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UPDATE: I just spoke with a CalFresh policy specialist about a similar case, and there's been a recent increase in what's called "card cloning" where thieves somehow get your card information and PIN before the card even reaches you. California recently implemented some additional fraud protection measures, but they're not fully in place yet. When you talk to your county office, specifically mention "card cloning fraud" and request the "EBT 2919 Stolen Benefits Investigation Form" - this puts your case into a specific fraud category that may speed up the replacement process. Also, they recently changed the replacement policy - if you report within 4 calendar days of discovering the theft, you're much more likely to get a full replacement. So make sure to formally report this TODAY, even if just through the EBT customer service line.
Just to clarify some confusion I'm seeing in this thread - the P-EBT 2025 program has three distribution phases in California. Each county has their own schedule, and Yolo County is indeed using alphabetical distribution by last name. However, there have been some processing delays affecting the A-H group specifically, which is why some people with last names in that range haven't received their benefits yet despite being in the first scheduled batch. Important note: P-EBT benefits are loaded onto a separate card from your regular CalFresh EBT card unless you specifically requested consolidation during the last open enrollment period. So some people might be checking the wrong card. If you lost your P-EBT card, you'll need to request a replacement by calling the P-EBT Helpline at 877-328-9677, not your regular EBT customer service number. Also, for the 2025 cycle, benefit amounts increased by about 30% compared to last year, so you'll receive more per eligible child than previous cycles.
UPDATE: Our P-EBT benefits just posted! Checked the separate P-EBT card this morning and the funds are there. Thank you everyone for your help and information. For those still waiting - definitely check the actual P-EBT card if you have one, not your regular CalFresh EBT card (I was checking the wrong one at first too).
might be late to this but when my benefits got stolened they sent me a letter in mail telling me when they'd be replaced. took about 2 weeks total. the letter came like 4 days before the money showed up. also did they give u new card? cuz if ur using same card the scammers might just steal it again when u get new benefits
Just checking back - any updates? Were you able to get through to Yolo County with the ADA accommodation request? Hope you were able to get some emergency food assistance in the meantime.
Yes! Finally some progress. I called using that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got through in about 10 minutes instead of waiting forever. Asked specifically for an ADA accommodation and mentioned having "no food resources" as you suggested. The supervisor approved an emergency replacement of my benefits! They're being loaded tomorrow. Thank you so much for your advice - it really made the difference. I also found a local diabetic support group through 211 that delivered some emergency supplies yesterday. Really appreciate everyone's help here.
One more helpful tip - you can actually check where your P-EBT can be used by going to the USDA's SNAP retailer website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator Just type in your zip code and it will show all the locations that accept SNAP/EBT. These are the same places that will accept your P-EBT card. This might help avoid any confusion or embarrassment at checkout.
Amina Sow
You know they got those new EBT cards with the chips now that are supposed to be more secure but idk if that really helps with skimmers. my cousin still got her CalWorks money stolen even with the chip card.
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Zainab Khalil
•The chip cards are definitely more secure than the magnetic stripe alone, but they aren't foolproof. Skimmers can still capture data from the magnetic stripe if you swipe instead of using the chip. Always try to use the chip insertion method when possible - it creates a unique code for each transaction that can't be reused by scammers. And remember, CalWorks funds and CalFresh benefits are on the same EBT card but are separate programs with different rules for replacement if theft occurs.
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Miguel Ortiz
Update: I called the EBT customer service line and they said my balance looks normal with no suspicious transactions. I'm still going to change my PIN just to be safe, and I set up those text alerts that someone mentioned! Thanks everyone for the advice - I'm going to be WAY more careful about where I use my EBT card from now on. The county worker also said they're seeing more skimming cases lately and recommended only using the card at major grocery stores if possible.
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Paolo Conti
•Smart move changing your PIN! I change mine every few months now just as a precaution. Also another tip - if you shop at the same stores regularly, try to use the same checkout lanes with cashiers you recognize. My local grocery store has a cashier who actually watches for people who might be tampering with their machines.
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