Welcome to CalFresh! Just want to add that you can also set up account alerts through the EBT Connect app to get notifications when your benefits are deposited each month. This way you'll know exactly when your August benefits hit your card without having to check manually. Also, if you're ever unsure about your benefit amount or have questions about your case, you can log into your BenefitsCal account online - it shows your current benefit amount, case status, and any upcoming changes. The transition from that first approval payment to the regular monthly schedule can definitely be confusing, but once you get into the rhythm it becomes much more predictable!

Just wanted to share my experience as someone who went through this same confusion! When I first got approved, I was so worried about running out of food before the next payment. What helped me was calling the EBT customer service number (it's on the back of your card) - they were actually really helpful in explaining the payment schedule and confirming my issuance date. Also, pro tip: once you know your regular date (sounds like it'll be the 4th for you), benefits usually load around midnight to 6am that morning, so you don't have to wait all day. The learning curve is real with CalFresh but you'll get the hang of it!

Update on the process: Once you submit Form 243 and have your police report number, the county has 10 business days to make a determination. If approved, replacement benefits should be issued within 5 business days after that. So in total, it could take up to 15 business days (about 3 weeks) to get your benefits restored. During this time, make sure to: 1. Call your worker every few days for updates 2. Check your EBT account online regularly 3. Keep documentation of all communication 4. If denied, immediately request a fair hearing (you only have 90 days) The 2025 regulations actually improved this process. Previously, it could take up to 45 days, so while 3 weeks is still difficult, it's better than it was.

I'm so glad you were able to get the emergency food voucher and submit all your paperwork today! That's a huge relief. The fact that the county worker mentioned seeing a surge in EBT theft cases in Alameda County is really concerning - it definitely sounds like there's some kind of organized operation targeting benefit recipients in our area. Keep us posted on how the claim process goes. Your detailed documentation and proof that you were at work during the fraudulent transactions should really help your case. Fingers crossed you get your benefits restored quickly! And thank you for sharing this experience - it's helping other community members learn what steps to take if this happens to them.

So to summarize for anyone else confused like I was: P-EBT 3.0 is NOT coming back, but California is implementing the new permanent Summer EBT program starting summer 2025. It's about $120 per eligible child for the summer months, will be loaded automatically if your kids get free/reduced lunch or are on CalFresh, and this is separate from your regular monthly CalFresh benefits. Thanks everyone for clearing this up!

Just wanted to add that I work at a local food bank and we've been getting a lot of questions about this too. The confusion is understandable because the names are similar! We've been telling families that while the Summer EBT is great news, it's important to remember it only covers about 3 months. If you're struggling to stretch your CalFresh benefits year-round, don't forget about local food pantries and school backpack programs that can help fill the gaps. Many of us are open year-round and don't require extensive paperwork like government programs do.

my ebt card stopped working last month even tho i had benefits on there. had to get a replacement card. maybe ur card is broken?

I'm new here but dealing with the same frustrating situation! Just wanted to add that some farmers markets also have a "token" system for EBT users - you swipe your card at a central booth and get wooden tokens or paper vouchers to spend with individual vendors. The market near me in Sacramento does this and it works great. Maybe ask if your market has this setup instead of individual vendor machines? Also, I've found that calling ahead on Friday afternoons helps - market managers are usually there prepping for the weekend and can give you a straight answer about their EBT situation rather than making you drive over just to find out they don't accept it.

JUST GOT MY BENEFITS FINALLY!!!! Checked my balance and everything loaded. Thanks everyone for the help and letting me know I wasn't alone. This group is seriously a lifesaver sometimes.

I'm new to CalFresh and this is my first time experiencing a delay like this. Reading through everyone's responses has been really helpful - I was starting to panic thinking I did something wrong with my application or missed a deadline. It's reassuring to know this is a system issue and not something on my end. I'll definitely bookmark that Claimyr service someone mentioned for future reference, and it's good to know about the emergency food vouchers if this happens again. Thanks for sharing your experiences everyone!