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Update: I finally got through to the county office today! For anyone else dealing with this issue, here's what I learned: 1. They ARE extending the deadline to 30 days for Hills Canyon Fire victims 2. I need to submit the CF 303 form WITH some proof of the power outage 3. I'm eligible for replacement up to my full June benefit amount ($425) 4. They recommended I submit everything through BenefitsCal for faster processing Thank you all for your help! I'll post again when I find out if my request is approved.
ANOTHER UPDATE: I got approved!! They replaced the full amount I requested ($350). The benefits were added to my EBT card today, just 5 days after I submitted everything. The worker I spoke with said they're processing Hills Canyon claims quickly because so many people were affected. Don't give up if you're in the same situation!
i just got a letter last week saying the p-ebt program is changing again in october!! something about new requirements?? anyone else get this? so confused!!!
The letter you received is likely referencing the mid-year program adjustment that happens every October. This isn't a new change - it's part of the normal P-EBT annual cycle. The program typically reassesses eligibility based on updated school meal status reports and enrollment data from September. Some children may see benefit amounts adjust slightly (up or down) based on updated information, but the core eligibility rules remain the same. If you have specific questions about the letter, you can upload a photo of it (with personal information blacked out) to the P-EBT portal for clarification.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I just got off the phone with our school district's nutrition services department, and they confirmed our elementary school DOES participate in the CEP program with universal free meals, so my kids should be getting monthly benefits. They said there was a processing delay for our district and the next batch of benefits should be loaded within 5-7 business days. They also gave me a direct number to call if we don't receive the benefits by next Friday. This has been so helpful - I really appreciate all of you taking the time to explain how this works!
That's great news! I'm glad you got clear confirmation. One more tip: create a calendar reminder for yourself around the same date each month to check your P-EBT balance. The deposits tend to follow a pattern once they start, usually arriving within 2-3 days of the same date each month. Having that reminder can help you plan your grocery shopping more effectively.
sry ur going thru this... i had something similar but they took $300 not as much as urs. took like 6 weeks but i did get it back. the letters are super scary and confusing tho, they should really explain the process better
Update: I called my caseworker this morning and requested emergency replacement benefits like someone suggested here. She's processing a partial replacement (40% of my August benefits) that should be available within 3 days! That will help us get through until the full fraud claim gets resolved. She also confirmed my fraud claim is still under review in the "second stage" and should be decided by September 10th. Thank you all for the advice and support! I feel much better knowing this is a normal process, even if it's frustrating. I'll update again when I hear about my full claim.
Based on your follow-up comments, it sounds like you're receiving the California Food Assistance Program (CFAP) supplement. This is a state-funded program specifically for legal permanent residents who don't qualify for federal SNAP/CalFresh due to immigration status requirements. CFAP benefits are typically issued separately from regular CalFresh, which explains why you're seeing two different deposits. The timing of CFAP deposits can sometimes differ from the regular CalFresh schedule. If you've been receiving it consistently until now, I'd recommend: 1. Checking BenefitsCal for any notices 2. Contacting your eligibility worker directly if possible 3. If you can't reach them, try calling the San Bernardino EBT customer service line at 877-328-9677 They might be experiencing delays this month, but it's always good to verify nothing has changed with your eligibility.
Ellie Perry
I had my benefits stolen last year and it was a NIGHTMARE getting them back. Took almost 2 months! And they interrogated me like I was the criminal. So unfair when we're just trying to feed our families. The system is rigged against us poor folks who need help. Why don't they make EBT cards with chips like regular credit cards?? So frustrating!
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Selena Bautista
•California is actually in the process of transitioning to more secure EBT cards with chips, but it's taking time to implement statewide. In the meantime, the state passed AB 1270 in 2022 which mandates replacement of benefits stolen through skimming, so the process should be easier now than it was for you last year. If anyone has benefits stolen now, they should be replaced within 10 days of completing the required paperwork.
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Daniel White
UPDATE: Finally got through to EBT customer service! They're sending me a new card that should arrive in 3-5 business days and put a note on my account about the skimmer situation. The rep said if any benefits do get stolen before my new card arrives, I'll need to submit a 'Stolen Benefits Request Form' through my county office. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Natalia Stone
•That's great! Just make sure to check your balance daily until the new card arrives, and if anything does get stolen, report it immediately. The sooner you report it, the easier the replacement process will be. Glad you got it sorted out!
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