The confusion comes from two different programs that you might be eligible for: 1. Standard CalFresh benefits - can be used for all eligible food items including produce 2. California Fruit and Vegetable EBT Pilot - this program is active in certain counties and gives qualifying households (especially those with children) additional funds specifically for fruits and vegetables If you were notified about extra produce benefits, you're likely in a pilot county. The extra amount (typically $55-65/month in 2025) is automatically added to your EBT card. When you purchase qualifying fruits and vegetables, the system will automatically use the special produce funds first before touching your regular CalFresh balance. The easiest way to check if you have this benefit is to look at your last EBT receipt - it will show if some of your purchase came from the produce bonus funds. You can also check your remaining balances by calling the EBT customer service number on the back of your card and it will tell you both balances separately.

do u need to buy organic??? cuz thats way more $$$ i cant afford that even with ebt

its rlly stupid we cant choose our own banks 4 benefits i mean its OUR money right?? sorry bout ur card gettin stolen thats happened to me 2x already this year! now i transfer my calfresh to my cashapp as soon as it hits my EBT. u cant do that with ALL benefits but works for some

Update: I finally got through to someone at the county office! They're processing my replacement benefits now and said I should get them within 10 days. They also told me to file a police report for the card skimming if I haven't already (I didn't know I needed to do that). For anyone else dealing with this - keep calling and specifically ask for the "EBT Coordinator" or a supervisor. Thanks everyone for the advice!

I worked for a county office before retiring last year, and it's unfortunately common for workers not to explain the dual process. This happens because county workers handle eligibility and benefits, but EBT card issues are managed by a separate contracted company. One thing I always told my clients: when you file a theft claim, ask for "expedited processing" specifically using those words, and cite "hardship due to household with children." This terminology triggers specific protocols that can speed up your claim. Also, submit a written statement to your worker (email works) stating that you were not properly informed of the complete process for reporting EBT theft. This creates a record that may help if there are delays in processing your claim.

UPDATE: I called the EBT fraud line this morning using all the advice from this thread. Got a much nicer person who helped me file the claim properly. They gave me a claim number starting with CA-2530. Called my worker right after and gave her the number. She said they can issue emergency benefits for my kids within 3 business days while the full claim is processed! THANK YOU everyone for your help! I was ready to give up yesterday.

Thanks everyone for all this information! I'm definitely going to check out the Saturday market this weekend. One more question - does anyone know if the Market Match tokens expire? Like if I don't use them all in one visit can I save them for next time?

lol everyone saying farmers market but nobody mentioned the ONE grocery store that does it... smart and final on march lane does a produce match on wednesdays only. its not as good as market match (only $5 match) but its something if u cant do weekends

this happened to my neighbor and they got their benefits back in like 3 weeks. make sure u dont use the same pin as before when u get ur new card! those thieves sometimes hit the same person twice

Just to follow up on this thread with some important information: As of January 2025, California has enhanced protections for CalFresh recipients who experience benefit theft. The state now requires county offices to process theft claims within 7 business days. Additionally, if you're experiencing a food emergency while waiting, you can request an immediate emergency allotment (typically 25% of your monthly benefit) to help bridge the gap. Also, there's a new option to freeze/unfreeze your EBT card through the BenefitsCal app or website, which can help prevent unauthorized transactions when you're not actively using your card. If you believe your information was compromised at a specific retailer, include that in your police report as it helps with the broader investigation into skimming rings.