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CalFresh benefits not showing future deposit this month - normal before verification appointment?
I've been receiving CalFresh for about 3 months now and something weird is happening. Usually when I call to check my EBT balance, the automated system tells me I have 1 or 2 future deposits coming up. But this month when I called, there's no mention of any upcoming deposits! I'm worried because my benefits might be stopping? My verification appointment isn't scheduled until April (about 3 weeks away) where I'll need to submit my latest paystubs. Is it normal for the system to not show upcoming deposits before these verification appointments? Has anyone else experienced this? I'm getting anxious because I really depend on these benefits for groceries at the end of the month. Any insight would be super helpful!
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CalFresh benefits discontinued - will I still get the extra allotment payment?
Just found out my CalFresh benefits were discontinued this month (honestly, my fault - I missed the SAR7 deadline). I was supposed to get benefits loaded on my EBT tomorrow along with that extra CalFresh allotment they've been giving out. Since my regular benefits were stopped, will I still get that extra amount loaded tomorrow? Or does getting discontinued mean I lose BOTH the regular and extra payments? Really counting on at least getting the extra this month since I've already planned my grocery budget around it. Anyone had this happen?
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UPDATE: I just submitted my SAR7 through BenefitsCal along with my paystubs and rent receipt. Then I tried calling the county office but couldn't get through after 45 minutes. Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it actually worked! Got connected with a worker who said they'll process my SAR7 as a restoration case within 3 business days, but they can't guarantee I'll get benefits before next week. They also confirmed I've completely lost this month's extra allotment since it only goes to active cases. Lesson learned - never miss a deadline!
Glad you got through! The restoration should go quickly if you submitted everything they need. And now you know for next time!
This is a good outcome! For future reference, you can set up text and email reminders for SAR7 and recertification deadlines through BenefitsCal. It's under 'Communication Preferences' in your profile. That way you'll get warnings before the deadline approaches.
Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - if you're in a similar situation and need food right away while waiting for benefits to be restored, check out CalFresh Healthy Living's food resource finder at cafreshhl.org. They have a map that shows all the food banks and pantries in your area, plus their hours and what documentation (if any) they require. Some don't require any proof of income or CalFresh status. Also, if you have kids, remember that they might be eligible for free meals at school even if your CalFresh got discontinued - school meal programs have different eligibility rules. Hope this helps someone!
Can CalFresh EBT buy birthday cake at Sam's Club for my daughter?
Hi everyone! My daughter's turning 8 next week and my mom wants to help by getting her birthday cake from Sam's Club using her EBT card. I'm not sure if that's allowed with CalFresh benefits? The cake would cost around $25-30. I've heard mixed things about what EBT covers for special occasions. Some people told me bakery items aren't eligible but others say if it's not a hot prepared food it should be ok? Don't want my mom to be embarrassed at checkout or waste a trip there. Has anyone bought birthday cakes with their EBT at Sam's Club or similar stores before? Thanks for any help!
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my sister works at sams club and she says they even have a sign in the bakery listing which items can be bought with ebt. defintely the regular sheet cakes are fine. ice cream cakes too! just make sure its not something from the cafe area since those are prepared foods
ice cream cakes count?? thats awesome, my kids b-day is next month and he wants an ice cream cake so bad!!
Update: My mom got the cake yesterday with no problems! It was $26.99 and she used her EBT card without any issues. They did make her pay separately for the candles and a small decoration we added. Thanks everyone for your help! 🎂
That's great! Hope your daughter has a wonderful birthday! 🎉
So glad it worked out smoothly! And happy 8th birthday to Sophia! 🎂 It's really nice that your mom was able to help make her day special. Thanks for updating us - it'll definitely help other parents who have the same question in the future!
WARNING: CalFresh EBT app security concerns - possible scam alert?
Is anyone else worried about these EBT apps? Just got a text from my sister saying she had $1,500 stolen from her CalFresh benefits last week. Someone at the grocery store told her it might be because of the mobile EBT app she was using to check her balance. Apparently scammers can hack into these apps and steal your information? Should I delete the CalFresh Mobile app off my phone? Has anyone else had their benefits stolen this way? I'm a single mom with 3 kids and CANNOT afford to lose our food money right now. The county office was no help when my sister called.
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Update: I called the EBT customer service number and asked specifically about app security. The rep told me that the OFFICIAL California EBT app is secure but to be careful about any other apps that claim to work with EBT. She also said most theft is happening from skimmers at stores or from phishing scams where people get texts/emails pretending to be from CalFresh asking for their info. I'm keeping the official app but deleted a third-party balance checker I had. Thanks everyone for your help!
thanks for updating us! good to know the official one is ok at least
This is so scary but thank you all for sharing your experiences. I'm a new CalFresh recipient and had no idea about these risks. Just downloaded what I thought was the official app but now I'm second-guessing myself. Can someone confirm - is the app called "BenefitsCal" the official one? And should I be worried if I've already used it to check my balance a few times? I'm really paranoid now about entering my PIN anywhere. Also does anyone know if there are specific stores that are worse for skimmers? I usually shop at the same few places but wondering if I should switch it up.
When are CalFresh school age P-EBT 4.0 benefits being released in 2025?
Does anyone know when the CalFresh P-EBT 4.0 benefits for school age kids are supposed to be issued this year? My kids' school is participating in the program, but I haven't heard anything about when the benefits will actually show up on our card. Last year they came in March but I'm hearing different things from other parents. Some are saying April now? My family really depends on this extra food assistance with groceries being so expensive lately. Called the county twice but got stuck in the automated system both times.
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i dont understand why they cant just put all the benifits on the same card!! i have a calfresh ebt card and a p-ebt card and now i got another card for the summer ebt program! its so confusing keepin track of all these different balances and cards!
I feel this so much! I literally have a sticky note on my fridge with which card is for what program and how much is supposed to be on each one. Would be SO much easier if they just consolidated everything.
For anyone wondering about eligibility: Your child must attend a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program AND must either: 1. Be approved for free/reduced meals through an application, OR 2. Attend a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school where all students get free meals, OR 3. Attend a Provision 2/3 school during the designated years Also, a quick note about the cards - if you got a P-EBT card for previous issuances (1.0-3.0), keep it! They'll reload the same card for 4.0. If you've lost your card, request a replacement NOW before the benefits are issued by calling the EBT Customer Service line at 877-328-9677.
Wait, if my child's school provides free lunch to ALL students (they said it's some special program), does that mean we automatically get the P-EBT without filling out any forms?
Yes, if your child's school provides free lunch to ALL students through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), you should automatically qualify for P-EBT without needing to fill out a separate application! The school should have already submitted the student roster to the state for P-EBT processing. However, you might still need to make sure your contact information is up to date with the school and/or create a BenefitsCal account to receive notifications about when benefits are loaded. If you haven't received P-EBT benefits in previous years despite your school being CEP, I'd recommend calling the school office to confirm they participate in the program and have your current address on file.
Freya Ross
update us when u get ur benefits! curious if they show up on time
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Justin Trejo
AuthorWill do! I'll check back in after the 7th and let everyone know what happened. Thanks for all the support everyone!
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Ethan Brown
I work at a county eligibility office and can confirm what others have said - the automated phone system often doesn't display pending deposits until 3-5 days before issuance. Your benefits should continue automatically between quarterly reviews as long as you haven't received a Notice of Action about discontinuation. The fact that you only received an appointment notice (not a discontinuation notice) is actually a good sign. Your April verification is routine and shouldn't affect your monthly deposits. Keep checking around the 4th-5th if your case number ends in 7!
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