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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.
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!!
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!
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!
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.
Zara Ahmed
This happened to me back in June!!! I had to go to a food bank for the weekend. Which was humiliating because I already get CalFresh but the volunteers were nice. The most frustrating part is that when benefits finally came back Tuesday, they acted like it was no big deal. Like we're just supposed to magically find food for 4 days with no warning???
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StarSeeker
•right??? they dont care at all about us. my worker once told me "oh just go to the food bank" like im not already getting benefits cuz i NEED THEM
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Anastasia Sokolov
•I'm sorry you went through this too. Did they at least give you the full benefit amount when it finally went through? I'm worried they'll prorate it or something because of the delay.
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GalaxyGuardian
Quick update for everyone in this thread - I just got a text alert from the CalFresh office stating benefits delayed by the system outage will be deposited by Monday 9am, even though offices are closed for Labor Day. They're prioritizing getting benefits loaded before resolving other systems issues. Hope this helps ease some stress for the weekend.
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Anastasia Sokolov
•That's such a relief to hear! Thank you for sharing this update. I haven't received any text yet but hopefully that means mine will come through Monday too. Going to try the food bank tomorrow just in case, but this makes me feel so much better.
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Sean O'Donnell
•Just got the same text! Really wish they'd sent this information out BEFORE people panicked, but at least they're fixing it faster than Tuesday.
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