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does anyone know if this works for calworks benefits too or just calfresh? my cash aid got stolen last month but i use the same ebt card for both
Yes, this would work for CalWORKs cash benefits too since they're on the same EBT card. However, there's an important difference in the fraud protection policies: CalWORKs cash benefits sometimes can be replaced if stolen, while CalFresh benefits currently cannot be replaced in most cases. If your CalWORKs benefits were stolen, you should definitely file a police report and submit the EBT-2259 form to your county office immediately. There's a 90-day deadline for requesting replacement of stolen cash aid.
has anyone been told they need to update their kids' immigration status or something? the person i talked to mentioned something about needing citizenship verification now but my kids were born here?? so confused
No, that's incorrect information. P-EBT eligibility has nothing to do with immigration or citizenship status. It's based solely on the child's enrollment in a school that participates in free/reduced lunch programs and household income eligibility. Whoever told you that was mistaken. I'd suggest calling again and speaking with a different representative.
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to resolve this issue? I'm curious what eventually worked since several families in my community are facing the same problem with the P-EBT system not recognizing children who received previous benefits.
Yes! It took about 3 weeks, but we finally got it resolved. The issue was exactly what you suggested - her name was spelled slightly differently in the school system vs. CalFresh records. I had to submit a Case Review Request through our county worker, and I provided copies of her previous P-EBT cards as proof she had received benefits before. Her new card arrived yesterday with all the backpay included. So relieved! Thanks again for your help.
To follow up on the medical expense deduction we discussed - when you go to your recertification interview, make sure to specifically tell your eligibility worker that you want to claim the medical expense deduction. The standard medical deduction in California for 2025 is $120 if you can verify at least $35 in monthly medical expenses. If your actual expenses exceed $170 monthly, you should itemize everything instead of taking the standard deduction. And don't forget about the Telephone Access Program (California LifeLine) for discounted phone service and the utility allowance for CalFresh if you pay heating/cooling costs separately from rent.
One other critical tip: While waiting for your replacement benefits, make sure to freeze your EBT card through the EBT app or by calling the number on the back. Then request a new physical card with a different card number. Many people get their benefits replaced only to have them stolen again immediately because the thieves still have access to their card information.
I did freeze the card right away, but I wasn't sure about getting a replacement card with a new number. I'll definitely do that - thank you! Do you know if the replacement benefits go onto the new card automatically?
Yes, any replacement benefits will automatically be loaded to your new card once it's activated. When you get the new card, make sure to create a unique PIN that you don't use anywhere else. Also, it's now recommended to change your EBT PIN monthly as an extra security measure. Glad you froze the card already - that was a smart first step.
Megan D'Acosta
mine finally came thru this morning did urs?
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Hassan Khoury
YES! Just checked after seeing your comment - the benefits finally loaded! Such a relief. Thanks everyone for the help and information.
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