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Wow, what a journey this thread has been! I'm new to this community but have been following along as someone who's had my own EBT card issues in the past. Reading through everyone's experiences and seeing how you all came together to help Dominic is just incredible. The fact that something as normal as shopping at two different stores can trigger a fraud alert and deactivate your card is honestly mind-blowing to me. The system seems way too sensitive when families are just trying to find the best deals or when their usual store is out of stock. I wanted to add one more tip that helped me when I had card issues - if you're ever in this situation and the county office is closed (like on weekends), some 24-hour pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens can check if your EBT card is active by running a small transaction. It won't solve the problem but at least you'll know if it's a card issue or an account issue before you waste time calling different numbers. Dominic, so happy you got everything resolved! And thank you to everyone who shared their expertise - this thread is going to help so many families in the future. This community is amazing! ❤️
Welcome to the community, CosmicCrusader! That's such a helpful tip about using 24-hour pharmacies to test if your card is active - I never would have thought of that but it makes total sense for troubleshooting on weekends when offices are closed. This whole thread has been eye-opening for me too. I've been on CalFresh for about 8 months now and had no idea how many different things could cause your card to suddenly stop working. The two-store shopping trigger is especially concerning since that seems like completely normal behavior, especially for families trying to stretch their benefits by finding sales at different stores. It's honestly both scary and reassuring - scary that the system is so fragile and can cut off food access so quickly, but reassuring that there are knowledgeable people in this community who've been through it and can guide others through the solution process. Thanks for adding another useful troubleshooting tip to this already comprehensive thread!
This entire thread has been such a lifesaver for understanding EBT card issues! As someone who just started receiving CalFresh benefits last month, I had no idea how many different things could cause your card to suddenly stop working. The fact that shopping at two different stores can trigger a fraud alert is honestly terrifying - that's exactly what I do every week to find the best deals and stretch my benefits further. Dominic, I'm so glad you got your card reactivated the same day! Your experience and everyone's advice here has taught me so much about how to handle this if it ever happens to me. I'm definitely going to keep this thread bookmarked. One question for the more experienced folks here - is there any way to prevent the "suspicious activity" flags from happening? Like, should I call ahead if I'm planning to shop at multiple stores in one day, or is there a way to notify them about unusual shopping patterns? I travel for work sometimes and worry about using my card in different cities triggering the same kind of flag. Thanks again to everyone who shared their knowledge and experiences. This community is incredible for helping families navigate these complex systems! 💚
Great question, Nia! I've been on CalFresh for about 2 years now and learned some things about avoiding those fraud flags. Unfortunately, there's no way to call ahead and notify them about unusual shopping patterns - the system is automated and doesn't have that feature. However, here are some things I've found that help reduce the chances of triggering alerts: - Try to space out shopping trips by at least a few hours if you need to go to multiple stores - Avoid making large purchases ($100+) at multiple locations on the same day - If you're traveling, using your card in a neighboring city/county usually doesn't trigger flags, but crossing state lines often does The system seems to flag "rapid transactions at multiple locations" more than just shopping at different stores. So if you do need to hit multiple stores for deals, maybe do your main grocery run one day and pick up specific sale items another day? It's frustrating that we have to think about this stuff just to buy food, but at least knowing what might trigger the system helps us plan around it. Hope this helps! And welcome to CalFresh - this community has been invaluable for navigating all the quirks of the system.
That's such a smart question, Nia! I've been dealing with CalFresh for about 3 years and wish I had known about these potential fraud triggers earlier. Caleb gave excellent advice about spacing out shopping trips. One additional thing I've learned - if you do get flagged while traveling for work, it helps to have documentation ready like hotel receipts or work travel authorization. I got flagged once when I had to buy groceries during a work trip to Sacramento, and having my hotel receipt made it much easier to explain to the customer service rep that it was legitimate travel, not fraud. Also, I've found that sticking to major grocery store chains when traveling seems less likely to trigger flags than using your card at smaller independent stores or gas stations in unfamiliar areas. The system seems to recognize the big chain stores as "normal" even if you're in a different location. It really is frustrating that we have to think strategically about something as basic as buying food, but knowledge is power! This thread has been such a great resource for understanding how the system actually works behind the scenes.
