my sister works for the county and she says they're SUPER behind on processing right now because of the new system update. she said most applications r taking the full 30 days

UPDATE: I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it actually worked! Got through to a person at LA County within 40 minutes (after trying for DAYS on my own). Turns out they needed my latest pay stub but the notice got lost in the mail. I uploaded it directly while on the phone and the worker said my application should be processed within 48 hours. Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions!

Has anyone heard of class action lawsuit?? I'm seeing this happen to SO MANY people now with EBT cards and the state isn't doing enough to protect us! These cards don't even have chip technology! My friend who works at a bank said they have WAY better fraud protection on regular debit cards than we get on EBT. It's discrimination against poor people if you ask me!!! We deserve the same protection as everyone else!!!

FINAL UPDATE: It took almost 4 weeks, but I finally got my benefits back today! They refunded the full $785 after completing their investigation. The worker said they confirmed it was fraud based on the transaction location and the fact that multiple other people had their cards compromised at the same store. For anyone else this happens to - keep calling and checking the status of your claim weekly. I had to submit the police report and a written statement about where I was when the transactions happened. So relieved this is finally resolved. Thank you all for your help and support through this nightmare!

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.