California CalFresh
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CalFresh EBT card skimmed - replacement benefits $15 short? Anyone know why?
So frustrated right now! My CalFresh EBT card was skimmed almost 2 weeks ago (12 days). I immediately reported it to BenefitsCal and went through all the proper channels. They deactivated my old card, sent me a new one which I received in about 5 days, and today they FINALLY reissued the stolen benefits. But here's what I don't understand - they replaced $285 when the thieves actually took $300 from my account! I've triple-checked my transaction history and I'm definitely short $15. Has anyone else dealt with this? Is there some kind of "processing fee" they take out that nobody tells you about? I know $15 doesn't sound like much but that's literally a week's worth of produce for my kids. Should I call the county office or is this normal? So tired of this system...
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EBT card skimming protection - how often to change PIN for CalFresh benefits?
Got my CalFresh EBT card skimmed last month and lost $750 in benefits 😭 I finally got through to the county after filing a claim, but I'm paranoid about it happening again. How often should I be changing my PIN number? Do I need to change it right before benefits get loaded each month? After every transaction? Weekly? I can't afford to lose more benefits and I'm supporting my two kids on this. Already started only using ATMs inside grocery stores but need more advice on PIN security. Anyone else been through this skimming nightmare with their CalFresh?
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i think everybodys overthinking this tbh... just dont use sketchy atms and check ur balance often. ive had calfresh 3 years never change my pin except when i first got the card lol never had a problem 🤷♀️
ur lucky then!!! my cousin AND me both got skimmed at totally normal lookin ATMs at safeway! these scammers r getting really good at hiding the skimmers u cant even see them anymore!!!!
Quick update on the skimming replacement process: As of March 2025, California implemented a faster reimbursement process for EBT theft. Now, once you file the EBT-2259 form, you should receive provisional replacement benefits within 10 business days while the investigation continues. You don't have to wait for the full investigation to complete anymore. Make sure to ask specifically about this when you contact your county worker.
That's amazing news! No one mentioned this to me when I filed my claim last week. I'm going to call them tomorrow and ask about the provisional replacement. 10 days is so much better than 90!
When do CalFresh extra allotments drop in Southern California? Heard about 12pm on the 16th
Hi everyone, I'm super confused about when exactly the extra CalFresh allotment is supposed to hit our EBT cards this month. My neighbor told me it's supposed to be at noon on the 16th in Southern California, but my sister-in-law got hers on the 11th last month. Does anyone know for sure? I've got three kids and I'm trying to plan our grocery shopping trip. Called the EBT customer service number but got stuck in that automated system forever. Really need this extra money to stretch our food budget through the end of the month!
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If you're really struggling without the extra allotments, make sure you report ALL your expenses on your SAR7 and recertification. A lot of people don't know they can deduct childcare costs, excess medical costs (for elderly/disabled household members), and a homeless shelter deduction if applicable. Also, if your income dropped, report it right away - don't wait for your next SAR7. You might qualify for more regular benefits that way.
This is really helpful advice. I pay $950/month for childcare for my youngest and wasn't sure if that counted. I'll make sure to include that on my next report. Do you know if after-school programs count as childcare expenses too?
Yes! After-school programs definitely count as childcare expenses if they allow you to work or attend school/training. Make sure you have receipts or some documentation. It can make a big difference in your benefit calculation!
just want to add that you should check your EBT card balance regularly using the app or calling the number on the back of your card. sometimes they load benefits without any notification. and ya the pandemic extra benefits are over - my family really misses those too. made a huge difference for us.
Thanks for the tip about checking regularly. I'm downloading the app now. And yeah, sounds like those extra benefits were really helping a lot of families.
EBT card skimmed - will CalFresh replace stolen benefits? How long?
Just discovered this morning my CalFresh EBT card was skimmed at some point - woke up to find $657 missing from my balance that I KNOW was there yesterday! The transactions are from a store 30 miles away that I've never been to. I immediately called to report it and freeze my card, but the representative wasn't clear about whether I'll actually get those benefits back. Has anyone dealt with EBT skimming before? Will they actually replace the stolen benefits? And how long does the investigation process typically take? My family literally depends on those benefits to eat for the rest of the month and I'm panicking.
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had this happen 2x already this year...its gotten so bad. now i just transfer my benfeits to my other account as soon as they hit so theirs nothing to steal. wish theyd fix this problem but they dont care about us
wait what??? you can transfer CalFresh to another account????? i never heard of this before????
This is incorrect information. You cannot transfer CalFresh benefits to another account - they can only be used via the EBT card for eligible food purchases. The commenter may be confusing CalFresh with CalWORKs cash benefits, which can be transferred to a personal bank account in California.
UPDATE: I wanted to follow everyone's advice here. I filed the CF 303 form online through BenefitsCal and used Claimyr to get through to a real person at my county office. The worker was super helpful and processed an emergency replacement for 60% of my benefits that will be available when my new card arrives in a few days. The rest will be replaced after the investigation, which she said typically takes 10 business days. Thank you all for your help! This forum literally saved my family from going hungry.
That's amazing news! So glad you got the emergency replacement. Make sure to check your mail carefully for the new card - they come in very plain envelopes that can look like junk mail.
CalFresh benefit estimate for family of 4 with $2000 monthly income in San Bernardino County
Hi everyone, I'm trying to figure out if applying for CalFresh is worth the hassle for my family. We're a household of 4 (me, my partner, and our two kids ages 5 and 7) in San Bernardino County with about $2000 monthly income from my part-time job. My partner just lost their job last month and we're really feeling the squeeze with groceries costing so much these days. Does anyone know roughly how much we might qualify for monthly? I know benefits vary but just trying to get a ballpark figure before I go through the whole application process. Also, is the interview part really stressful? Never applied before and feeling nervous about the whole thing. Thanks for any help!
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Good point! San Bernardino County has several Community Based Organizations (CBOs) that offer free application assistance. Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County is one of them - they help with applications and understanding what deductions you qualify for. Their website has locations and contact info. These helpers know all the rules and exceptions that most of us wouldn't think to ask about.
Romeo Barrett
this happened 2 me 2!!! i got skimmed 4 like $250 and they only gave me back like $220 something. i called and they said it was bcuz of transaction fees from the ATM that they dont replace. did u withdraw any cash from ur ebt? they dont replace those fees
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Jackie Martinez
AuthorInteresting! I did withdraw $40 cash at one point to pay my neighbor back for giving us a ride to the grocery store. Maybe that's where the $15 went - in transaction fees? Seems really high for a fee though...
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Marina Hendrix
Have you checked if your county has a specific form for contesting replacement amounts? In Sacramento County, we have a "Benefit Replacement Dispute Form" that you can submit if you think the replacement amount was calculated incorrectly. Most counties have something similar. The form typically asks for your transaction history and requires you to mark which specific transactions you're disputing. It's usually processed within 3-5 business days rather than waiting for a regular case review which can take weeks. Also, for anyone dealing with card skimming: immediately change your PIN through the BenefitsCal portal rather than waiting for the new card. Sometimes thieves will continue attempting transactions even after you've reported the card stolen.
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Jackie Martinez
AuthorThat's really helpful, thank you! I'm in San Bernardino County - I'll ask if we have a similar form when I call. And thanks for the PIN change tip too. I did change my PIN right away but I'll make sure to remind friends who might deal with this in the future.
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