Update: As of January 2025, there's a new option I forgot to mention. You can now request a replacement EBT card through the ConnectEBT mobile app as well. You'll still need to update your address with the county separately, but the app makes the card replacement process much easier than the phone system.\n\nIt should ask you if you want the card mailed to the address on file or a new address. If you select new address, you can enter your current information right there in the app.

Thank you! I'll download the app and try that too. Trying everything at this point. Really appreciate everyone's help with this.

When this happened to me, I called the county office 5 times without getting through. Finally went in person and found out they had a special Benefit Theft Response Team that handles these cases faster. Ask specifically if your county has one! Mine took 15 days total but I got emergency benefits within 3 days of visiting the office. They replaced 60% immediately and the rest after the investigation. Also, they might ask if you used your card at certain types of stores - apparently skimming devices are more common at certain retailers. Be honest about where you've used it.

Quick update on this issue: Starting in March 2025, California CDSS implemented new policies regarding benefit theft. They're now required to provide emergency replacement benefits within 5 business days for households experiencing hardship. The full investigation still takes 15-30 days, but you shouldn't go without food assistance during that time. Make sure to specifically request the emergency replacement under the new policy.

this is why i hate dealing with the system... i got a letter saying my calfresh was going up then another saying it was going down and now its just confusing. my neighbor said shes getting the extra money next week so now idk what to believe lol

To clarify for everyone: The federal legislation that authorized Emergency Allotments for CalFresh (minimum $95 extra per household) officially ended them after March 2025. Here's what's happening: 1. March 2025 was the FINAL month for emergency allotments 2. Some counties issue benefits for a month during the first week of the following month (so March benefits in early April) 3. This is why some people received their final emergency allotment in April 4. There will NOT be any emergency allotments for April or any month after If you need help with getting more benefits due to changed circumstances, you can submit: - A SAR7 (Semi-Annual Report) if it's your reporting month - A "Change Report" through your BenefitsCal account or county office if you've had increased expenses or decreased income - A request for reassessment if you have new medical expenses or dependent care costs You can verify all this information on the CDSS website or by contacting your county office.

I had a similar thing happen in January and what finally worked was calling my local Assembly member's office. They have caseworkers who can do something called a "constituent services request" where they contact CalFresh directly on your behalf. I got a call back from CalFresh within 48 hours after my Assembly member's office got involved. Google "[your city] state assembly member" to find yours. They're usually super helpful with benefits issues.

Just wanted to follow up - if you have a verification flag on your account (as you mentioned above), that often means there's a document they need from you. While you're waiting to get through by phone, I'd recommend uploading any possibly relevant documents to your BenefitsCal account - recent pay stubs, rent/mortgage receipts, utility bills, etc. Sometimes this clears the flag automatically and restores your benefits without needing to speak to someone. It's worth trying while pursuing other contact methods.

tell ur sister dont waste time with the regular ebt customer service!!!!! call THE COUNTY OFFICE DIRECTLY!!!! thats how i finally got mine fixed they have different people who handle the fraud stuff but u gotta ask for them specifically

Has she checked if she's eligible for expedited benefits while waiting for the claim? If she has less than $150 income and less than $100 in resources she might qualify for emergency CalFresh that she could get within 3 days. Totally different process from the theft claim but might help with immediate food needs.

If you're having trouble getting through to EDD on the phone (which is likely), try Claimyr.com. It's a service that basically waits on hold with EDD for you and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration when I had a similar documentation issue. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Once you get an EDD representative, specifically ask for a "Benefit Verification Letter" that states your current claim type is SDI only.

Just to clarify some confusion in this thread: The document you specifically need is called a "Notice of Benefit Determination" from EDD. It clearly states which program you're receiving benefits from (SDI in your case). You can download this directly from your EDD online account under "Claim History" then "Notices and Determination". Print this plus your payment history showing the benefit type. Submit both together to CalFresh with a cover letter explaining these documents prove you are ONLY receiving SDI benefits. If they still give you trouble, request a hearing immediately - they have to prove why they're denying you.

My caseworker told me the COLA is less this year than it has been the last few years. Something about how they calculate inflation changed. Don't expect a huge increase is what she said. But at least it's something!

To clarify some of the information being shared: The 2025 fiscal year COLA for SNAP/CalFresh has been announced at approximately 3.6% which is indeed lower than last year's adjustment. For a one-person household, the maximum monthly allotment will increase from $292 to $303 starting October 1st. However, your actual increase will depend on your specific benefit calculation, which factors in your income and deductions. The notices are being mailed in batches throughout September, so not everyone receives them at the same time. If you haven't received yours by September 25th, I would recommend contacting your county office.

I've been using CalFresh for a few years now. Regarding the apps, Providers (formerly Fresh EBT) is definitely the most user-friendly. The official CalFresh Mobile app works too but isn't as feature-rich. One important thing to know: Your benefits are loaded on a specific day each month based on the last digit of your case number. Mine load on the 7th because my case ends in 4. You can see your scheduled deposit date in either app. Also, I found out recently that Walmart, Amazon, and Instacart now accept EBT for online grocery shopping and delivery in California, which has been super helpful when I can't get to the store. Just make sure you select EBT-eligible items (not all items can be purchased with EBT).

Since no one has mentioned it yet - if you need to check your balance but don't want to use an app, you can always call the number on the back of your EBT card (877-328-9677). I know you mentioned preferring not to call, but it's good to know the option exists if your phone is having issues or you're somewhere without good internet. Just another option to have in your back pocket!

Based on your follow-up comments, it sounds like you might not be getting the correct ongoing benefit amount. Here's what I recommend: 1. Call your county office and specifically ask if they applied the Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) to your case 2. If they didn't, request a recalculation of your benefits with the SUA included 3. Ask them to explain your benefit calculation in detail With your income and housing costs, you likely qualify for more than $65/month. The SUA alone could nearly double your monthly benefit amount.

dont forget that income limits went up too!!! my benefits went up by like $30/month in January when they did that new calculation thing they do every year. maybe thats part of why u got more?

Just to clarify something I've seen causing confusion: P-EBT benefits and regular CalFresh (SNAP) are completely separate programs with different eligibility requirements and issuance schedules. P-EBT 3.0 for children under 6 is specifically for kids in CACFP-participating daycares or preschools. If you need additional food assistance for your family beyond these quarterly P-EBT benefits, you should consider applying for regular CalFresh through BenefitsCal.com, which provides monthly benefits based on household size and income.

just fyi i did try that under-6 hotline number someone posted earlier today and actually got through! they said the next load for P-EBT 3.0 will be April 16-22 depending on your county. hope that helps!