As someone who's been on CalFresh for about 6 months now, I can totally relate to that panic when the system doesn't work! This exact same thing happened to me around Christmas and I was convinced my benefits got cut off. Turns out it was just another one of their frequent technical glitches. What I've learned is to always have multiple backup methods ready: - Keep the EBT customer service number (877-328-9677) saved in your phone - Download the ConnectEBT app as a backup to the website - Remember you can check balances at most grocery store customer service counters - The text option (text your card number to 69906) is super convenient for quick checks It's honestly ridiculous that such a critical system for food security has these issues so regularly, but at least we can help each other navigate around the problems. The good news is that these are almost always temporary technical issues, not actual problems with your benefits. Glad to see the website is working again for most people!

I just went through this exact same issue two weeks ago! The EBT website login problems seem to happen way too frequently. What finally worked for me was clearing my browser's cache and cookies completely, then trying again in a private/incognito window. Also, make sure you're using the correct website - there are some fake EBT sites that look similar but aren't the official portal. The real one should be ebt.ca.gov. If you're still having trouble, the phone system (877-328-9677) is usually reliable even when the website is down. I know it's frustrating having to navigate through the automated menu, but you can get your balance pretty quickly once you know the prompts. Hang in there - these technical glitches are unfortunately common but they do get resolved!

Just wanted to add my experience to this thread - I had the exact same login issues yesterday and was panicking because my recertification interview is scheduled for Friday. After reading through all the helpful comments here, I decided to try the Claimyr service that @Javier Mendoza mentioned. It actually worked! I got connected to my eligibility worker within 30 minutes and was able to confirm that my SAR7 was received and my interview is still on schedule. The worker also mentioned that they're putting extra staff on phones this week because of all the calls from the website outage. For anyone still worried about deadlines or missing documents, I'd definitely recommend trying to get through by phone rather than waiting for the website. This community is amazing - thank you all for sharing your experiences and solutions!

This thread is so reassuring! I've been dealing with the same login issues since yesterday and was starting to panic about my upcoming recertification deadline. Reading everyone's experiences and solutions has been incredibly helpful. It's frustrating that the county doesn't communicate these system-wide problems better - a simple notice on their homepage would save so many people from unnecessary stress and worry. I'm definitely going to try some of the suggestions mentioned here, especially taking screenshots when the system is working and setting early reminders for deadlines. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and looking out for each other in this community!

Updated

Thanks for sharing this update about the RMP program in Kern County! This is really helpful information. Could you provide more details about which specific restaurants have been added or updated? It would be great to know the locations and any changes to participating establishments so community members can take advantage of these hot meal options.

After the clarification in your comments, this is definitely an administrative error. Your prorated August benefits should have been issued along with or before your September benefits. To resolve this efficiently: 1. Write down your case number, application date, and approval date before calling 2. Be clear that you're missing your prorated August benefits that should have been issued based on your mid-August application date 3. Request that they check the benefit issuance system specifically for August 4. If they confirm the error, ask for the estimated date when the correction will be processed 5. Get the worker's ID number or name for your records If you still can't reach someone by phone, you can also visit your local county office in person. Sometimes that's faster than calling.

I went through something similar when I applied in July! One thing that helped me was calling the EBT customer service line (the number on the back of your card) and pressing 0 to speak to a person instead of going through the automated system. They can see ALL your deposits including pending ones that haven't hit your card yet. When I did this, they could see my prorated benefits were actually issued but took an extra 2 business days to show up on my card. If they don't see any August deposit at all, then you definitely need to contact your county office. But try the EBT line first - it's way easier to get through than the county phones! Also keep your approval letter handy when you call because it should show exactly what benefit amounts you're entitled to receive.

I work at a legal aid clinic and we see EBT theft cases regularly. A few additional things that might help your aunt: 1. If she has any disabilities or health conditions that make it hard to access food, mention this when filing the CF 303 emergency form - it can help prioritize her case 2. Keep a log of every phone call made about this case (date, time, who you spoke with, reference numbers) - this documentation becomes crucial if you need to escalate 3. Some counties have EBT fraud victim advocates who can walk you through the process - ask her county worker if this service exists in your area 4. Consider reaching out to your local Area Agency on Aging - they often have emergency food programs specifically for seniors and can advocate on her behalf The investigation timeline is frustrating but legitimate. Banks and ATM operators sometimes take weeks just to provide the footage to investigators. The good news is that skimming cases typically have strong evidence once the footage is reviewed. Stay persistent with follow-ups but don't let them brush you off - seniors have additional protections under state law that caseworkers should be aware of.

I'm so sorry your aunt is dealing with this - EBT theft is incredibly stressful, especially for seniors on fixed income. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like the investigation process is legitimate but frustratingly slow. A few immediate steps that might help while waiting: 1. Definitely file that CF 303 emergency benefits form ASAP - multiple people have confirmed this can provide temporary assistance 2. Contact your county worker directly instead of the general EBT line for better service 3. Look into local senior meal programs and food pantries through 211 The fact that it was $765 stolen means this should definitely be investigated thoroughly. Most people here who went through the full process eventually got their benefits restored, even though the 30-day wait is brutal when you need food now. Stay persistent with follow-ups and document everything. Your aunt shouldn't have to go hungry while waiting for bureaucracy to work. Sending support to both of you during this difficult time.