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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.
THIS IS WHY THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! They never properly communicate about benefits. They expect people to magically know which programs they qualify for and how to apply. Then when you try to call, you're stuck in an endless hold loop. I've been on CalFresh for 5 years and STILL don't understand half the programs. The EBT website is from 1995 I swear!!
One important thing to understand is that California has residency requirements for most benefit programs. For the Golden State Stimulus specifically, you needed to be a California resident for more than half of the 2020 tax year. Since you moved in June, that's right at the halfway mark, and it would depend on exactly which date in June you established residency. For CalFresh eligibility, residency isn't about how long you've lived in California but simply that you currently live here. The emergency allotments that were added during COVID would have been applied automatically to your EBT card if you were receiving CalFresh at that time. If you have specific questions about your eligibility for past benefits, I'd recommend reaching out to your county CalFresh office with your case number ready. They can see your specific history and eligibility in their system.
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!
btw did u ever get a letter saying ur benefits were being reduced or anything? sometimes they adjust ur amount and dont tell u clearly
Good news - I just checked the latest CalFresh policy bulletin, and there's actually a special process for the 4.0 card transition issues. Since this was a statewide card replacement program, they're supposed to have special protocols for handling benefit transfer problems. When you call, specifically mention it's related to the "EBT 4.0 Card Migration" and ask if there's a specialized team handling those issues. This might get you to the right person faster.
Hunter Brighton
Based on recent patterns, this is a system-wide delay affecting the supplemental allotments. The standard benefits should be unaffected and delivered on your regular issuance date. These delays typically resolve within 2-3 business days. If you're experiencing financial hardship while waiting, some counties offer emergency allotments - you can request this through your county office if the delay extends beyond 3 business days. Most importantly, this doesn't indicate any problem with your ongoing eligibility.
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Jessica Suarez
•Thank you for this detailed information! It's such a relief to know it's system-wide and not something wrong with my specific case. My benefits actually just showed up about an hour ago, so the delay was about 36 hours in total. I appreciate everyone's help and support!
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Marcus Williams
Mine just came thru!!!! Check ur accounts everyone
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Justin Chang
•Got mine too! What a relief 😅
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