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Thanks everyone for your advice! I think I'm going to start changing my PIN quarterly as suggested, and be more careful about where I use my card. I had no idea skimming was such an issue with EBT cards. Going to download the app to monitor my balance too. Really appreciate all the information!
Just wanted to add that if you do decide to change your PIN regularly, try using a pattern or system that makes sense to you so you don't forget it. I use the last 4 digits of the month/year plus a number that corresponds to the season (like 0125-1 for January 2025, winter = 1). This way I can always reconstruct it if I forget, but it's still secure and changes regularly. Also, I've found that grocery stores with newer chip readers tend to be safer than older swipe-only machines. Stay safe everyone!
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I'm really sorry you're dealing with this - the CalFresh system can be absolutely maddening when you can't get through to anyone. From reading all these responses, it sounds like contacting your Assembly Member is definitely your best bet. I went through something similar last year (though with Medi-Cal, not CalFresh) and my Assembly Member's office was a lifesaver. One thing I'd add - when you contact them, ask specifically if they have a "constituent services coordinator" who handles social services issues. Some offices have staff who specialize in different areas, and having someone who knows the CalFresh system can make a huge difference in how quickly they can help you. Also, while you're waiting for that to get resolved, have you checked with 211? You can dial 2-1-1 or go to 211.org and they can connect you with emergency food resources in your area. I know it doesn't fix the underlying problem, but at least it might help with the immediate food insecurity while you're fighting this bureaucratic battle. Hang in there - you shouldn't have to go through all this just to get benefits you're entitled to, but it sounds like you have some good options to pursue now.
This is such great advice, thank you! I'll definitely ask about a constituent services coordinator who specializes in social services when I call my Assembly Member's office tomorrow. Having someone who actually understands the CalFresh system could make all the difference. And I really appreciate the tip about 211 - I called them this afternoon after reading your suggestion and they connected me with a food pantry that's open tomorrow morning. It's a relief to know I'll at least have something to feed my family while I'm working through this mess. It's crazy that we need all these workarounds just to access basic services, but I'm grateful for communities like this where people share real solutions that actually work!
I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now - my CalFresh benefits were discontinued last month with no explanation, and I've been calling for weeks with no luck getting through to anyone. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful, especially learning about the Assembly Member option and the ombudsman office. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - if you're struggling to reach your county office by phone, try calling right when they open (usually 8am). I've had slightly better luck getting through during the first 30 minutes they're open, though even then it's hit or miss. Also, if your county has multiple office locations, sometimes the smaller satellite offices are easier to reach than the main downtown location. @Charlee Coleman I hope the Assembly Member route works out for you quickly! It's absolutely ridiculous that families have to go hungry while dealing with these bureaucratic nightmares. The system is definitely broken when we need politicians to intervene just to get basic customer service.
@Ava Thompson Thank you for the tip about calling right when they open - I hadn t'thought to try that timing! I ve'been calling at random times throughout the day with no luck, so I ll'definitely set an alarm for 8am tomorrow and try that. And you re'absolutely right about checking satellite offices - I ve'only been calling the main county office, but there are a couple smaller locations in my area that might be less overwhelmed. It s'so frustrating that we have to strategize like this just to talk to someone about benefits we re'entitled to, but I really appreciate you sharing what s'worked for you. Hopefully both of us will get this resolved soon through one of these approaches!
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I'm new to this community but wanted to say congratulations on getting this resolved so quickly! Your experience is incredibly valuable for others who might face the same situation. It's amazing how you went from panic to resolution in just 24 hours by following the community's advice. The process you followed - checking BenefitsCal for missed notices, uploading documents immediately, calling with specific terminology like "good cause" and requesting expedited processing - is like a perfect step-by-step guide for anyone dealing with similar benefit issues. Even though your daughter's monthly amount decreased from $375 to $290, that's still meaningful support and shows the system worked as intended when her income increased. The fact that the worker was understanding about the missed notice due to your move gives me hope that the system can be compassionate when people face genuine circumstances beyond their control. Thanks for taking the time to update us throughout this whole process. Stories like yours really help build confidence in the community and show that these scary-looking problems often have solutions when you know where to look and who to ask!
