California CalFresh
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EBT card skimmed - how to withdraw replacement funds all at once without transaction limits?
So my EBT card got skimmed at the beginning of April (probably at that sketchy ATM by the gas station). Filed the claim with BenefitsCal and finally got my $783 in benefits back yesterday. Problem is when this happened last time (November), I couldn't withdraw all my replacement funds at once. The system only let me do like 3 transactions per day with a $300 max each time, so it took me almost a week to get all my money back. Does anyone know if there's a way to get ALL replacement funds in one transaction? I'm scared of using multiple ATMs again since that's probably how I got skimmed in the first place. Also, do I need to tell my county worker about getting a replacement? Really don't want them thinking I'm committing fraud or something when I'm the victim here.
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Anyone received their extra CalFresh emergency allotment for May 2025 yet?
Has anyone gotten their extra CalFresh emergency allotment this month yet? My regular benefits loaded on the 10th like usual, but I thought the extra amount was supposed to come 2 days later (on the 12th). It's already the 15th and still nothing showing up on my EBT card. I'm in Sacramento County if that matters. Getting worried because my kids are home for summer break and I was counting on that extra $340 for groceries. The county office automated line just says 'payments are being processed' but no specific date!
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My county worker told me that u need to have submitted ur SAR7 on time to get the emergency allotment!!!!! I was late with mine last month and she said im not eligible. Has anyone else heard this??
That's not accurate information. The emergency allotment due to the flooding disaster declaration is available to all active CalFresh recipients regardless of reporting status. The only requirement is that you have an active case for the month of May 2025. Your worker might be confusing this with the regular CalFresh rules. If your case is active (even if you submitted your SAR7 late but it was processed), you should still receive the emergency allotment.
Pregnant and about to deliver - CalFresh application stuck for over a month! Need emergency food assistance NOW
I'm at my wits end with this CalFresh situation! Applied exactly 37 days ago and still showing 'pending' on BenefitsCal. I'm 39 weeks pregnant, due literally any day now, and our refrigerator is practically empty. My partner was laid off 2 months ago and we're surviving on his unemployment which barely covers rent. I've called the county number 8 times this week - either get disconnected or stuck on hold for hours! I submitted ALL the verification docs they asked for (pay stubs, ID, rent agreement, utility bills) right away on the portal. The interview was completed 3 weeks ago and the worker said everything looked good! Shouldn't pregnant women get expedited service?? How can I get them to process this before the baby comes? We've been eating ramen and eggs for days and I'm worried about nutrition for the baby... please help!
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I wanted to follow up about the immediate need payment I mentioned. When you call, specifically say: "I'm requesting an immediate need payment due to an emergency food situation. I'm 39 weeks pregnant with less than 3 days worth of food in my home." They should take your information and escalate it. If they try to brush you off, mention California MPP Section 63-804 which covers immediate need procedures. Also, write down the name of everyone you speak with, along with date and time. This creates accountability.
This is extremely helpful! Just wrote down that section number and will definitely use this exact wording. I've started keeping a log of all my calls with names and times like you suggested. I'm feeling more prepared to advocate for myself now.
Update from my earlier comment - I just realized you may also qualify for the CalFresh Pregnancy Special Situation. In California, pregnant women who meet income guidelines can receive benefits as a household of 2 even before the baby is born. Make sure your worker knows you're pregnant (medical verification may be required). This should increase your benefit amount once approved.
Thank you! The worker did ask about my pregnancy during the interview, and I provided my medical verification from my OB. She did mention something about calculating benefits differently because I'm pregnant, but honestly I was so stressed during the interview I don't remember all the details. Just need to get APPROVED first before worrying about the amount!
CalFresh EBT deposit day - anyone else worried about theft? County saying they won't replace stolen benefits!
Deposit day anxiety is REAL. Just got my text that CalFresh benefits will hit my EBT tomorrow and I'm legit paranoid after what happened to my sister last month (someone skimmed her card at the grocery store and wiped her account clean the minute funds dropped). The county worker basically told her 'tough luck' and wouldn't replace ANY of the stolen benefits! Said the policy changed in 2025 and they're not replacing stolen benefits anymore unless you have police report AND video evidence?!? Anybody else stressing? I've already changed my PIN twice today and I'm planning to withdraw everything the minute it deposits at midnight. Tips for protecting your EBT benefits? Does anybody know if the county is REALLY not replacing stolen benefits now? My household has 3 kids and we cannot afford to lose a penny of our $1,875 monthly allotment. 😫
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I'd like to clarify some information based on the updated California Department of Social Services protocols implemented in 2025: 1. CalFresh benefits CAN still be replaced when stolen electronically, contrary to what some recipients have been told 2. The official replacement process now requires: - Form EBT-2259 ("Request for Benefit Replacement Due to Electronic Theft") - Police report filed within 5 days of discovery - Statement detailing when/where you last used the card - Copy of your EBT transaction history (available on the app) 3. The county has 10 business days to make a determination 4. If denied, you have appeal rights through the state hearing process For prevention, the new enhanced security features include: - Card lock/unlock feature in the EBT mobile app - Biometric verification option (fingerprint/face ID) - Geographic transaction limitations you can set - Purchase amount alerts - Category blocking (prevent ATM withdrawals entirely) I'd recommend setting up all these security features before your benefits arrive. They're all available in the CalFresh EBT app under "Security Settings.
This is SO helpful, thank you! I just checked the app and found all these security features. I had no idea they existed! I've turned everything on and feel a lot better about tomorrow's deposit now.
my caseworker told me to just spend all the benefits on the first day which is what i do every month now. bulk shopping at costco then no worries about theft!!!
That's actually not ideal advice from a nutrition standpoint. CalFresh is designed to last a full month, and studies show households that spend all benefits at once often experience food insecurity in the final week of the month. Better to use the security features and shop throughout the month to ensure consistent access to fresh foods.
Which EBT card freeze app is official? Need to secure my CalFresh benefits
My cousin mentioned there's an official app where you can freeze your EBT card if it gets lost or stolen to protect your CalFresh benefits. I want to make sure I download the right one since there's so many fake apps out there. Can someone tell me what the actual app is called? Is it ConnectEBT or something different? I've had my benefits stolen twice before and I'm paranoid about it happening again. Just got my February benefits loaded and don't want to risk losing them. Thanks!
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One more important tip - whether you use the app or not, I highly recommend checking your EBT account regularly for suspicious transactions. If your benefits are stolen, you need to report it within 10 days to have the best chance of getting reimbursed. California now has a benefit theft reimbursement program, but there are strict timelines for reporting.
That's really good to know. I had no idea there was a reimbursement program now. I lost almost $400 last year and just had to deal with it. I'll definitely check my account more often.
AstroAdventurer
BE CAREFUL using ATMs!! Skimming is everywhere now. I recommend checking your EBT balance EVERY DAY through the app or website. That way you catch fraud immediately. As for your question, did you get a new card number after the skimming? If not, YOU NEED TO! Otherwise they can just steal your replacement benefits too.
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CosmicCrusader
AuthorYes! I got a whole new card with a different number. And I've been obsessively checking my balance on the app since this happened. It's just so stressful because I depend on that money.
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Carmen Ortiz
can i ask how long it took u to get ur money back after filing the claim??? im on day 9 of waiting and customer service keeps saying "10-15 business days" but i cant pay my rent without that money!!
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CosmicCrusader
AuthorIt took exactly 12 business days for me. I filed on April 2nd and got the money back on the 18th. They told me the same 10-15 day timeline. Hope you get yours back soon!
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