Update: finally got through to EBT after using that Claimyr service! They confirmed it was fraud, canceled my card, and are sending me a new one that should arrive in 3-5 business days. They said my fraud claim could take up to 30 days to investigate, but the rep noted my account that I have children and need emergency assistance. Said I should also visit my county office on Monday to request emergency replacement benefits while the claim is pending. Will update how it goes!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! This is unfortunately becoming more common. A few additional tips that helped me when I went through EBT fraud: 1. Screenshot or print your transaction history showing the fraudulent purchases - you'll need this documentation 2. When you get your new card, consider changing your PIN to something completely different 3. Be extra careful about where you use your EBT card - avoid gas stations and smaller stores where skimmers are more common 4. Some grocery stores have started putting security sleeves over their card readers - look for those Also, while waiting for your benefits to be restored, check if your kids' school participates in weekend backpack programs. Many schools send home food packages on Fridays for families in need. The school counselor or main office would know about this. Hang in there - I know it's scary but the system does work eventually. My benefits were restored in about 3 weeks.

Not to get off topic but why do they always reset the CalFresh benefits on different days? Mine come on the 7th but my sister gets hers on the 14th. Makes no sense!

So glad you got it sorted out! For future reference, you can also check your EBT card balance and transaction history through the ebtEDGE mobile app - it's really helpful for keeping track of your benefits and making sure everything looks right. And don't feel embarrassed about the PIN lockout - it happens to everyone! The cashiers see it all the time and most are pretty understanding about it.

Update on your situation: Riverside County is required by ACL 18-13 (All County Letter) to complete Inter-County Transfers within 7 calendar days of receiving the case from the sending county. If it's been longer than that, they're technically out of compliance. I recommend taking these steps immediately: 1. Submit a new application through BenefitsCal as mentioned above 2. Request expedited service due to low/no income and resources 3. Call AND visit in person if possible 4. If you get a worker on the phone, request to speak with a supervisor if they can't immediately locate and process your transfer 5. If there will be a gap in benefits, ask them to issue emergency CalFresh benefits to cover the gap period You shouldn't have to wait for your next issuance date to receive the benefits you're entitled to. The county is required to preserve continuity of benefits during transfers.

I'm dealing with something similar right now! Moved from LA County to Riverside 3 weeks ago and still haven't received my benefits. What's really frustrating is that when I call the main CalFresh line, they tell me different things every time - one person said the transfer was processed, another said there's no record of it. I ended up going to the Riverside office on Alessandro Blvd last week with all my paperwork and they finally found my case buried in their system. The worker said they've been having issues with their new computer system not properly flagging incoming transfers. She processed it manually and said I should see benefits within 3-5 business days. If calling isn't working, definitely go in person with your case number from San Bernardino and any transfer confirmation they gave you. Bring your kids if you have to - sometimes that helps them understand the urgency of the situation.

Yes, you'll submit the SAR7 at the 6-month mark of your certification period. Since you applied last month, you should receive it around June 2025. Make sure you report any income changes accurately, including the child support. If your income has decreased at all since your initial application, you can actually report that now (not just at SAR7 time) and potentially get your benefit amount increased. Also, don't forget that your utility costs can be factored in using the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) which might increase your benefit amount.

Just wanted to add that you can also check your state's Summer EBT website for updates! California usually posts information about when benefits will be issued and any important deadlines. Also, if you move during the school year, make sure to update your address with both your school district AND your CalFresh case - I've seen families miss out because their notification letters went to old addresses. The $120 per child really does help stretch the food budget during summer when kids are home all day!

does anyone know how much the sun bucks pays? is it the same amount as the p-ebt we got during covid?

I'm in a similar situation with my 4-year-old who isn't in any formal program yet. After reading through all these responses, it sounds like I need to look into Head Start or other state-funded preschool programs if I want my younger child to qualify for Sun Bucks. Does anyone know if there's a waiting list for Head Start programs, or how early I should apply for next year? It seems like getting into one of these programs would not only help with my child's education but also make them eligible for the summer food benefits.