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To summarize the correct information for anyone finding this thread later: 1. There are NO emergency allotment supplements for June 2025 or any future month planned at this time. Those ended permanently in March 2023. 2. The annual cost-of-living adjustment typically happens in October, not June. 3. Summer EBT is available for households with school-age children who qualify for free/reduced lunch programs. 4. If your circumstances have changed (increased rent, utilities, childcare costs, medical expenses for seniors/disabled), report these changes as they might increase your regular benefit amount. 5. Always check BenefitsCal.com for official announcements about CalFresh changes rather than relying on rumors.
Just wanted to add - if your benefits were approved but just not issued yet, once they do process it, you'll get the full amount you're entitled to for January. CalFresh benefits are always retroactive to the date of eligibility. So even with the delay, you shouldn't lose any benefit amount.
have u checked wit local churches?? my cousin got rent help from catholic charities when she was facing eviction. they paid 2 months rent for her when county was being slow. also did u apply for calworks online through BenefitsCal or in person?? going in person can make things go faster sometime.
I see from your comments that you're getting some good advice and making calls tomorrow. One more suggestion - when you go to your CalWORKs appointment, bring ALL your documentation: ID for everyone, birth certificates, social security cards, lease agreement, eviction notice or communications from landlord, utility bills, bank statements, and proof of any income or resources. Being fully prepared can sometimes get you immediate emergency assistance versus having to come back multiple times. Also ask specifically about "Immediate Need" payments through CalWORKs, which can provide up to $200 while your regular application is processing. And regarding the lock changing - this actually gives you significant legal leverage. In many California counties, a landlord who performs an illegal self-help eviction (like changing locks) can be liable for damages up to $100 per day plus actual damages. Document everything and mention this when you speak to legal aid.
Thank you so much for this detailed advice! I didn't know about "Immediate Need" payments either. I'm gathering all my documents tonight to take with me tomorrow. And I'll definitely document everything with the landlord situation and mention the potential daily damages when I speak with legal aid. I really appreciate everyone's help here.
One more thing to check - make sure you look at your BenefitsCal account online if you have access. Sometimes there are electronic notices or requests for verification that don't get mailed. The system has been moving more toward digital communication.
UPDATE: I FINALLY got through to my caseworker! Turns out there was a glitch in their system during their monthly issuance batch processing. Several households in my county were affected. They're doing an emergency issuance tonight and I should have my benefits by tomorrow morning. Thank you everyone for your advice and support during this stressful situation!
Great news! This happens occasionally with batch processing. For future reference, request they note in your case file that you experienced this issue. If it happens again, it establishes a pattern they need to address more systemically.
Melody Miles
I'm sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation. To directly answer your question: yes, you should receive your stolen benefits back after the review period, assuming your claim is approved. The 10 business days is the maximum timeframe for processing theft claims according to state regulations, and many counties try to process them faster. A few important points: 1. California has specific EBT theft protection policies. The benefits that were stolen should be replaced as long as you reported it promptly (which you did) and complete the paperwork correctly this time. 2. For your new submission, make sure you include: - Exact date and time you discovered the theft - Specific amount stolen (with dates of transactions if possible) - Any police report information if you filed one 3. The 10 business days means 10 county working days, not including weekends or holidays. 4. If you're experiencing a food emergency while waiting, ask about emergency food resources. Many counties can refer you to food banks or emergency assistance. Keep a copy of all paperwork you submit this time, and get a receipt or confirmation number when you submit it.
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Sofia Peña
•Thank you for this detailed information! I'll make sure I have all of those points covered in my new submission. Do you know if I need to provide proof of when I last used the card legitimately? I'm trying to gather all documentation before I go back.
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Melody Miles
•Having your last legitimate transaction information is helpful but not always required. If you can access your EBT account online or through the app, take screenshots of your transaction history showing your normal purchase patterns. This can help demonstrate which transactions were yours versus which were fraudulent. If you have any receipts from your last legitimate purchases, bring those too.
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Sofia Peña
UPDATE: Went to the county office in person today with all my documentation. The worker there was actually really helpful and said my case was pretty straightforward. She expedited my claim and said I should see my benefits replaced within 3-5 business days instead of 10! She said going in person definitely helped speed things up. Thanks everyone for the advice!
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