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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.
Thank you for this insider information! I'll definitely use the exact phrase "expedited processing" and mention "hardship due to household with children." And I'll send an email tonight documenting everything that's happened so far. Really appreciate your help!
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.
That's great news! So glad you were able to get this resolved and that they're issuing emergency benefits. This is exactly why it's so important to know the right terminology and process. Please keep us updated on how long it takes to get the full amount replaced.
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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?
Great question about the tokens. At most markets, the Market Match tokens or vouchers are valid for that market day only, but some markets allow you to use them throughout the current market season. It varies by location, so definitely ask the market manager when you get them. Also, since you're new to CalFresh, remember you can use your regular EBT benefits at farmers markets too (not just the Market Match part). Some vendors sell bread, honey, plant starts for growing your own food, and even meat and eggs that you can buy with your regular CalFresh benefits.
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
THANK YOU!! I had no idea Smart & Final did this! That's actually much closer to me than the farmers market and I shop there sometimes anyway. Do you know if you need to sign up for it somehow or do they just automatically give the match when you use your EBT card on produce?
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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
3 weeks sounds like forever when you have no food money :( But I'm glad to hear they eventually got it back. I'll definitely use a completely different PIN. Thanks for the tip!
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.
Thank you for this update! I just downloaded the BenefitsCal app and found the freeze option. That's going to be so helpful. I'm going to the county office tomorrow morning with all my paperwork to request the emergency allotment too. I really appreciate everyone's help - this community has been amazing during such a stressful time.
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To clarify for everyone in this thread: the CFAP supplement is being distributed to eligible households in phases: - Phase 1 (March 15): Households with children under 18 - Phase 2 (March 25): Households with seniors (60+) or disabled members - Phase 3 (April 1): All other eligible households The current participating counties are: Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, and Santa Clara. More counties will be added in the coming months. To check eligibility, look for a notice titled "CFAP Supplement Eligibility Notice" in your BenefitsCal account or mail. The amount varies based on household size. This is separate from your regular CalFresh benefits.
THANK YOU for actually explaining it clearly!! Why couldn't my worker just say this?? So I should see something on March 15th since I have kids. FINALLY some straight information!
Update for everyone: I just checked my mail more carefully and found the notice about the CFAP supplement! I'm in Sacramento County with 3 kids, so looks like I should expect it on March 15th. The letter says it's a one-time supplemental payment to help with rising food costs. Thanks everyone for helping me figure this out! I was looking for it today because I misunderstood the date.
Thanks for the update! Just found my letter too. Glad we sorted this out!
Quinn Herbert
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
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Chris Elmeda
•I need to correct this information. You CANNOT transfer CalFresh (food benefits) to Cash App or any other account - that's actually not possible with food benefits, only with cash aid programs like CalWORKs. CalFresh benefits can only be used for eligible food purchases directly with the EBT card. Attempting to convert CalFresh to cash through any method could result in program violations and potential loss of benefits. Please be careful about this distinction.
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PaulineW
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!
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Jean Claude
•That's great news! Glad you're getting it resolved. Did they say if the police report will speed things up? I never did one when it happened to me.
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PaulineW
•They said the police report isn't required but can help if there's any question about the fraud. I'm going to file one just in case. The worker also showed me how to set up text alerts for whenever my card is used so I can catch fraud faster in the future.
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