This thread has been such a lifesaver! I'm a college student who just qualified for CalFresh and was completely overwhelmed trying to figure out online grocery ordering. The step-by-step troubleshooting here is better than any official help documentation I've found. I had no idea about the account settings requirement or the minimum order thresholds - those details make all the difference. What really stands out to me is how everyone shared multiple backup options instead of just focusing on one service. As someone new to all this, having Walmart, Amazon Fresh, Target/Shipt, and Instacart as alternatives gives me so much peace of mind. I'm definitely starting with a small test order this weekend using these tips. The timing advice about ordering during off-peak hours is something I never would have considered either. Thank you all for creating such a comprehensive guide - this community is amazing for actually helping people solve real problems!

This thread is absolutely incredible - I wish I had found this community sooner! I've been struggling with EBT online orders for months and getting nowhere with customer service. The detailed troubleshooting steps everyone shared here are pure gold, especially the account settings tip that seems to solve most issues. What really impresses me is how supportive everyone is and how you all took the time to share what actually worked from real experience, not just copy-paste help desk responses. I'm bookmarking this thread and definitely recommending this community to other people I know who are dealing with similar EBT online ordering frustrations. Having multiple service options (Walmart, Amazon Fresh, Target/Shipt, Instacart) and backup strategies makes such a difference. This is exactly the kind of practical help that people actually need - thank you all for creating such an amazing resource!

This is such a helpful thread! I'm new to CalFresh and had no idea about these produce incentive programs. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like the key things to remember are: 1) It's extra money on top of your regular benefits, 2) Can only be used for fresh fruits/vegetables, 3) Each location works differently (farmers markets vs grocery stores), and 4) You might need to ask specifically about it since not all cashiers know about the programs. Going to check if my local farmers market participates this weekend!

Just wanted to add something that might help with budgeting - I've been using CalFresh for about a year now and participate in Market Match at my local farmers market. One tip I learned the hard way: the produce incentive money usually expires at the end of each visit/transaction, so you can't save it up like your regular benefits. At farmers markets, if they give you $20 in wooden tokens, you need to spend those tokens that same day or you lose them. This is different from your regular CalFresh balance which rolls over month to month. So when planning your shopping, make sure you can actually use all the bonus produce money in one trip! Also, some markets have seasonal variations - mine does higher match rates during summer when local produce is abundant. Worth asking about!

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble with the phone system, another option is to visit your local county office in person if possible. I know it's not convenient for everyone, but when I had a similar lockout issue, the caseworker was able to reset my online access right there on the spot. They can also help you check your SAR7 status and make sure everything is on track for your recertification. Some offices have walk-in hours or you can schedule an appointment. It might save you the frustration of dealing with the phone system!

I went through this exact same lockout situation about 3 months ago and it was so stressful! Here's what worked for me: First, I had to wait the full 24 hours before the reset would actually work (even though it was frustrating). Then I used the "Forgot Password" link on the BenefitsCal site, not the EBT card site - make sure you're on the right portal! When it asked for verification, I used my case number instead of trying to remember which email I originally used. The whole process took about 10 minutes once the lockout period was over. For checking your balance in the meantime, definitely use the phone number on the back of your card - you just need your card number and PIN, no online password required. And don't stress too much about your upcoming recertification - as long as you get back in within the next week or two, you should have plenty of time to check everything and submit what you need!

I just wanted to add something that might help - if you're worried about your application getting delayed or denied because of the variable income situation, you might want to consider applying online first if you haven't already. When I applied online, I was able to upload all my paystubs at once and include a note explaining my overtime situation right in the application. The online system let me attach way more documents than I expected, so I included all 3 months of paystubs, my bank statements, and even a simple note explaining that my overtime varies week to week. By the time I got to my phone interview, the worker had already reviewed everything and understood my situation. It made the whole process much smoother. Also, one thing I wish someone had told me - keep copies of everything you submit! I had to reference specific paystubs during my interview, and having my own copies made it easy to follow along when the worker was looking at my file. You sound incredibly prepared already. The fact that you're asking all these questions and planning ahead shows you're going to do great. The system really is designed to help people in situations like yours - don't let the complexity discourage you!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who recently got approved for CalFresh with a similar variable income situation! Reading through all these responses brought back memories of how stressed I was during my own application process. One thing I'll add that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you're able to, try to schedule your interview for earlier in the day if possible. I noticed the workers seemed more patient and thorough in the morning versus late afternoon when they're probably dealing with a heavy caseload and trying to wrap up for the day. Also, during your interview, don't be afraid to ask the worker to explain how they're calculating your average income. When mine walked me through the math step by step, I actually caught an error where she had missed one of my lower-income paystubs. It wasn't intentional, but with so many documents it's easy for things to get overlooked. Having that corrected made a difference in my final eligibility determination. The anxiety leading up to the interview is totally normal, but once you're actually sitting there with all your organized documents and can clearly explain your situation, you'll realize it's much more straightforward than it seems. The workers really do want to help you get the benefits you qualify for. You've got this!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT fraud is unfortunately becoming really common. Here's what helped me when I went through this exact situation: Bring multiple forms of documentation tomorrow: - Your EBT card (even though it's compromised) - Photo ID - Any screenshots of your transaction history showing the fraudulent purchases - Write down the exact stores/locations where the fraud occurred When you're there, be very clear that this is an emergency - you have children and no other food resources. Ask for: 1. Expedited benefit replacement (they can sometimes do this same-day for families with kids) 2. Emergency food assistance while you wait 3. A case number for your fraud report Don't let them brush you off or tell you to "just wait." You have legal rights to replacement benefits for unauthorized use. If the first worker you speak to isn't helpful, politely ask for a supervisor. Also, when you get your new card, consider only using it at major grocery stores rather than smaller markets - the fraud protection tends to be better at larger chains. You WILL get your benefits back. Stay strong and advocate for yourself and your kids!

I went through this exact same situation 6 months ago and it was terrifying! But I want to reassure you - California WILL replace your stolen benefits. Here's what worked for me: When you go tomorrow, be persistent but polite. Sometimes the first worker you speak with might not know all the options available. If they seem hesitant about emergency assistance, mention that you have minor children at home with no food - this often triggers additional help options. Also, keep detailed records of EVERYTHING - take photos of any paperwork they give you, write down names of workers you speak with, and get case numbers for every form you submit. This saved me when I had to follow up later. One thing that really helped speed up my case was bringing a printed statement from the EBT website showing all the fraudulent transactions with timestamps and locations. It made it crystal clear that someone else was using my benefits. Most importantly - don't give up if the process feels overwhelming. These benefits are legally yours and they have an obligation to replace stolen funds. You're going to get through this!