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Just got off the phone with them! Used that Claimyr service someone suggested and got through in about 20 minutes instead of hours. Filed the claim and they said because the transactions were so obviously fraudulent (NY while I'm in CA), I should hear back within 10-15 business days. Fingers crossed! Also filled out the police report online and got a confirmation number to add to my claim.
Just wanted to update everyone - I called the P-EBT customer service department to ask about the high call volume issues. They confirmed they're experiencing an unprecedented number of calls due to the new summer P-EBT issuance that just went out to about 400,000 households in California. They're adding additional staff to handle calls but recommend: 1. Calling between 7-8am or 6-7pm 2. Having all info ready (card number, child DOB, zip) 3. Making sure you're calling the specific P-EBT number, not the regular EBT line They also mentioned that the new card PIN setup can be done through the ConnectEBT app for P-EBT cards issued after March 2025. If you received your card recently, check if your card number starts with 5077 18XX (these newer cards can use the app for activation).
UPDATE: Success! I tried calling at 7:01am this morning and got through immediately! The whole process took less than 5 minutes once I had someone on the line. My benefits are now active and I can see them in the ConnectEBT app. For anyone still struggling, definitely try right when they open at 7am. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice!
Thanks everyone for the clear answers! I understand now that the emergency allotments ended back in February 2023 and aren't coming back anytime soon. I'm going to call tomorrow to report my rent and childcare cost increases - hopefully that helps boost my benefits a bit. And I'll check out the local food bank too.
Emergency allotments are gone BUT what might be happening is the quarterly adjustment for the utility allowance that affects some households. February is when the seasonal utility allowance changes for certain households using the SUA or LUA deductions. So some people DO see small benefit increases this month if they're in households where heating costs changed significantly. Check your last SAR7 to see if you get either SUA (Standard Utility Allowance) or LUA (Limited Utility Allowance) deductions. If your worker calculated a change, it might show up as a separate deposit.
Oh wow, that might be it! I do have the SUA on my case because I pay for heating separately. I'll check tomorrow if anything extra comes in. Thanks for explaining!
Just to add some clarity here: CalFresh has returned to normal operations with no emergency supplements currently authorized for February 2025 in any California county. However, there are three legitimate ways you might see adjustments to your benefits this month: 1. Utility Allowance Adjustment (as someone mentioned) 2. Retroactive corrections if your income was previously calculated incorrectly 3. Restoration of benefits if you had a successful appeal The best way to check is by using the BenefitsCal mobile app or website, which will show any pending deposits to your EBT account, or by calling the EBT customer service line at 877-328-9677 to check your balance and pending deposits.
Zane Gray
That's great news! One more tip - when you get your new card, immediately register it on the EBT mobile app and set up text alerts for ALL transactions. That way you'll know instantly if there's any suspicious activity. Glad the county came through with the expedited replacement!
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Bruno Simmons
so happy 4 u!!! gonna try that special phrase next time they mess up my benefits too lol
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