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what did they say about back benefits? do u get extra for the time u already worked less hours?
They said benefits can only increase going forward from when I reported the change, not retroactively. Wish I'd known to report it right when my hours first got cut!
Same thing happened to my cousin but with walmart. they cut everyones hours this time of year its so stupid. glad ur getting more snap $ tho.
Yeah it seems like all retail is cutting hours after the holidays. Sorry to hear about your cousin - hope things improve for both of us soon!
Let me clarify something important that others haven't mentioned yet. Your EBT card is completely different from your online account system. The switch from CalWIN to BenefitsCal only affects how you manage your case online and submit documents. Your existing EBT card will continue to work exactly as before, and your benefits will load onto the same card on the same schedule. Your recertification date also remains unchanged. The only difference is how you complete that recertification - you'll now do it through BenefitsCal instead of CalWIN. When you create your BenefitsCal account, make sure to have your case number and personal information ready. If you have trouble linking your existing case, contact the Fresno County office at 1-855-832-8082 or visit fresnocountyca.gov/calfresh for county-specific guidance.
Thank you so much for explaining! That makes me feel better knowing my EBT card will still work. I found my case number and created a BenefitsCal account - it worked! I can see all my CalFresh information there now. The providers app is now working too with my new login. Really appreciate everyone's help!
Am I the only one who thinks its RIDICULOUS that they switch entire systems without properly notifying recipients??? Some of us depend on these benefits to FEED OUR FAMILIES and they just change everything without clear instructions!!! I had the same problem and missed uploading my quarterly report because of this!!! Had to get emergency food from a food bank while they reactivated my benefits!!!
You're absolutely right to be frustrated. The county did send out notices about the system change, but they were often included with other paperwork and many people missed them. For anyone who had benefits discontinued due to the system change, you can request a 'good cause' restoration of benefits by contacting your eligibility worker and explaining that the system transition prevented you from reporting on time. In most cases, they should restore benefits retroactively without requiring a new application.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This is so helpful! I had no idea card cloning was even possible. I'll specifically request that form and make sure to formally report it today. I'm heading to my county office first thing tomorrow morning too. Really appreciate all this information!
I will! Thank you all for the support and advice. I'm feeling a bit less panicked now that I have a plan of action.
Ava Garcia
Update on this situation: I just went through EBT theft in March and they DID reimburse everything including my saved balance! The county worker told me California just updated their policy. They asked me to fill out an EBT-106 form and I had to confirm which transactions weren't mine. Got everything back in about 10 days! Maybe call them back and specifically ask about the EBT-106 form for electronic theft replacement?
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StarSailor}
•This is interesting information. The policy may be in transition as California has been updating EBT theft policies. However, the full replacement may depend on specific circumstances, timing of the theft, or your particular county's implementation of new guidelines. I'd recommend everyone impacted by EBT theft to specifically request the EBT-106 form and ask if they qualify under any updated policies. Documentation is critical - keep records of when you reported the theft and all communication with the county office.
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Miguel Silva
try calling again sometimes u get a different worker who knows more or is more helpful js
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Fatima Al-Suwaidi
•Yeah I'm definitely going to try again. It's so frustrating that different workers tell you different things. I'll update here if I get anywhere with it!
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