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If you're really struggling without the extra allotments, make sure you report ALL your expenses on your SAR7 and recertification. A lot of people don't know they can deduct childcare costs, excess medical costs (for elderly/disabled household members), and a homeless shelter deduction if applicable. Also, if your income dropped, report it right away - don't wait for your next SAR7. You might qualify for more regular benefits that way.
This is really helpful advice. I pay $950/month for childcare for my youngest and wasn't sure if that counted. I'll make sure to include that on my next report. Do you know if after-school programs count as childcare expenses too?
just want to add that you should check your EBT card balance regularly using the app or calling the number on the back of your card. sometimes they load benefits without any notification. and ya the pandemic extra benefits are over - my family really misses those too. made a huge difference for us.
my kid's card came with wrong name on it!! they spelled his last name wrong and now i gotta go thru this whole process again smh the system is such a mess
hey did ur kids get the same amount on their cards or different? my caseworker said something about an allotment per person but i didn't really understand how they calculate it
CalFresh benefits are calculated for the entire household, then typically loaded onto the primary cardholder's EBT card. If additional household members have their own cards, they're usually all linked to the same account and share the total household benefit. The calculation is based on household size, income, and eligible deductions. Each person doesn't get a separate "allotment" - instead, the total household benefit is what matters. You can give each person access to whatever portion of the total you want by requesting separate cards, but they all draw from the same monthly benefit amount.
To add to the great resources already mentioned, you might also consider: 1. Eastbay Diaper Bank - They work through partner agencies in Contra Costa County 2. Applying for Emergency CalFresh if you haven't already - while it won't cover diapers, it might free up some money in your budget. Expedited services can provide benefits within 3 days if you qualify. 3. Healthy Families America home visiting program through Contra Costa Health Services - they sometimes have emergency supplies 4. The National Diaper Bank Network has a locator tool on their website that might show additional resources Remember that if you're working with limited income, you should definitely explore CalWORKs eligibility since it provides cash aid that can be used for necessities like diapers. The program limits increased in 2025, so you might qualify even if you didn't before.
idk if anyone said this yet but you should also file a police report!! my cousin had this happen and they wouldn't refund her until she brought in a police report number
This varies by county. Some counties require a police report for EBT theft claims over a certain amount (usually $400+), while others don't. It never hurts to file one though, as it creates an official record of the theft. You can usually file non-emergency police reports online now in most California cities.
UPDATE: I called the county office using that Claimyr service someone mentioned, and actually got through to a real person! They confirmed my claim is in process and should be resolved within 10 business days. The worker also referred me to two local food banks that can help with emergency food assistance while I'm waiting. One of them has a special program for families with CalFresh theft issues. Going there tomorrow morning. Still super stressed but at least we won't go hungry while waiting for the refund. Thanks everyone for your help!
Nia Wilson
My daughters teacher said we getting december money for sure!! But you know what my friend in LA county didnt get her august money yet so its all messed up anyways
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Sean Flanagan
•ya my sister in san diego still waiting 4 august payment too... the whole system is broken
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Luca Ferrari
Just a practical tip for everyone: If you're relying on the December reload for holiday food expenses, please have a backup plan just in case. While the official policy does include the December issuance, P-EBT has had delays in the past. I'd suggest setting aside a little money each month between now and December as a safety net, if possible. That way, if there are delays or issues with the December reload, you won't be caught without resources for holiday meals.
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Diego Mendoza
•That's excellent advice, thank you. I was planning on using some of the December reload for our holiday meal shopping, but I'll definitely start setting aside a little each month just in case there are delays.
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