does anyone know if the grocery store atms r safer??? i use the one at food 4 less all the time

Just to clarify an important point that's causing confusion: This mainly affects EBT cash benefits (like CalWORKs), not your food benefits portion of CalFresh. Food benefits can only be used for food purchases, not ATM withdrawals. If you only receive food benefits through CalFresh (and not cash aid), you're still vulnerable at point-of-sale terminals in stores, but not from ATM skimmers. Be cautious when using your EBT card anywhere, but understand which benefits you have and how they can be accessed.

Has anyone actually received one of these supplements before? I always hear about these extra benefits but then nothing ever shows up on my card lol

Thank you everyone for all the information! I finally got through to someone at the county this morning. For San Bernardino County, they said our household will receive approximately $190 as a one-time supplement in August. It will be deposited on the same day as our regular benefits. For anyone else looking for this info, I had to specifically ask for the "August supplemental payment chart" and the worker was able to look it up. They don't have this information posted publicly apparently, but they do have internal charts that show the amounts based on household size and current benefit level.

My benefits finally just showed up! Check your balance again - maybe the system update is finishing now?

Glad to hear your benefits came through! For future reference, these system updates usually happen quarterly, and there's actually a schedule posted on the CDSS website. Next time you might want to check there if your benefits seem delayed. Also, signing up for EBT text alerts (if you haven't already) will notify you immediately when funds are deposited to your card.

have u tried calling ur county worker? when mine got stolen they fixed it in like a week but i had to keep calling them everyday

I want to share some updated information about benefit theft replacement since there seems to be confusion: 1. As of January 2025, California's updated EBT theft reimbursement program covers up to two months of stolen benefits within a federal fiscal year 2. The process requires: - Filing a police report (online is fine in most counties) - Completing form EBT-2259 (Benefit Theft Report) - Submitting a signed affidavit declaring the theft - Providing transaction records showing the unauthorized purchases 3. For emergency assistance while waiting: - Ask your county worker specifically for "expedited theft replacement" - Visit a local food bank (they have special programs for victims of benefit theft) - Check if you qualify for emergency CalFresh supplemental benefits If you're having trouble reaching someone at the county office to process this faster, you can either escalate to a supervisor by clearly stating it's an emergency food situation affecting children, or visit the office in person where they can't put you on hold.

my cousin works for calfresh and she says theyre getting TONS of theft reports lately. some scammers are using skimming devices at stores to steal card info. did u use ur card at any sketchy stores recently? not blaming u at all just wondering how they couldve gotten ur info

One more thing - if they delay processing your replacement request, ask for an "Expedited State Hearing." You have the right to an expedited hearing when your household is experiencing an emergency. The hearing must be scheduled within 5 working days of your request. Also, if you're really in a bind waiting for benefits to be restored, you can contact 211 (just dial 2-1-1 on your phone) for immediate emergency food assistance. They can connect you with programs that provide same-day food help. Hope this gets resolved quickly for you and your family!