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Update us on what happens! I've seen these database errors get resolved but it takes persistence. One tip from my experience - when you go to your hearing (if it gets that far), bring a complete written timeline of events including all your attempts to contact them. Makes a huge difference to the hearing officer when they see you've been diligently trying to resolve it.
I'm keeping a detailed log now of every call, the times, who I spoke with if I get through. I tried that Claimyr service another commenter suggested and finally got through to someone! They've put a 'urgent research request' on my case and are supposed to call me back in 48 hours. The worker admitted their system has been having problems with employment verification lately!
Sounds exactly like what happened to my neighbor! It was so stressful for her family. The county had mixed up her records with someone who had a similar name. It took weeks of phone calls and paperwork to sort out. In the meantime, she applied for emergency food assistance through local food banks which helped a bit. Don't give up!
Thanks for the support. Just curious - did your neighbor end up getting retroactive benefits for the time she was wrongly cut off? I'm trying to figure out how to budget for potentially months without our CalFresh benefits.
To summarize the actual EBT card security best practices for everyone:\n\n1. Change your PIN occasionally (every 3-6 months)\n2. Check your balance after benefits post to confirm the correct amount\n3. Report any unauthorized transactions immediately (within 10 days gives you the best protection)\n4. Use your EBT card at major retailers when possible\n5. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN\n6. Never share your PIN with anyone\n7. Keep your EBT card in a safe place\n\nAnd most importantly, if you notice any unauthorized transactions, call the EBT Customer Service number on the back of your card right away to report it.
This is a common concern but nothing to worry about. Here's how the CalFresh EBT system works: 1. Your benefits are automatically loaded based on your case number's last digit (determines your issuance date) 2. PIN changes only affect how you access those funds, not the issuance 3. The security breach notification was important to address, so you did the right thing changing your PIN Your benefits should load on schedule tomorrow. If for any reason they don't, it would be unrelated to your PIN change. You can always check your balance and transaction history at www.ebt.ca.gov or through the ConnectEBT mobile app.
Wait, there was a security breach?? I didnt get any notice about this! Should I change my PIN too? How do I know if I was affected? Now I'm worried...
Security notices are typically specific to certain counties or groups of cardholders. If you didn't receive a notice, your account may not have been part of the affected group. However, it's always good practice to change your PIN periodically. You can call the number on the back of your EBT card and follow the automated system to change it at any time.
Anyone else noticed how EBT fraud is getting worse and worse? I see posts like this almost every week now. The whole system needs better security! My friend works at a store and says they never even check IDs when people use EBT cards. There should be a photo on the card or something!
You're right that fraud is increasing. The state is actually implementing enhanced security measures for EBT cards in 2025, including optional PINs for specific stores and transaction limits. Until then, I recommend checking your balance regularly through the EBT app and requesting a new card every few months as a precaution.
UPDATE: I went to the county office this morning (had to wait 3 hours!) and filed all the paperwork. They issued me a new EBT card on the spot and gave me $250 in emergency replacement benefits while they investigate the fraud claim! The worker said I should get an answer about the rest of my stolen benefits within 10 business days. Thanks everyone for your help - especially the tip about asking specifically for the expedited replacement. They didn't offer it until I mentioned it!
Connor O'Reilly
Update: I called this morning and specifically asked about emergency benefits while I wait for the stolen benefits claim to be processed. The worker said I qualify for expedited benefits due to our low bank balance and should receive about half of our normal amount within 3 business days! Thanks everyone for the advice. Will keep you posted on how long the full reimbursement takes.
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Yara Khoury
•That's great news about the expedited benefits! It won't replace everything, but it should help get you through until the claim is processed. Make sure to keep documentation of all communications. Also, once you get your replacement card, remember to change your PIN regularly and check your balance frequently. EBT skimming is unfortunately becoming more common in 2025.
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Paolo Marino
Quick tip: If your claim isn't resolved within 30 days, you can also file a State Fair Hearing request. You don't need to wait for a denial to request this. Having a hearing pending sometimes speeds up the process because counties don't want to deal with the paperwork of a hearing. Just call the State Fair Hearing number at 1-800-743-8525 and tell them you want to file for a hearing due to excessive delay in processing your stolen benefits claim.
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Connor O'Reilly
•Thank you! I'll definitely do this if we get to the 30-day mark without resolution. Appreciate the specific phone number too.
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