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Dont trust them AT ALL!!! They did this to me too and then claimed I never submitted my docs even though I HAD PROOF i uploaded them!!! Take screenshots of EVERYTHING and write down the confirmation numbers when you upload. The system is designed to trip you up and cut benefits whenever possible.
To directly answer your questions: 1. You should definitely submit the verification documents they requested, even though you received the EBT card. CalFresh regulations allow counties to issue benefits based on your statements during the interview, but they still need verification documents to continue your benefits beyond the first month or two. 2. The best way to submit your paystubs is through BenefitsCal.com - log in to your account, go to "My Benefits" and then you should see an option to "Submit Verification" or something similar. Upload clear photos or scans of your paystubs. 3. About the UIB mention - this is simply informational. The CalFresh worker noticed your husband is unemployed and is letting you know he might qualify for Unemployment Insurance Benefits. This is handled through EDD (Employment Development Department), not CalFresh. He can apply at edd.ca.gov if he lost his job through no fault of his own. 4. Your benefit amount of $530 for a family of 3 with one income seems in the expected range for 2025, especially if you have significant housing costs or childcare expenses that were reported during your interview. Make sure you keep track of your Semi-Annual Report (SAR7) due date, which will be approximately 6 months from approval. This is absolutely critical to continue receiving benefits.
Thank you for breaking it down so clearly! I'll go submit everything through BenefitsCal right away. Do you know if there's a deadline for when these documents need to be submitted? The forms don't have any clear due date.
Generally, verification documents should be submitted within 10 days of the request. Since you already received benefits, I would submit them immediately to avoid any potential disruption. The county may have already set a deadline in their system that could result in a discontinuance notice if you don't submit soon. Better safe than sorry!
Just a tip - when you receive the replacement P-EBT card, immediately create an online account at connectebt.com to monitor activity. You can set up text alerts for transactions, check balances, and review transaction history. This way, if your card ever gets lost again, you'll know immediately if someone is using it. Also, don't forget to destroy the old card if you find it later, as it will no longer work and could create confusion.
UPDATE: I called the P-EBT number (877-328-9677) and after about 45 minutes on hold, finally spoke to someone. They canceled the old card and are sending a replacement. They confirmed no one had used any benefits since I last used it three days ago. The new card should arrive in 7-10 business days. Thanks everyone for your help!
Important information for everyone concerned about this change: Your regular CalFresh benefit amount is based on your household size, income, and expenses. If your circumstances have changed since your last certification or SAR7 report, you should contact your county office immediately. Specifically, make sure they have accurate information about: - Your current rent/mortgage amount - Utility costs (you may qualify for the Standard Utility Allowance) - Childcare or dependent care expenses - Medical expenses over $35/month for elderly or disabled household members - Child support payments Each of these deductions can significantly increase your base benefit amount. Don't wait until your next SAR7 or recertification to report these changes if they'll help your benefit calculation.
Has anyone received an official letter from CalFresh about the exact date in March when the emergency allotments will be issued? Some counties seem to be doing it early March, others late March. I need to plan my budget very carefully with this change.
Just went through this headache last week! First, P-EBT and regular EBT are totally different systems even though the cards look similar. Update your address with: 1. Your child's school (most important) 2. P-EBT hotline (877-328-9677) When calling, I selected option 4 then option 2. Waited about 35 minutes. Definitely use the P-EBT card number when they ask, not your regular EBT. Also discovered that if you also have regular CalFresh, you need to update that address separately through your county office or BenefitsCal. The systems don't talk to each other which is so frustrating!
wat if u lost the pebt card? my kids got them last year but i think i threw them out cuz i didnt know wat they were lol
Miguel Diaz
I'm so confused about all of this. I thought the extra CalFresh benefits ended after COVID? Is this something different? My family of 4 gets regular CalFresh but I haven't heard anything about extra money. Should I be looking for something extra on my card too? We're in Inglewood area...
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Dylan Wright
•This is different from the pandemic emergency allotments that ended in 2023. This is specifically related to the recent wildfires in certain parts of LA County. If you're in Inglewood (90301-90312), you're not in the affected area for this particular disaster relief, so you wouldn't receive this additional benefit. The regular wildfire-related zip codes are primarily in the northeastern parts of LA County.
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Fatima Al-Farsi
update - mine just loaded this morning!!! check ur accounts everyone
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Giovanni Greco
•Just checked and YES!!! Mine came through too! Extra $245 added to my balance. Such a relief - thanks everyone for the info and support!
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