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Update: I finally got through to someone at the county after THREE HOURS on hold. They confirmed there's been a huge spike in EBT theft across California this month. The worker said they're looking into a possible data breach at certain retailers but wouldn't tell me which ones. Here's what I learned about the process: 1. They're issuing me a new card that will arrive in 5-7 business days 2. I had to file the CF 303 form for stolen benefits 3. Since I have minor children and less than $100 available, I qualify for emergency replacement benefits that should be available within 3 days on my new card 4. They'll investigate the fraudulent transaction which could take up to 30 days In the meantime, they gave me the locations of three food banks near me for emergency assistance. This whole situation is so stressful!
This is really helpful information, thanks for sharing. I'm glad they're processing your emergency replacement benefits. One additional tip: when you get your new card, immediately create a unique PIN that you don't use for anything else. Also, most counties now offer "card locking" features through the EBT Edge app - you can lock your card between uses so even if your data is compromised, thieves can't access your benefits.
anybody else notice that the theft always happens right after benefits are deposited?? like they know exactly when our money comes in. makes me think it's an inside job tbh. too much coincidence.
I work with CalFresh recipients daily, and here's what I'm telling everyone: 1. Request a new EBT card even if yours hasn't been compromised yet 2. When you receive the new card, IMMEDIATELY change the PIN 3. Call the EBT customer service line and request the "card freeze" feature be activated 4. Only unfreeze your card immediately before shopping, then freeze it again after 5. Check your balance through the official app DAILY The latest skimming devices can capture both your card data and PIN in seconds. The thieves are targeting certain stores and specific days of the month when benefits are typically distributed. Paper food stamps aren't coming back, but many counties are piloting direct deposit options for CalFresh similar to how they handle CalWORKs. Ask your worker if your county is part of the pilot program.
This is incredibly helpful. I didn't realize I could proactively request a new card. I'm going to do that right away and set up all these security measures. I asked about the direct deposit option and my worker said Sacramento County isn't in the pilot yet, but they're supposed to join later this year. Fingers crossed!
I work with a nonprofit that helps families access benefits. P-EBT 4.0 distribution for middle school students is scheduled April 20-May 15. If nothing arrives by May 20th, I'd recommend reaching out to your school district's nutrition services office first, as they can confirm if your child's eligibility information was correctly submitted. The state hotline is overwhelmed right now with so many families calling about the new distribution.
I just checked the P-EBT website and they posted an update yesterday - there's apparently a processing delay specifically affecting 7th and 8th graders in some districts due to a data transfer issue. They say benefits will still be issued but may be delayed until late May for affected students. Might explain what's happening with your kid's benefits.
i think your cutting the card messed things up cause the system mighta tried to transfer everything but the card wasnt active no more???? anyone else think thats what happened?
That's not how it works. Cutting up the physical card doesn't deactivate the account. The benefits are tied to the account number, not the physical card. When you request a replacement, they simply send a new card that accesses the same account. The issue here is that there are two separate accounts (one for each county) rather than a complete transfer of benefits to the new county account.
UPDATE: I called the EBT customer service line and they're sending me a replacement for my old Alameda card! They said my supplemental benefits are still there (phew!!). They're mailing it to my new address and I should get it in 7-10 business days. I also called San Bernardino County and asked about the ICT form someone mentioned. The worker said they did submit it but these things can take time to process fully. She suggested I use up the benefits on both cards, and by next month everything should be consolidated on my new card. Thanks everyone for the help!!
Raúl Mora
Just a heads up that sometimes there can be system maintenance that delays the usual midnight loading. Back in January, I stayed up to shop at midnight and my benefits didn't actually load until 6am because they were updating something in the EBT system. So definitely have a backup plan just in case. But to directly answer your question - yes, it's usually midnight, not during business hours. They don't manually press a button during the day or anything. It's all automated.
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Arjun Kurti
•This is absolutely correct. The EBT system runs on automated schedules, but occasional maintenance or high-volume processing can cause delays. If you're ever in this situation again and need immediate food assistance, remember that many counties have emergency same-day services for families with children who are completely out of food. You'd need to call your county office first thing in the morning though.
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Leeann Blackstein
UPDATE: IT WORKED!!! Just got back from Walmart at 12:40am and my benefits were loaded! Thank you everyone for the help. Such a relief to have food in the house again.
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Ryder Greene
•That's great news! I'm so glad it worked out for you and your kids. It's such a helpless feeling to be waiting for those benefits to load when you're out of food.
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