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If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
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Quick update on EBT theft prevention: California has been rolling out increased security measures for EBT accounts. Make sure you've done these things to protect your replacement benefits: 1. Create an online account at www.ebt.ca.gov if you haven't already 2. Enable two-factor authentication for your online account 3. Set up transaction alerts via text message 4. Use the "lock card" feature in the app when not actively shopping 5. Change your PIN immediately after receiving your new card Also, when your case is being processed, ask your worker about emergency food assistance through local food banks. Many counties can provide immediate referrals while your EBT theft claim is being processed.
Thank you SO much for this info! I didn't know about the "lock card" feature - that sounds perfect. Going to set up all these security measures as soon as my replacement card arrives. And I'll definitely ask about emergency food assistance because we're already down to what's in the pantry.
This is becoming such a huge problem! I read in the news that California is planning to eventually replace all EBT cards with the newer versions that have tap-to-pay and better security. But who knows when that'll actually happen 🙄
yea they been saying that for years lol. meanwhile ppl keep getting their benefits stolen and we gotta jump thru hoops to get our own money back smh
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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.
OMG YES!!! mine always disappears within 24hrs of deposit!! never thought about it being inside job but ur right, how they know exactly when to steal it?? scary to think about
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!
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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.
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This is so scary! I just got approved and now I'm paranoid about my card. Does anyone know if you can pick up your EBT card in person instead of having it mailed? I don't trust the mail system after reading this!
Yes, you can request to pick up your card in person at your county CalFresh office. Call your caseworker and ask specifically for "in-person EBT card issuance" instead of mail delivery. Some counties will do this automatically if you ask during your application process, but you can still request it even after approval.
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get any help with this? The situation you described is absolutely considered Administrative Error since you never received the card. Under California code regulations (MPP Section 63-602.6), you should be eligible for replacement benefits in this scenario. If you're still struggling, I'd recommend contacting your local Legal Aid office. They often have specialists who handle CalFresh issues and can advocate on your behalf at no cost. They know exactly which regulations apply and can sometimes resolve these issues with a single call that would take you weeks of frustration.
Thank you for following up! I filed a police report yesterday and was finally able to reach a supervisor at my county office this morning after trying for hours. They're sending me a form to fill out for "Administrative Error Replacement" like you mentioned! They said it might take up to 10 days to process, but they're also looking into emergency benefits since my kids and I literally have no food. I'll update once I know more, but it sounds promising! I'm so grateful for everyone's advice here - I was ready to give up after that first call.
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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