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!

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!

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.

update: mine finally came today! check ur account maybe urs did 2

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.

my neighbors kid got one last year and he spent it all on soda and candy, wish they would restrict what u can buy with it like regular ebt does

Update: I called my daughter's school today and they confirmed that she's in their system for free meals! They said they submit this info to the state for Summer EBT, so we should be getting a card. Thanks everyone for your help! Now I just need to make sure the address is updated everywhere.

Just to clarify for everyone: The Winter Relief Supplement is being distributed to ALL CalFresh households in Los Angeles County in batches from January 13-18, 2025. Each zip code range has specific days. Here's the exact schedule for Palmdale areas: 93550: January 14-15 93551: January 15-16 93552: January 15-16 93590/93591/93599: January 16-17 The amount is 40% of your regular benefit, and it will have a separate transaction description on your EBT account history labeled "WINTER RELIEF SUPP". This is separate from regular CalFresh benefits AND separate from the SNB (Supplemental Nutrition Benefit) that some households receive.

Also, don't forget to submit your SAR7 if it's due this month! They will absolutely cut off your benefits including any supplemental payments if your semi-annual report is late. I learned that the hard way last year when I missed mine by 3 days and had to reapply completely.