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!

FOR ANYONE READING THIS WHO TRIES THE APP: Make sure you check your benefits using the PHONE NUMBER before you go shopping, even if the app shows a balance! Don't trust the app alone! I learned this the hard way when I was standing at the register with a cart full of groceries and two screaming kids. Trust me on this one!

I downloaded the EBT Edge app about 6 months ago and have found it pretty useful overall, though like others mentioned it definitely has some quirks. A few tips that might help: - Download it from the official app store and make sure it's the "ebtEDGE" app by Conduent - Give it 24-48 hours after your first setup to sync properly - I always refresh the app before checking my balance (pull down on the main screen) - Keep using the phone number as backup for important shopping trips The transaction history feature is actually my favorite part - it's helped me track my spending patterns and budget better. And being able to see exactly when my next deposit comes in is super convenient for meal planning. One thing I noticed is that it works much better on WiFi than on cellular data. If you're having issues, try connecting to WiFi first. The app isn't perfect but it's definitely more convenient than calling that automated system every time!

I just called the Orange County Social Services Agency about this because I was confused too (my last name starts with I). The representative explained that this temporary schedule is part of their transition to a new benefits management system that's supposed to make everything faster in the long run. For anyone experiencing hardship due to the delay, you can apply for expedited benefits by submitting an emergency request through your BenefitsCal account. Click on "Contact My Worker" and select "Emergency Assistance Request" from the dropdown menu. Make sure to explain that the delay is causing immediate food insecurity. They're prioritizing these requests and typically processing them within 24-48 hours.

This is such a relief to read! My last name is Hamilton and I got my benefits around 2 PM today after checking obsessively since the 10th. I was starting to wonder if I had missed some important paperwork or if there was an issue with my case. The lack of communication from the county about this change is really frustrating - I would have been so much less stressed if I had known this was a planned system upgrade rather than thinking something was wrong with my account. At least now I know what to expect and can plan better. Thanks for sharing this timeline breakdown, it's super helpful for everyone else who might be panicking like I was!

UPDATE: My benefits came through at 12:10am!! Just got back from the grocery store with ACTUAL FOOD! Thanks everyone for the help. For anyone else wondering, at least in my county (Alameda), they definitely hit around midnight of your assigned day and there's no "lock" - I was able to use them immediately!

So glad you got your benefits and could get some real food! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - if you're ever in a similar situation waiting for benefits, most food banks don't require any paperwork and can help immediately. The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano has locations throughout the Bay Area, and many churches have weekend food pantries too. Also, if you download the "Too Good To Go" app, some grocery stores sell discounted food that's near expiration for really cheap. It's helped me stretch my budget between benefit deposits before!

Following up on your progress - were you able to submit the theft claim through BenefitsCal or get through to someone on the phone? If you're still having trouble, I'd recommend documenting everything (screenshots, dates/times of calls, names of anyone you speak with). Also, there's a misconception I want to clear up: California law now requires counties to replace cash benefits stolen through electronic theft (like skimming or hacking) once every six months up to the full amount. This is different from food benefits, which have different replacement rules. Don't let anyone at the county tell you that cash benefits can't be replaced - that policy changed with AB 1880 and was further expanded in 2024.

That's such great news! I'm so glad you were able to get through and get at least partial emergency replacement. 60% is better than nothing while you wait for the full investigation. For anyone else reading this thread dealing with similar issues, this shows that persistence really does pay off. The key takeaways seem to be: - Keep calling until you get through to your actual county office (not just the general EBT line) - Ask specifically about emergency/expedited replacement due to hardship - Document everything and take screenshots of fraudulent transactions - Don't give up even if the first person you talk to isn't helpful Hope you get the remaining 40% back quickly! This whole situation is so stressful but you handled it really well.