this is y the system is SO BROKEN!!! calfresh should cover diapers & formula!!! how r we spsd to feed are babies??? the income limits r a joke nobody can live on what they say is "too much money" smh

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get the supplies you needed? The Sacramento Crisis Nursery that someone mentioned is an excellent resource. Also, for future reference, you mentioned you're over the income limit for CalWORKs by just $75. If your situation changes at all or you have any additional expenses that might count as deductions, it's worth reapplying. Sometimes even small changes in circumstances can make you eligible.

did u try calling the spanish line?? sometimes thats faster even if u dont speak spanish just press random numbers til u get a person lol

I'm in the same boat - last name starts with D and still waiting! My neighbor got hers yesterday (also D name - Davidson) so they're definitely going out now. I called the P-EBT line this morning right at 8am like someone suggested and actually got through after about 25 minutes on hold. The rep told me that cards are still being processed for D names through the end of this week, and if we don't get them by Monday to call back. She also mentioned that some people's cards got delayed because their address in the system didn't match what the school had on file. Might be worth double-checking that your address is current in your kids' school records just in case!

Yes, you can view your notices in your BenefitsCal account. Just log in, go to "My Benefits" and there should be a section for "Notices" or "Documents." Not all counties have fully digitized all notices, but most recent ones should be there. It's a good way to keep track of changes to your benefits without having to save all the paper notices.

Glad you got it figured out! This is exactly why it's so important to keep track of any changes you report to your county office. The processing delays can be really frustrating - sometimes it takes months for them to update your benefits even for something as straightforward as a rent increase. For future reference, if you report changes and don't see them reflected in your benefits within 30 days, it's worth following up. The retroactive payments are nice when they finally come through, but it would be so much better if they just processed things on time in the first place!

make sure u call early in the morning when they open! thats the only time u can get thru without waiting for hours

Just wanted to add that you can also check your benefit details online through your BenefitsCal account or the ebtEDGE app. It should show your monthly benefit amount and any back payments separately, which might help you understand the $1790 before you call tomorrow. Also, even though the card has your son's name on it, you as the parent/guardian can still use it legally to purchase food for your household. But definitely get it corrected for future reference!

I'm so sorry this happened to you and your family. EBT fraud is unfortunately becoming more common and sophisticated. Here are some immediate steps you can take while waiting for your benefits to be restored: 1. **Emergency food assistance**: Call 211 right now to find local food banks, soup kitchens, and emergency food programs in your area. Many don't require paperwork and can help immediately. 2. **School meals**: Make sure your kids are getting free breakfast and lunch at school if they're eligible. 3. **Emergency CalFresh**: Ask your caseworker about emergency food assistance or expedited replacement benefits due to "household hardship with minor children" - this is different from the fraud investigation and can sometimes be processed in 3-5 days. 4. **Document everything**: Keep all your case numbers, call logs, and any documentation. Take photos of your empty EBT balance as proof. In my experience helping families with benefits, fraud claims typically resolve in 10-15 days despite the 30-day window they quote. The key is to keep calling and emphasizing that you have children with no food. Don't give up - you deserve to have your stolen benefits restored quickly. Stay strong, and please update us when you get resolution. We're rooting for you and your family.

I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare - having your food benefits stolen twice in one day with 3 kids to feed is absolutely devastating. I went through EBT fraud last year and want to share what helped speed things up for me: **Immediate actions:** - File a police report online (most departments allow this now) - having a police report number can help expedite your case - Call your county CalFresh office directly (not just the EBT fraud line) and specifically request "emergency replacement benefits due to household hardship with minor children" - this is a separate process from fraud investigation and can be processed in 3-5 days - Call 211 immediately for emergency food resources - food banks, community meals, etc. **For follow-up:** - Keep calling every 2-3 days with your case numbers. Be persistent but polite, and always mention you have 3 children with no food - Ask to speak with a supervisor since your total fraud amount ($799) is substantial - Set up alerts on your new EBT card through ConnectEBT.com to catch any suspicious activity immediately In my experience, most fraud claims actually resolve in 10-15 days despite the 30-day estimate they give. The emergency replacement benefits can help bridge that gap. Don't let them make you wait without any help - you have options for immediate assistance while the investigation is pending. Hang in there - this community is here to support you through this.