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did u get one of those EBT fraud text alerts? my cousin got one but thought it was a scam so she ignored it and then lost all her benefits too
No, I never got any alert! That's part of what makes me so angry. I thought they were supposed to notify us about suspicious activity, but I didn't find out until I tried to buy groceries and my card was declined. Then I checked the balance on the app and saw all these weird transactions from the other side of town.
once u get a new card dont store the card number on any websites or apps. also dont use the ebt card at small random stores. stick to major chains with better security on their machines
This is good advice. Additionally, when you get your new EBT card: 1. Register it immediately on the EBT portal to monitor transactions 2. Opt-in for text/email alerts for all transactions 3. Consider changing your PIN monthly as a precaution 4. Never use your card at ATMs in non-bank locations 5. Check your balance frequently to catch unauthorized use early These steps significantly reduce your risk of repeat theft.
Even WITH all the proper documentation they STILL mess it up half the time!!! I provided all the required paperwork for my seasonal retail job last holiday season and they STILL calculated my benefits wrong. Took THREE MONTHS to fix and by then the season was over!! The system is broken and the workers don't care because it's not THEIR food security at stake.
One thing that really helped me was keeping a detailed income journal with exactly how much I earned each week and having my boss sign off on it. The county worker said this was really helpful for them to see the pattern of my seasonal work. Also, if you have any work expenses like transportation to the farmers market or supplies you have to buy, make sure to document those as they can sometimes be deducted from your income calculation.
weird question but does ur last name start with letters in second half of alphabet? my worker once told me they sometimes process benefits in alphabetical order when doing big batches. maybe thats why ur friends got it first?
I'm glad you called the EBT line and got confirmation about your supplement! Just to clarify for everyone: the batching system for this particular supplement is based on case numbers, not alphabetical order (though some other processes may use alphabetical batching). The state announced this supplement rather suddenly, which is why many counties are struggling with communication about it. The total amount varies based on household size - single-person households get around $95, while larger households can receive up to $250. These supplements should all be distributed by March 31st, 2025 according to the latest CDSS guidance.
Thank you for the additional information! I'm just relieved to know it's coming. Every bit helps with grocery prices being so high lately.
my sons pebt just loaded yestrday he got $412 and hes in kindergrten. the paper said something bout it being 1st payment of 3. check ur mail maybe there was a letter?
If you haven't received a notification letter explaining your P-EBT distribution schedule, you should be able to check your status through the P-EBT Parent Portal at ca.p-ebt.org. You'll need your child's P-EBT card number to log in. The portal should show your payment history and any pending payments. Alternatively, you can call your county CalFresh office directly rather than the main P-EBT hotline, as they often have more specific information about local distribution schedules. Just make sure to have your case information and child's details ready when you call.
Isabella Oliveira
btw ur tax refund and the stiumulus are different things too. the stimulus comes from the government direct not through hr block unless u set that up special
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LunarLegend
•Oh wow I'm really confused about everything! So I need to check on my stimulus separately from my tax refund too?? This is all so complicated.
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Freya Andersen
•Yes, they're different payments. Your tax refund is from your tax filing, while stimulus payments are separate government payments. For CalFresh purposes though, neither should affect your ongoing eligibility as they're considered one-time payments, not countable monthly income. Make sure to explain this when you talk to your worker.
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Malik Jackson
Update us after you talk to your county worker! This information could help others who might face the same issue. Remember to: 1. Submit the verification documents they're asking for right away 2. Explain that your tax refund is a one-time payment 3. Ask them to restore your March benefits retroactively 4. Update your income information if anything has changed Good luck!
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LunarLegend
•I will definitely update! I just submitted my paystubs and bank statements through BenefitsCal and I'm going to call first thing tomorrow. Thanks everyone for helping me understand what's going on!
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