentioned, give it a few minutes after unlocking before trying to use it at a store terminal. The county offices can be frustrating to reach, but for future reference, the EBT customer service line (on the back of your card) is usually your best bet for card-related issues. They're available 24/7 and can help with unlocking if the app ever gives you trouble.

ANOTHER THING to know is that even if you miss your recertification paperwork deadline, you still have a 30-day grace period to submit it without losing benefits completely!! They might stop benefits briefly but when you submit within that 30 days they'll restore from the discontinuation date. A lot of workers don't tell clients this!!!

Hey Henry! I'm new here but went through something similar last year. Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble getting through to your worker by phone, you can also visit the Contra Costa County office in person at 40 Douglas Dr in Martinez. I know it's not always convenient, but sometimes showing up in person gets faster results than waiting on hold. They have walk-in hours on certain days. Also, when you do get through to your worker (whether by phone or in person), make sure to ask them to put a note in your case file about your mail access issue - this creates a paper trail that protects you if there are any problems with missed deadlines. Good luck!