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This is kinda off topic but speaking of the BenefitsCal website... does anyone know why it always logs me out after like 2 minutes? I'll be in the middle of uploading verification docs and suddenly I'm logged out and have to start over. So frustrating!
@OP glad you got your font issue resolved! For anyone else experiencing display problems with BenefitsCal or other government websites, I recommend checking these settings: 1. Browser zoom (Ctrl+ or Ctrl- to adjust) 2. Font settings in your browser (usually in Settings > Appearance) 3. Extensions or add-ons that might modify web content 4. Windows/Mac accessibility settings that override website fonts 5. Check if your browser needs updating Also, the BenefitsCal mobile app sometimes works better than the website for basic tasks like checking your balance or uploading verification documents.
YES! This is exactly what happens to me too! I'm day 5 and it's always loaded super early in the morning. I think they must run some overnight batch process to load all the benefits.
fyi my neighbor works for the school district and she said if u got p-ebt before u should get the new one at the same card they dont send new ones unless u never had one before
That's partially correct. If you received P-EBT 2.0 benefits, the P-EBT 3.0 benefits will be loaded onto the same card. However, families who only received P-EBT 1.0 (from the 2019-2020 school year) will receive a new card for P-EBT 3.0. It's always good to keep your previous P-EBT cards just in case.
To update your information, you have three options: 1. Online through BenefitsCal.com (easiest method) 2. Call your county office (can be time-consuming) 3. Visit your local county office in person Reporting utilities is important because CalFresh uses the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) of $524 in California for 2025 if you pay heating or cooling costs. This deduction can significantly increase your benefits because it reduces your countable income. You don't need to wait for your next SAR7 or recertification to report this - it's considered a change that could increase benefits, so you can report it anytime.
The whole CalFresh system is SO CONFUSING with all these rules and forms!!! I've been on it for 2 years and STILL don't understand half of what they send me. I just know my benefits come on the 6th and I pray they don't randomly cut me off for some paperwork I didn't know I was supposed to fill out. The county workers act like we're supposed to be experts on all this stuff!
You're right that the system can be confusing. The most important forms to keep track of are: 1. SAR7 (Semi-Annual Report) - Due every 6 months 2. Recertification - Due once per year Missing either of these will result in discontinued benefits. Setting calendar reminders for these two forms can help prevent unexpected benefit loss.
Oliver Weber
did u get a notice about recertification or SAR7 recently? sometimes they cut off benefits if u miss those deadlines and dont even tell u till after
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Paolo Esposito
•No, I just did my recert last month and everything was approved. Got my regular deposit yesterday and then it disappeared. County confirmed it was fraud - someone used a cloned card. Thankfully they're replacing the stolen benefits!
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Amina Toure
While you're waiting for the replacement benefits, check with local food banks! 211.org can tell you where emergency food assistance is available in your area. Also ask the county worker about emergency expedited benefits - sometimes they can issue a small emergency allotment on a temporary card while investigating theft claims.
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Paolo Esposito
•Thank you for this suggestion! Called 211 and they connected me with a food bank that's doing distribution tomorrow morning. At least we'll have something to tide us over until the replacement benefits come through. This community has been so helpful!
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