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my friend works at the grocery store and she says they find skimmers on their card readers like once a month now!!! the thieves put them on super early in the morning when the store first opens and its hard to notice unless ur looking for it. she said ebt cards r targeted cause they dont have the same protections as regular bank cards
OK so I just got back from the police station and filed a report. The officer said they've had DOZENS of similar cases reported in our county over the last few months! So clearly this is a widespread issue! What's weird is when I asked if they're investigating county employees, he got really awkward and just said "we're looking at all possibilities" but wouldn't give me a straight answer. Feels like they're avoiding pointing fingers at the county! I'm going to call the EBT customer service tomorrow, but based on your experiences it sounds like I'll be fighting for weeks to get my money back. This is so frustrating when my kids are going hungry NOW. At least I know I'm not alone or crazy. Thank you all for the advice and support.
Good job filing that police report! That's actually the most important step for getting your benefits replaced. Make sure to call EBT customer service first thing tomorrow and reference your police report number. While you wait for the replacement benefits (which unfortunately can take 2-3 weeks), contact these emergency resources: 1. Local food banks (find them at cafoodbanks.org) 2. Call 211 for immediate food assistance programs 3. Check if your school district offers emergency meal programs Don't hesitate to use these services - that's exactly what they're there for during situations like this.
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
I only use my card at the same 2-3 stores near my house. Maybe one of them has a skimmer? I'm going to be so much more careful now. I've heard people say to always wiggle the card reader before using your card to check for skimmers. Too late for me now though 😡
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!
Thank you!! I'm so glad I posted here - I have so much more information now than I did before. I feel more prepared to fight for our benefits tomorrow. Will update once I get some resolution!
My benefits finally just showed up! Check your balance again - maybe the system update is finishing now?
OMG THANK YOU for letting me know! Just checked and mine came through too! What a relief. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
mine 2!!! just got my text alert from ebt!
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.
This happened to me before and I ended up waiting TWO WEEKS for the replacement card! But that was during COVID so maybe that's why it took so long? Anyway on an unrelated note has anyone had trouble with their Semi-Annual Report (SAR7) recently? Mine is due next month and the website keeps crashing when I try to download the form.
Just wanted to follow-up on something important: when you get your replacement card, immediately update your PIN to something secure AND set up alerts on your EBT account. You can get text messages whenever your card is used. That way, if someone somehow gets your card information again, you'll know immediately. Also, many skimming thefts happen at ATMs, so if possible, only withdraw cash inside a bank location rather than at outdoor ATMs. Regarding your cash benefit claim on the EBT-106, the 90-day timeline is frustrating but keep following up. Document every call with date, time and who you spoke with. If they deny your claim, you have the right to appeal. In California, about 70% of appeal hearings for EBT theft end up being decided in the beneficiary's favor if you can show you weren't negligent with your card/PIN.
Thank you so much for these detailed suggestions! I didn't know about the text alerts - will definitely set those up with my new card. I'm keeping detailed notes of all calls (including reference numbers) for the cash benefit theft case. It's just hard waiting when that money was meant for our rent.
Sarah Jones
my sister works for the county and she said theres NO extra calfresh in april!!! dont wait for money thats not coming!! if u need food help try calling 211 they can tell u where food banks are in ur area
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Drake
To clarify for everyone in this thread: The CalFresh program in California for 2025 includes: 1. Regular monthly benefits (issued 1st-10th based on case number) 2. Semi-Annual Reporting (SAR7 every 6 months) 3. Annual Recertification (complete SAWS2 form) There are NO scheduled supplemental or extra payments in April 2025. Any additional amounts received are typically case-specific adjustments. If you believe you should be receiving different benefit amounts, you should: - Check your most recent Notice of Action letter - Review your account on BenefitsCal.com - Contact your county worker with specific questions Misunderstandings about "extra" payments are common, especially since the pandemic emergency allotments ended years ago.
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Alicia Stern
•ok but when do they review our benefits for inflation?? everything costs way more now than last year!!!
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Drake
•CalFresh benefit amounts are adjusted for inflation every October 1st based on the USDA's Thrifty Food Plan calculations. This happens automatically - you don't need to do anything. The last adjustment was October 1, 2024, so the next one will be October 1, 2025.
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