Welcome to CalFresh, Sofia! You've gotten some great advice here already. I just want to add a couple things from my experience: For EBT theft protection, I also recommend taking a photo of your receipt after each transaction and keeping track of your balance manually. The app is helpful but sometimes there's a delay in updating, so having your own records makes it easier to spot discrepancies quickly. Also, if you ever feel uncomfortable about a card reader looking suspicious (like if it seems loose or different from usual), trust your instincts and ask to pay cash or use a different terminal. Better safe than sorry! And definitely check out local food banks like Jamal suggested - many also have "client choice" programs where you can pick out personal care items and cleaning supplies alongside groceries. Some churches and community centers also do monthly distributions of household essentials. You're asking all the right questions as a new recipient. Stay vigilant but don't stress too much - most people use their benefits without any issues. Good luck with everything!

Hi Sofia! Welcome to the CalFresh community! Everyone has already given you excellent advice about what you can buy (food only) and protecting your benefits. I just wanted to add that when you're shopping, don't feel embarrassed if you accidentally grab something non-eligible - it happens to all of us! The cashiers are used to it and will just set those items aside for a separate payment. One more tip for EBT security: if you ever lose your card or it gets damaged, report it immediately even if you don't suspect theft. They'll deactivate the old card and send you a new one, which prevents anyone from potentially finding and using your lost card. The replacement usually takes 7-10 days to arrive by mail. Also, some grocery stores have started offering "tap to pay" with EBT cards in certain areas, which is more secure than swiping, but it's not widely available yet. When it becomes available in your area, definitely use that option when possible! You're being really smart by asking these questions upfront. Hope your first CalFresh shopping trip goes smoothly!

I moved from Orange County to Riverside County about 8 months ago and wanted to share what worked for me since you're doing a similar move. First, definitely start the ICT process early like others mentioned - I called OC about 2 weeks before my move and it made everything much smoother. But here's something that really helped that I haven't seen mentioned yet: I created a simple folder with copies of ALL my documents (ID, proof of income, utility bills, rent receipts, etc.) and brought it with me to Riverside County just in case. The transfer itself took about 5 weeks, but my benefits never stopped. What was really helpful was that Riverside County actually called ME about 3 weeks after the transfer was initiated to confirm some details and let me know they had my case. I didn't expect that level of communication! One thing specific to your situation - since your husband is getting a new job, make sure to report that income change to Riverside County once he starts working. Even though it's the same job/same income, they'll want documentation from the new employer. The move from LA to Riverside County should go smoothly if you stay on top of it. Good luck with everything!

I just wanted to add something that helped me when I moved from Fresno County to LA County last year - make sure you update your address with ALL your other services too (school district, pediatrician, etc.) around the same time you start the CalFresh transfer process. I learned the hard way that some counties will send verification letters to confirm your new address during the transfer, and if you miss those letters because your mail forwarding isn't set up properly yet, it can delay the whole process. Also, since you mentioned you have kids ages 4 and 7, definitely ask about school meal programs in your new district when you enroll them. Sometimes there can be a brief gap between when your CalFresh transfers and when the new school gets updated information, so having school meals as backup can be really helpful during the transition period. The fact that you're planning this out 45 days in advance puts you in a really good position! Most people don't start thinking about the benefits transfer until they're already packing boxes.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! This is becoming a huge problem and it's awful that families are being left without food while waiting for investigations. One thing I wanted to add - if you're having trouble reaching your county worker even with the phone service, you can also try going to the local office in person. Sometimes they have walk-in hours for emergencies like this. Also, some counties have online portals where you can submit urgent requests that might get faster attention than the phone lines. Another tip for everyone - I started taking photos of card readers before I use them. If something looks off or feels loose when you insert your card, don't use it. Better safe than sorry with all these skimmers going around. Really glad to hear you're getting emergency benefits soon! Keep us updated on how the investigation goes.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - it's absolutely infuriating that these scammers are targeting families who need these benefits to survive. I work in cybersecurity and unfortunately EBT fraud has exploded recently because the cards use older magnetic strip technology that's easier to clone than chip cards. A few additional protective measures I'd recommend: - Use your card only at major grocery stores with good security (avoid gas stations, small convenience stores) - Always use the chip reader when available, never swipe if you have a choice - Shield the entire keypad with your other hand when entering your PIN - Check your balance before AND after every transaction The fact that they changed your PIN remotely is particularly concerning - this suggests they may have gotten additional personal information about you beyond just the card data. You might want to check if any of your other accounts have been compromised and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report as a precaution. Really glad to hear you're getting emergency benefits soon. The system needs to do better protecting vulnerable families from these predators.

Same thing happened to me! Got an extra $160 loaded today and was so confused. Really glad @Emma Taylor called to confirm it's legit - I was about to drive to the county office myself but those wait times are brutal. This extra money is going to help so much with groceries this month, especially with how expensive everything has gotten lately. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, makes me feel way less anxious about using the funds!

Just wanted to add my experience - I got an extra $142 this morning and was totally freaking out! Like others mentioned, I didn't get any advance notice which made it really confusing. After reading through all these comments I feel so much better knowing it's the CFAP supplement and not some system glitch. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to call their county offices and share what they learned. This extra help is going to make such a difference for my family this month - grocery prices have been absolutely brutal lately. Thanks to this amazing community for always looking out for each other! 🙏

Reading through all these responses has been so helpful and inspiring! As someone who's also on CalFresh with kids, I totally get that feeling of wanting to give them a special treat. What I've learned is that sometimes the "limitations" of the program actually push us to be more creative and end up creating even better experiences. I wanted to add that many grocery stores have their bakery sections that accept EBT - you could pick up some fresh whipped cream or even a small container of berries to make your homemade breakfast feel extra fancy. Also, if your kids are anything like mine, they'll probably love the "behind the scenes" aspect of cooking way more than just being served at a restaurant. My 8-year-old still talks about the time we made "restaurant pancakes" at home months ago! One last tip - if you have any neighbors or friends with kids, you could even make it a group breakfast and split the costs. Sometimes sharing these special moments with others makes them even more memorable. Your kids are so lucky to have a parent who thinks so carefully about treating them while staying within budget. That homemade breakfast is going to be absolutely perfect!

This thread has been absolutely amazing to read! As someone new to both CalFresh and this community, I'm blown away by how supportive and creative everyone is. The original question about Denny's turned into this beautiful collection of ideas for making special homemade breakfasts that honestly sound way better than any restaurant experience. I just wanted to add one small tip that might help - if you have a local food bank or pantry, they sometimes have special items like fancy pancake mixes or real maple syrup that volunteers donate. It's worth asking if they have any breakfast items that could make your homemade meal extra special. Also, some libraries have community cookbooks you can borrow that are full of fun breakfast recipes kids would love to help make. Sean, your kids are going to have such an incredible time with that homemade breakfast! From everything I've read here, it sounds like you're going to create memories that are worth so much more than any restaurant meal. This community has taught me that the best treats really do come from love, creativity, and bringing families together in the kitchen. Can't wait to try some of these ideas with my own family!