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Where to use CalFresh Market Match in Bay Area 2025? Need updated list of fruit & veggie incentive locations
Does anyone have an updated list of farmers markets or grocery stores in the Bay Area that participate in the Market Match program for CalFresh? I just moved to Oakland from Sacramento and used to double my produce money with EBT at certain farmers markets. The list on the website seems outdated (still shows 2023 locations) and I called the number but couldn't get through to anyone. I'm trying to stretch my $425 monthly benefit as far as possible since groceries are so expensive here! Especially interested in weekend markets in Oakland/Berkeley area that accept EBT and offer the fruit & veggie incentive match.
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Confused about September CalFresh EBT deposits - one more coming or was August the final month?
Hi everyone! I'm feeling a bit confused about my CalFresh benefits for September 2025. I received two deposits to my EBT card in August, but I'm not sure if I'm supposed to get one more for September or if those two August deposits were it for the benefit period. I usually get my benefits on the 4th of each month (my case number ends in 4) but I haven't received anything yet for September. Does anyone know the current CalFresh deposit schedule? Did they change something recently? I'm trying to budget for groceries and need to know if I should be expecting another deposit or if I need to make what I have stretch further. Thanks in advance for any help!
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Thank you for this clear explanation! I checked my transaction history and that's exactly what happened - my September benefits came at the end of August. I wish they would make this clearer when they do early deposits. At least now I know what to expect around holidays.
I'm new to CalFresh and this thread has been super helpful! I just want to add that if anyone else is confused about their deposits, you can also check your benefit letter or log into your county's online portal. Mine shows a calendar view of when my benefits will be deposited each month, which has been really useful for planning my grocery budget. Also, I learned that if you ever think there's an error with your deposit amount, you have to report it within 90 days or you might lose the right to get it corrected. Just thought that might be useful info for others navigating this system!
CalFresh EBT card frozen after BenefitsCal app crash - urgent help needed!
Has anyone else had this nightmare situation? I was trying to check my CalFresh balance on the BenefitsCal app this morning when it completely crashed mid-session. When I tried to use my EBT card at the grocery store an hour later, it was declined and the cashier said it was frozen! I have three kids waiting for dinner and literally $8 cash to my name right now. Called the EBT customer service number but been on hold for 45 minutes. Is there a faster way to unfreeze my card? Do I need to contact my county worker? This has never happened before and I'm seriously panicking.
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UPDATE: Finally got it fixed! The Claimyr service connected me with a worker after about 50 minutes. The worker confirmed it was a security freeze from the app crash. She asked a few verification questions and unfroze my account right away. My EBT card is working again! For anyone else dealing with this - definitely try Claimyr or go to the office in person. The regular EBT customer service line can't help with this specific issue. Thanks everyone for your help!
Glad you got it fixed! I'm going to be extra careful with the app until they fix this bug.
So we just have to accept that the app might randomly freeze our benefits?? This is such garbage. Glad you got yours fixed but the system shouldn't be this broken in the first place!
I'm so glad you got this resolved! This thread is really helpful - I had no idea about the Claimyr service or that you could set up PIN reset authorization questions. I've been dreading using the BenefitsCal app because I keep hearing about these crashes, but now I know what to do if it happens to me. It's frustrating that we have to rely on workarounds for what should be basic functionality, but at least there are solutions. Thanks for updating us with what worked!
Same here! I'm new to CalFresh and was nervous about using any of the online tools after hearing horror stories, but this thread gives me a roadmap if something goes wrong. It's crazy that we need backup plans just to access our benefits, but I'm grateful people share their experiences and solutions here. Definitely bookmarking that Claimyr service just in case!
CalFresh worker can't help with lost mailbox key - where to turn in Contra Costa County?
I lost my house keys yesterday including my mailbox key. I'm in Contra Costa County and wondering if my CalFresh worker can help me get a new mailbox key? I'm worried because I'm supposed to get my recertification paperwork soon and don't want to miss it. I can't afford to pay for a new mailbox key right now ($35!) and don't want my benefits stopped because I missed the paperwork. Has anyone had this problem before? Can the county office help with this kind of situation?
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ANOTHER THING to know is that even if you miss your recertification paperwork deadline, you still have a 30-day grace period to submit it without losing benefits completely!! They might stop benefits briefly but when you submit within that 30 days they'll restore from the discontinuation date. A lot of workers don't tell clients this!!!
This is partially correct but a bit misleading. If you submit recertification after the deadline but within 30 days of your certification period ending, your benefits can be restored but there may be a gap in service. It's always better to complete recertification on time to avoid any interruption in benefits.
Hey Henry! I'm new here but went through something similar last year. Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble getting through to your worker by phone, you can also visit the Contra Costa County office in person at 40 Douglas Dr in Martinez. I know it's not always convenient, but sometimes showing up in person gets faster results than waiting on hold. They have walk-in hours on certain days. Also, when you do get through to your worker (whether by phone or in person), make sure to ask them to put a note in your case file about your mail access issue - this creates a paper trail that protects you if there are any problems with missed deadlines. Good luck!
EBT system down in California? Card declined and locked out of account
Is anyone else in California having major EBT card issues today? I just tried to buy groceries (about $175 worth) and my CalFresh EBT card got declined even though my benefits just loaded yesterday ($525 for a family of 3). When I tried checking my balance through the Cardholder Portal online, it wouldn't let me log in. After 3 attempts, now my account is completely locked! Called the EBT customer service line and after 45 minutes on hold, they told me I need to physically go to a county office to get a replacement card issued. But I checked the 'Providers' app and it says the entire EBT system for California is experiencing technical difficulties. I can't miss work tomorrow to go to an office for something that might just be a temporary system outage! Is anyone else dealing with this or is it just my bad luck? I have kids who need to eat tonight and no backup funds until payday on Friday.
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UPDATE: My card is working again! Just used it successfully at the corner store. Thanks everyone for your help and confirming it wasn't just me having issues. This community is a lifesaver when navigating these CalFresh challenges!
@StarStrider well mines is still blocked said my card is cancelled just like the rest of the people I seen at the office today. Same issue like everyone is the 626 area code are
So glad to hear your card is working again! This was such a widespread issue today - I saw reports from people in LA, San Diego, Fresno, and the Bay Area all having the same problems. It's frustrating how these system outages always seem to happen at the worst possible times. At least now we know for next time that it's usually a temporary technical issue and not something wrong with our individual accounts. Thanks for posting about this and keeping everyone updated!
Jacob Lee
I don't have WIC (no kids) but good to know about the Friday market in Old Oakland! Thanks for clarifying the different program names too.
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Brady Clean
Hey Jacob! I'm new to CalFresh and just moved to the Bay Area too (from LA). This thread has been SO helpful - I had no idea about Market Match at all! I'm in San Francisco and wondering if anyone knows which farmers markets here participate? I saw mentions of Oakland and Berkeley markets but nothing about SF specifically. Also, does anyone know if the Castro Farmers Market or the one at UN Plaza do the matching program? My caseworker never mentioned any of this when I applied. It's frustrating how these programs seem like such well-kept secrets when they could really help people like us stretch our food budgets!
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