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UPDATE: My benefits just loaded today (Feb 14th)! Looks like it really was just the system delay that @helpfulperson mentioned. So relieved! For anyone else in Sacramento County still waiting, check your balance again - yours might be coming through too.
Glad it worked out! Since we're on the topic, here's a reminder for everyone: always mark your calendar for these important CalFresh dates to avoid future issues: 1) Your specific benefit issuance date (when funds load each month) 2) Your SAR7 due date (6 months after certification/recertification) 3) Your annual recertification month Also, sign up for text/email alerts through BenefitsCal if you haven't already - they'll send reminders about upcoming deadlines so you don't miss anything important.
wait is P-EBT the same as calfresh? i thought they were different things? my neighbor said p-ebt is only for kids but im confused now
They're different programs that both provide food assistance. P-EBT is specifically for school-aged children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, and the benefits come periodically. CalFresh (California's SNAP program) is for low-income households of any composition, and benefits are issued monthly. You can receive both if you qualify for both. They might be loaded onto the same EBT card in some cases, which causes confusion.
just as an update i called yesterday and they finally answered! the lady said benefits for next phase are coming between feb 12-27 depending on the first letter of your last name. A-G is feb 12-15, H-M is feb 16-20, N-S is feb 21-24, and T-Z is feb 25-27. hope this helps someone!
Anyone know if the P-EBT amount is the same for all kids or does it vary by age? My 16yr old eats like three teenagers combined lol!
The P-EBT benefit amount is the same regardless of the child's age - currently $257 per eligible child for this issuance period. The amount is calculated based on a federal formula for average meal costs multiplied by the number of school days covered, not by individual food consumption. So unfortunately, your hungry teenager gets the same amount as a kindergartener!
my aunt went to a tasting thing at costco and when she wasn't looking someone took a pic of her card that was in her purse!! now she keeps it in one of those metal wallets lol
To answer your original question about transferring money out - unfortunately, that's not an option with CalFresh. These aren't like regular bank accounts where you can move funds between accounts. The benefits exist only on your EBT card. Your best protection is to: 1. Shop at major grocery stores when possible (they have better security) 2. Change your PIN through the EBT phone line right before AND after your benefits deposit day 3. Check your balance frequently through the official EBT app 4. Never click links from texts claiming to be about your benefits And if you ever suspect fraud, call the EBT customer service number AND your county office immediately.
Zara Shah
Update: After getting nowhere all day yesterday, I tried Claimyr this morning to get through to an actual person at the county (thanks for that tip!). Finally spoke with someone who knew what they were talking about. Apparently there's been a HUGE increase in EBT theft and they've updated their procedures. Here's what I had to do: 1. Filed police report online (got case #) 2. Filled out EBT-2259 form 3. Had to provide transaction details showing where benefits were used fraudulently 4. Submitted everything via the BenefitsCal portal AND in person 5. Requested emergency replacement benefits due to household hardship They're supposed to process it within 7-10 days. Meanwhile, they referred me to 3 food banks and gave me emergency vouchers good for $280 worth of groceries to use immediately. Still stressful but at least we have some food now. Will update when/if we get our benefits back!
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Nia Wilson
•Make sure you CALL EVERY DAY to check on status!!! They will "lose" your paperwork or claim they never received it. I had to resubmit mine TWICE before they actually processed it. The system is completely broken!!!
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NebulaNomad
Great job navigating this difficult situation! Those emergency vouchers should help in the meantime. Two more tips that might help others dealing with EBT theft: 1. Request a new EBT card immediately with a different number to prevent future theft 2. Once you get your replacement benefits, consider using the EBT card lock feature in the EBT mobile app - you can lock your card between uses to prevent unauthorized transactions Also, for anyone reading this thread in the future, California implemented new theft protection measures in late 2024, so you now have 90 days to report EBT theft (previously it was only 30 days). The county must process valid claims within 10 calendar days.
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Zara Shah
•Thank you so much! I just got a new card yesterday with a new number. I didn't know about the lock feature in the app - downloading it now. I'll definitely update once this is resolved to help others who might go through this.
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