As someone who's been using EBT benefits for a couple years now, I wanted to share a few additional tips that have helped me avoid fees: 1. Target stores often allow cash back with EBT purchases (up to $40) with no fees - super convenient if you're already shopping there 2. Some Safeway locations have fee-free ATMs specifically for EBT cards, though you'll want to confirm with each location 3. If you're ever unsure about an ATM, the screen will usually display any fees BEFORE you complete the transaction - you can always cancel if you see a charge you weren't expecting Also wanted to echo what others have said about keeping receipts and calling customer service if you get charged unexpectedly. I successfully got a $2.50 fee refunded last year when I was charged at what was supposed to be a fee-free location. The wait time was long (about 30 minutes) but they were helpful once I got through. This thread has been really informative - I learned about several options I didn't know about, especially the credit union CO-OP network and tribal casino ATMs. It's great to see the community sharing practical knowledge that actually helps people access their benefits without unnecessary costs!

This has been such an incredible thread to read through! I'm fairly new to receiving CalFresh benefits and I had that exact same experience at what I thought was a Bank of America ATM - got charged $2.75 and felt so frustrated. Reading everyone's tips and experiences has been like getting a crash course in how to actually navigate this system effectively. I had no idea about so many of these options - the ConnectEBT app, calling 211, cash back at Target and Dollar General, credit unions in the CO-OP network. It's honestly overwhelming how much helpful information isn't provided when you first get your EBT card. I'm going to download all the recommended apps tonight and call 211 tomorrow to see what other fee-free options are available in my area. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their knowledge - this kind of community support makes such a difference when you're trying to stretch every dollar and avoid unnecessary fees!

I've been following this thread and wanted to share something that just worked for me yesterday! I was having the exact same SAR7 issue - form showing as received but no benefits loaded for over 3 weeks. After trying all the phone strategies mentioned here (seriously, this thread is gold!), I finally got through using the 7:59 AM trick combined with calling the main county switchboard first. Here's what I learned: my SAR7 was stuck in a "verification queue" because their system flagged a $20 difference between my reported income and what they had on file from last month. Nobody bothered to notify me about this! The worker was able to clear it immediately once I explained that my hours had fluctuated slightly. Benefits were restored within 48 hours. The key was asking them to check for any "system flags" or "verification holds" - apparently this happens more often than they admit. Don't give up @StarSurfer - your situation sounds identical to what I just went through and it's totally fixable once you reach the right person! 🙏

I just went through this exact same situation 2 months ago and it was absolutely maddening! Reading through all these amazing strategies, I wanted to add one more that saved my sanity: if your county has multiple office locations, try calling the smaller/satellite offices instead of the main one. I spent 3 days calling the main county office with zero luck, then called a smaller branch office and got through in 20 minutes! They were able to access my case and fix the issue remotely. Also, I've found that having your Social Security number, case number, AND the last 4 digits of your EBT card ready speeds things up significantly once you do connect. The worker told me that incomplete information causes them to transfer calls around, which just adds to the delays. Your SAR7 situation sounds exactly like what happened to me - turned out there was a "pending document review" status that required manual approval. Once they cleared it, my benefits were back-dated to cover the missed month. Don't lose hope - this community's advice really works! 💪

I'm so sorry you're going through this! EBT theft is absolutely devastating and I can only imagine how panicked you must feel with kids to feed. I had my card skimmed at a Walmart in Stockton last fall - $389 gone in one night. Here's what worked for me to get faster results: 1. I called Sacramento County's EBT unit directly at (916) 874-2072 instead of just the state fraud line. Tell them you have children and specifically request "expedited theft replacement under AB 1965." 2. Use the BenefitsCal app to submit your signed affidavit - it's SO much faster than mail and you get instant confirmation. 3. I set up a simple spreadsheet to track every call (date, time, person's name, what they said). This helped when I had to escalate. Got my money back in exactly 7 business days! The new family expedite rules really do work if you know the magic words. For right now: Sacramento Food Bank has emergency boxes available same-day if you call before 2pm. Also, if your kids go to SCUSD, most schools have crisis counselors who can connect you to weekend food programs. You've got this! The system is slow but it does eventually work. Keep pushing and don't let them make you feel like you're asking for too much - this is YOUR money that was stolen!

I'm so sorry this happened to you - EBT theft is absolutely terrifying and heartbreaking, especially when you have kids depending on those benefits. I went through this nightmare about 4 months ago when someone drained my entire $425 balance overnight. The panic is real and totally understandable! Here's what I learned that might help: **For faster processing:** - Call your county eligibility worker directly (should be on your last CalFresh paperwork) and specifically say you need "expedited EBT theft replacement under AB 1965 for a household with minor children" - Submit everything through the BenefitsCal app - it's WAY faster than mail - Follow up every 2-3 days and keep notes on who you talked to **Immediate food help:** - 211 can connect you to emergency food resources today - Many Sikh gurdwaras serve free meals daily with no questions asked - Food 4 Less and some other stores sometimes have manager's discretion programs for emergency situations I got my benefits back in 9 days using this approach, which was so much better than the 3+ weeks I was terrified it would take. **Prevention for the future:** Download the ebtEDGE app and use the card lock feature between shopping trips. Game changer! You're going to get through this. Keep advocating for your family - you deserve to be made whole quickly. Sending you strength! 💪

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this incredibly frustrating situation - it's absolutely unacceptable that you've been waiting 34 days with zero response while your family is struggling to buy groceries! Reading through all the excellent advice in this thread, I think the key is hitting them from multiple angles simultaneously rather than waiting for one approach to work. Here's what I'd do first thing tomorrow morning: 1) Call the state CalFresh complaint hotline at 1-877-847-3663 to file a formal complaint about being past the 30-day deadline with no worker contact - this creates an official record, 2) Call your county's main switchboard at exactly 8:00 AM and ask for the "CalFresh duty supervisor" (not your specific worker), and 3) Email your county's social services director with a detailed timeline of your ignored calls. If those don't get immediate results, definitely contact your assemblymember's constituent services office - they have staff who specialize in cutting through exactly these bureaucratic delays. Document everything and when you do reach someone, ask them to put a "priority processing flag" on your case. You're not asking for special treatment - timely processing is your legal right, especially when you're past the deadline. This system is broken but there are ways to force accountability. Don't give up!

I'm so frustrated reading your story because I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My worker hasn't returned a single call in 3+ weeks and I'm also past the 30-day deadline. This thread has been incredibly helpful though - I had no idea about most of these escalation strategies. I'm definitely going to try calling the state hotline (1-877-847-3663) tomorrow morning and then the county main switchboard asking for the "duty supervisor" like so many people have mentioned. The assemblymember constituent services idea is brilliant too - I never thought about using elected officials for this kind of bureaucratic nightmare. It's so maddening that we have to become experts in workarounds just to get basic communication about food assistance, but I'm grateful everyone here is sharing what actually works. Saving all these suggestions because they're pure gold for navigating this broken system!

does anyone know if they backdated payments? like if it takes them 30 days to approve me will i get food money for that whole month or just from when they approve me??

Hey Sean! I'm new to this whole CalFresh thing too and was stressing about similar stuff. Reading through everyone's responses here has been super helpful. I just wanted to add that when I applied last month, they also asked about my rent and utility bills during the interview - apparently these can help increase your benefit amount through deductions. Since you're working part-time, make sure to mention all your housing costs! Also, totally agree with what others said about answering unknown calls - I almost missed my interview because I didn't recognize the number. Good luck with your application!