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My friend who works for the county said they're SWAMPED with calls about this because they decided to send out the money BEFORE sending notices!!! How does that make ANY sense??? Typical government inefficiency wasting our tax dollars on extra call center hours when a simple notice would have prevented confusion!!!
To clarify some of the information shared here: This is indeed the California Food Assistance Program Inflation Relief payment for 2025. It's a one-time supplemental payment and was authorized in the state budget specifically to help CalFresh recipients manage rising food costs. The amount is based on household size as others have correctly noted. You don't need to report this payment on your SAR7 or recertification, as it's not counted as income. If you haven't received an official notice yet, you should get one within the next two weeks. The payments were processed centrally, which is why they're appearing on EBT cards before the notices reach everyone.
Just wanted to chime in that if this happens again, food banks can help bridge the gap. 211 can connect you with local resources. No one should go hungry waiting for EBT systems to update!
I work with a benefits advocacy group, and unfortunately, EBT theft is increasing throughout California. Here are the current official recommendations: 1. Change your PIN immediately after benefits deposit (usually 1st-10th of month depending on your case number) 2. Check your EBT account activity at least weekly 3. Report unauthorized transactions within 10 days 4. Request an "expedited determination" if you have children or seniors in the household 5. File a police report and get a case number 6. Avoid using EBT cards at ATMs or card readers that appear damaged or have loose parts The state is currently working on implementing better security features, but until then, regular PIN changes are your best protection.
This is really helpful info, thank you! I didn't know about requesting an "expedited determination" - no one at the county mentioned that option. Do you know if benefit replacements are guaranteed if theft is proven?
Yes, if theft is proven, replacement benefits should be issued. However, there's a limit of two theft replacements per year under current regulations. Make sure to emphasize if you have children in the household, as this often prioritizes your case. The county must make a determination within 10 days of receiving all required documentation for expedited cases.
Just wanted to say im sorry ur dealing with this its super stressful. our family had to go to food banks twice while waiting for our case to be resolved last year. if ur in a bad spot call 211 they can tell u where emergency food assistance is near u
wait what about the rest of us who shop at gas stations??? i live in muscoy and theres only the 7-11 within walking distance for me. no car. am i just supposed to not eat???
If gas stations are your only option, try to use your EBT inside the store rather than at the outdoor payment terminal. Also, consider asking about the Fresh Access program - San Bernardino County started offering free monthly bus passes to CalFresh recipients who live in food deserts so they can reach full grocery stores. Check with your eligibility worker about enrolling in that program.
This is unfortunately becoming a common issue with CalFresh benefits in the Inland Empire. Here's what you need to know about the current EBT theft situation: 1. Gas stations in San Bernardino County have seen higher rates of skimming devices according to the 2025 CDSS Fraud Report. The Highland Ave corridor has been specifically identified as a hotspot. 2. You must file the EBT-2259 form AND a police report. Despite what some comments suggest, both are required for expedited replacement under the new 2025 guidelines. 3. Under AB-1880, counties must provide replacement benefits within 10 business days of receiving a completed claim. 4. Request "immediate need" replacement when you submit your form - this indicates food insecurity and should prioritize your case. 5. The transaction history on your EBT account should show exactly where the fraudulent charges occurred - print this out as evidence. This is fixable, but you need to be persistent and follow the exact procedures.
JaylinCharles
did u check if maybe the card came but looked like junk mail?? my nephews p-ebt came in a really plain white envelope that looked like spam... almost threw it away!! no markings saying it was important or anything
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Brianna Muhammad
•I actually saved all our mail for a couple months because I was worried about exactly that! Went through everything multiple times and definitely no card for him. His siblings' cards came in white envelopes but they at least had the state return address. I've been super careful about our mail since then.
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Oscar O'Neil
Quick update on P-EBT 3 timeline: If you're still missing a card at this point in 2025, it's definitely not coming without intervention. The final batch of initial P-EBT 3 cards was mailed in November 2024. At this stage, you'll need to specifically request a replacement through the hotline or email. When contacting them, ask them to verify if a card was ever issued for your child - sometimes there are system errors where eligible children are missed in the initial distribution. Based on your situation with siblings receiving benefits, your 9-year-old was likely eligible but either the card was sent to an old address or there was a system error in the issuance.
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Brianna Muhammad
•Thank you for confirming this! I sent that email yesterday with all his info and mentioned our change of address situation. If I don't hear back by next Friday, I'll try the Claimyr service to get through on the phone. It's good to know all initial cards should have been sent by now, so I can stop checking the mail every day hoping it might still come!
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