Welcome to the community! I'm also new here but have been following this thread from the beginning, and it's been so inspiring to watch this situation unfold. What really struck me is how the community came together to provide practical, actionable advice that actually worked. From explaining what the "Aging" status meant to sharing specific terminology like "cure period" and "good cause" - everyone contributed something valuable that helped lead to this positive outcome. It's also reassuring to see that even though the system can seem intimidating and confusing at first, there are usually solutions available when you know how to navigate it properly. The fact that Zara was able to get expedited processing and maintain her daughter's benefits (even at a reduced amount) shows that persistence and the right approach really do make a difference. Thank you for sharing this whole journey with us - it's given me confidence that if I ever face a similar situation, I'll know where to start and what steps to take!
I'm new to this community but wanted to congratulate you on such a successful resolution! As someone who's dealt with CalFresh before, I know how terrifying it can be when benefits suddenly disappear, especially when you're depending on them for basic needs like groceries. Your story is a perfect example of how this community can make a real difference. The way everyone jumped in with specific advice - from explaining the "Aging" status to sharing terminology like "good cause" and "cure period" - shows how valuable shared experiences can be. It's also encouraging to see that the county worker was understanding about your missed notice due to the move. The reduction from $375 to $290 is actually pretty reasonable given your daughter's increased income, and it's so much better than losing benefits entirely or having to reapply from scratch. The fact that you'll get expedited processing within 3-5 days is fantastic news. Thank you for updating us throughout this whole process - your experience will definitely help other community members who might face similar situations. It's a great reminder to check BenefitsCal regularly and act quickly when issues arise. Hope your benefits are restored even sooner than expected!
QuantumQuest
This thread has been absolutely incredible to read through! As someone who's been on CalFresh for about 6 months now, I wish I had known about all these tips and resources when I first started. The comprehensive advice here covers everything from the basic 3-5 day timeline to emergency food resources like 211, the EBT Edge app for checking balances, emergency issuance options at county offices, and even practical tips like photographing your card and saving reference numbers. It's amazing how Isabella's initial question about her washing machine mishap turned into such a complete guide that could help so many people. I'm definitely saving this thread and will be sharing it with other CalFresh recipients I know. Thank you to everyone who contributed their experiences and expertise - this is exactly the kind of community support that makes navigating these systems so much easier!
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Connor O'Neill
•I'm completely new to CalFresh and this thread has been like finding gold! I just got approved last week and had no idea about any of these potential issues or resources. The washing machine danger is definitely something I need to be aware of - I almost threw my card in my pocket before doing laundry yesterday! All the tips about taking photos of the card, saving reference numbers, knowing about 211 for emergencies, and the EBT Edge app are going straight into my notes. It's so reassuring to know there's such a knowledgeable and supportive community here. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread should honestly be pinned as a resource guide!
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Ethan Taylor
This has been such an incredibly helpful thread to read! I'm fairly new to CalFresh (about 3 months in) and honestly had no idea about most of these tips and resources. The fact that Isabella's simple question about card replacement timing turned into this comprehensive guide covering everything from emergency food resources to app tips to professional insights is just amazing. I'm definitely screenshotting key parts of this conversation - especially the washing machine warning (noted!), the PIN confirmation tip, and the 211 emergency resource. It's so comforting to know there's such a supportive community here willing to share real experiences and practical knowledge. This thread should honestly be turned into an official FAQ somewhere! Thanks to everyone who contributed their wisdom.
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Luca Greco
•I'm also really new to CalFresh (just got my card two weeks ago!) and this thread has been absolutely invaluable. It's wild how one person's card mishap turned into basically the most comprehensive EBT replacement guide I've ever seen. I'm definitely keeping my card away from the laundry now - seems like that's a surprisingly common way to lose cards! The tip about calling 211 for emergency food assistance is something I never would have known about, and knowing about the emergency issuance option at county offices could be a real lifesaver. This community is amazing - thank you everyone for turning what could have been a stressful situation for Isabella into such a helpful resource for all of us newcomers!
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