CalFresh EBT card cancelled AGAIN - second month in a row! What's going on?

This happened to me too! THREE times last year. Turns out the county was sending verification requests to my old address even though I updated my contact info. Have you checked your case online to see if there are any pending tasks or notices? Sometimes they don't mail everything but expect you to check the portal. Try logging into BenefitsCal and look under 'Documents' and 'Tasks' sections. Also check your spam folder if you get email notifications.

my card got cancelled to. they said it was becuz i didnt report my new job but i did tell them when i started. the system is broken. good luck getting anyone on the phone its impossible

Based on what you've described, there are a few things happening here that are fairly common with CalFresh accounts: 1. When your card is "deactivated," it usually means your benefits were discontinued, not just the card itself. The card is simply deactivated as a result of case closure. 2. For the verification issue: Counties are required to give you at least 10 days to provide requested verification before taking negative action. Check your case comments in BenefitsCal to see exactly what they requested and when. 3. Important: Even though your certification period runs until September 2025, you still have continuing eligibility requirements that must be met throughout that period: - Quarterly reports (SAR7) due in specific months - Responding to any verification requests within the timeframe given - Reporting changes that put you over the Income Reporting Threshold (IRT) Recommendation: File for an administrative hearing immediately by calling the state hearing division at 1-800-952-5253. You only have 90 days from the effective date of the action to request a hearing, but if you request it within 10 days of receiving notice, you may be able to get your benefits continued pending the hearing outcome (called "aid paid pending").

The same situation happened to me. I ended up having to reapply completely. The worker told me that if you miss submitting any requested verification, even if you never received the request, they can discontinue your benefits without warning. It's ridiculous that they put the responsibility on us when their system is so unreliable. 😤

Have you checked if your mailing address and phone number are updated in the system? I discovered my contact info somehow reverted to an old address after a system update. Also, set up text alerts! Go to BenefitsCal > Account Settings > Notification Preferences and make sure ALL boxes are checked for text, email, AND mail notifications. That way you're covered if one method fails. Also, take screenshots of your confirmation when you submit anything. I learned this the hard way when they claimed I never submitted my SAR7 even though I had. Without proof, it's your word against their system.

I work with CalFresh recipients regularly, and this scenario unfortunately happens often. Here's what you can do to prevent future problems: 1. Set a reminder on your phone for quarterly reports (SAR7) - typically due around the 5th of your reporting month 2. After submitting ANY document, call the county after 3-5 business days to confirm receipt 3. Request your case be flagged for "special handling" due to electronic notification issues 4. If your card is deactivated again, ask for "expedited reissuance" - they can sometimes reactivate benefits within 3 days instead of 7-10 5. Document EVERYTHING - confirmation numbers, worker names, dates/times of calls While it shouldn't be necessary to be this vigilant, it's unfortunately the reality with overwhelmed county systems. Being proactive can prevent most of these interruptions.

Just wanted to update - I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above when I had a similar issue last month. Skeptical at first but it actually worked! Got connected to a worker in about 35 minutes (after spending 3 days trying on my own). They found out my case was flagged for "potential income discrepancy" that triggered the card cancellation. Worker fixed it on the spot once I explained my situation.

everyone saying to just call like its so easy 🙄 the phone system hangs up on me EVERY TIME after saying "high call volume" so how exactly am i supposed to fix anything?????

UPDATE: After trying for two days, I finally got through to a real person at the county office. Turns out there was a "system flag" on my account due to a supposed income discrepancy (my employer reported slightly different income than my pay stubs showed). The worker removed the flag, accepted my verification documents, and is reinstating my benefits! They're also sending me a new EBT card that should arrive in 5-7 days. They admitted they had sent a verification request letter that was returned as undeliverable (even though my address hasn't changed). The worker said I should be all set now, but I've requested my case be marked for "special handling" as someone here suggested. Thank you all for the helpful advice! I'm setting up every possible notification option and reminder for my next quarterly report. This has been such a stressful experience.

Great to hear you got it resolved! This is exactly why I always recommend people document everything and be persistent. That "system flag" issue is more common than it should be - happens when there are minor discrepancies between employer-reported income and what you submit. For anyone else dealing with this, ask the worker to check for any "alerts" or "flags" on your account when your benefits get discontinued unexpectedly. Sometimes it's something simple like this that can be cleared up quickly once you know what the actual issue is. The fact that your verification letter was returned as undeliverable even though your address didn't change shows how many system glitches there are. Glad you pushed through and got help!