guys i just checked again and now mine updated!!! was $593 last month and now shows $650 for october! maybe they're just updating in batches?

As a follow-up, I want to mention that if anyone needs to verify their new benefit amount after the COLA increase, you can: 1. Check your BenefitsCal account (may take a few days to update) 2. Call the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677 (often faster than the county office) 3. Check the MyBenefits CalFresh mobile app 4. Wait for your next notice of action letter, which should explain the new amount Remember that any income or household changes can affect your benefit amount beyond just the COLA increase, so the percentage increase might not be exactly 9.4% for everyone.

I'm curious how someone could steal from your EBT card if you still have it? Was your card skimmed maybe? There's been a lot of reports about skimming devices being placed on ATMs and card readers. Thieves can copy your card information and PIN that way. Make sure when you get your new card, you always check the card reader for anything suspicious before inserting your card.

UPDATE: As of March 2025, California has enhanced protection for EBT theft victims. Under the new rules, counties must process theft claims within 10 calendar days (not business days), and replacement benefits should be issued within 5 days of approval. You're entitled to get back any benefits stolen within the 90 days prior to your report. The county should issue emergency replacement benefits if the theft causes immediate food insecurity. Make sure to specifically mention food insecurity for your children when filing your claim.

P-EBT isnt the same as calfresh tho. maybe try asking in a p-ebt forum instead? not trying to be rude just saying this is mostly about calfresh ebt not the pandemic school stuff

Update! I finally got through to someone today and got some answers. They said our school district is in the second batch of P-EBT issuances scheduled for May 10-15. The representative explained that they had to implement new federal guidelines this year which caused verification delays. For anyone still waiting, they recommended checking the portal at ca.p-ebt.org for your specific date once it's confirmed. She also mentioned that all eligible households will receive a notification letter about 7-10 days before funds are loaded.

wait what about the rest of us who shop at gas stations??? i live in muscoy and theres only the 7-11 within walking distance for me. no car. am i just supposed to not eat???

This is unfortunately becoming a common issue with CalFresh benefits in the Inland Empire. Here's what you need to know about the current EBT theft situation: 1. Gas stations in San Bernardino County have seen higher rates of skimming devices according to the 2025 CDSS Fraud Report. The Highland Ave corridor has been specifically identified as a hotspot. 2. You must file the EBT-2259 form AND a police report. Despite what some comments suggest, both are required for expedited replacement under the new 2025 guidelines. 3. Under AB-1880, counties must provide replacement benefits within 10 business days of receiving a completed claim. 4. Request "immediate need" replacement when you submit your form - this indicates food insecurity and should prioritize your case. 5. The transaction history on your EBT account should show exactly where the fraudulent charges occurred - print this out as evidence. This is fixable, but you need to be persistent and follow the exact procedures.

Just wanted to chime in that if this happens again, food banks can help bridge the gap. 211 can connect you with local resources. No one should go hungry waiting for EBT systems to update!

One more tip - if you're worried about this happening in the future, you can sign up for text or email alerts on the EBT Edge website. They sometimes (not always) send notifications about system maintenance or deposit delays. Has saved me some stress a couple times.