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I'm still so MAD about these scammers targeting CalFresh recipients!! Like we don't deal with enough headaches with the system already?! Should be ILLEGAL to impersonate government benefit programs!!! 😡
Since we're on this topic, it's a good reminder that the actual CalFresh/EBT deposit schedule for Alameda County (and all of California) for 2025 is: Case number ending in 1: 1st of the month Case number ending in 2: 2nd of the month Case number ending in 3: 3rd of the month Case number ending in 4: 4th of the month Case number ending in 5: 5th of the month Case number ending in 6: 6th of the month Case number ending in 7: 7th of the month Case number ending in 8: 8th of the month Case number ending in 9: 9th of the month Case number ending in 0: 10th of the month This schedule never changes based on your name, and the county will never text you using slang terms for your benefits.
Has anyone tried the new PIN-less EBT cards some counties were testing? My sister says they're using biometric verification instead of PINs but I can't find ANY information about it on the CalFresh website! Seems like they're keeping it quiet but it would solve all these theft problems!
There are currently no PIN-less or biometric EBT cards being tested in California's CalFresh program. All EBT cards still require a 4-digit PIN for security. You might be confusing this with some pilot programs for mobile EBT that allow you to use your phone for transactions, but these still require PIN verification. It's important not to spread misinformation about security features that don't exist yet.
I just wanted to update everyone - I changed my PIN yesterday and also ordered those RFID blocking sleeves. I'm going to change my PIN again the day before benefits load just to be extra safe. Thank you all for the advice! I'll let you know if it helps prevent theft this month.
Just to clarify something I've seen causing confusion: P-EBT benefits and regular CalFresh (SNAP) are completely separate programs with different eligibility requirements and issuance schedules. P-EBT 3.0 for children under 6 is specifically for kids in CACFP-participating daycares or preschools. If you need additional food assistance for your family beyond these quarterly P-EBT benefits, you should consider applying for regular CalFresh through BenefitsCal.com, which provides monthly benefits based on household size and income.
just fyi i did try that under-6 hotline number someone posted earlier today and actually got through! they said the next load for P-EBT 3.0 will be April 16-22 depending on your county. hope that helps!
this is why i hate dealing with the system... i got a letter saying my calfresh was going up then another saying it was going down and now its just confusing. my neighbor said shes getting the extra money next week so now idk what to believe lol
To clarify for everyone: The federal legislation that authorized Emergency Allotments for CalFresh (minimum $95 extra per household) officially ended them after March 2025. Here's what's happening: 1. March 2025 was the FINAL month for emergency allotments 2. Some counties issue benefits for a month during the first week of the following month (so March benefits in early April) 3. This is why some people received their final emergency allotment in April 4. There will NOT be any emergency allotments for April or any month after If you need help with getting more benefits due to changed circumstances, you can submit: - A SAR7 (Semi-Annual Report) if it's your reporting month - A "Change Report" through your BenefitsCal account or county office if you've had increased expenses or decreased income - A request for reassessment if you have new medical expenses or dependent care costs You can verify all this information on the CDSS website or by contacting your county office.
Heather Tyson
can u use the formula for ur baby and then use the wic for next month? thats what id do tbh
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Evelyn Kelly
•My baby goes through formula pretty fast so I'd still need to buy more before next month, but that's definitely an option if the other suggestions don't work out. Thanks!
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Paloma Clark
Just to summarize the best options based on everyone's advice: 1. Contact Target to see if they'll process a special return/repurchase with your WIC card 2. Call your WIC office to see if they can adjust next month's benefits 3. Contact your CalFresh worker to explain the situation 4. Use the formula and adjust your budget for the month The most important thing is NOT to sell or exchange the formula for cash, as that could result in program violations. These programs take trafficking very seriously, and the consequences can be severe (disqualification periods of 1 year or more).
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Evelyn Kelly
•Thank you so much for laying out all the options! I'll try calling Target first thing tomorrow, and if that doesn't work, I'll contact my WIC office. I appreciate everyone's help - definitely won't risk selling it now that I understand the potential consequences.
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