CalFresh emergency allotment or extra benefits showing as 'pending' in EBT account? Anyone else?
So I checked my EBT account balance online this morning and noticed something weird - there's an extra deposit showing as 'pending' that's about $275 more than my regular CalFresh amount. Has anyone else seen this? My regular benefits already posted on the 10th like normal, but this other amount shows as pending with no date. Is this some kind of emergency allotment or extra stamps I didn't know about? Or is it a system glitch? Called the EBT customer service number but gave up after 45 minutes on hold. Anyone know if CalFresh extras actually show as 'pending' before they drop or what this could be?
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Oliver Schulz
omg yes!!! mine shows pending too! $189 extra but my normal benefits already came thru last week. maybe they're doing emergency allotment again??
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Natasha Orlova
•They stopped the emergency allotments back in 2023 after the COVID public health emergency ended. It's probably a system glitch or maybe a correction for an underpayment from a previous month? My worker told me they sometimes issue supplements if they discover they calculated your benefits wrong in the past.
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Javier Cruz
CalFresh benefits don't typically show as 'pending' in the EBT system. What you're probably seeing is either: 1. A supplemental payment due to a previous miscalculation or underpayment 2. A retroactive benefit adjustment based on information from your most recent SAR7 or recertification 3. A system error showing a duplicate payment that may disappear I'd recommend taking a screenshot of what you're seeing. If the amount actually deposits, and you're concerned it might be an overpayment that you'll have to pay back later, contact your county office to clarify before spending it.
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Amina Diallo
•Thanks for the info! I did submit my SAR7 last month and had to add proof of a rent increase, so maybe that's why? But wouldn't they send a notice first? Going to screenshot it like you suggested just in case.
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Emma Wilson
my sister got extra too but hers just said 'adjustment' not pending. system is always broken lol.
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Malik Thomas
This is most likely a benefit adjustment based on the information in your recent SAR7. If you reported a rent increase, they would recalculate your shelter deduction, which often results in increased benefits. The system sometimes shows these as 'pending' before they fully process. By regulation, any change that increases your benefits based on verified information should be processed within 10 days. If they're adjusting your benefit amount mid-certification period, you should receive a Notice of Action explaining the change, but sometimes these notices arrive after the actual benefit adjustment appears in your EBT account. If you want to confirm exactly what this pending amount is for, you'll need to speak directly with your county eligibility worker. Unfortunately, the EBT customer service line won't have access to that information as they only manage the card system, not your case details.
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Amina Diallo
•That makes sense - I did report my rent went up by $350 starting in January! But I've been calling my county office for two days and can't get through. It's so frustrating to be stuck on hold forever just to ask a simple question.
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NeonNebula
•I had the same issue trying to reach my worker about a verification problem. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a real person at the county. It holds your place in line and calls you back when an actual worker picks up. Saved me hours of waiting on hold! They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 that shows how it works. Worth it when you absolutely need to talk to someone about your CalFresh case.
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Isabella Costa
dont spend it!!! happened to my cousin and she got an overpayment notice 3 months later and had to pay it ALL back. county said it was a "system error" but still made her repay. now she's on a repayment plan for like $50 a month.
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Oliver Schulz
•omg that's so scary!!! i already spent mine 😰 do they really make you pay back if THEY made the mistake???
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Javier Cruz
•Yes, unfortunately, even if it's their error, any overpayment of CalFresh benefits must legally be repaid. However, you can request a 'fair hearing' if you believe the overpayment wasn't your fault. You can also negotiate the repayment amount based on your current financial situation.
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Amina Diallo
UPDATE: Finally got through to my county office! It IS an adjustment from my SAR7. The worker said because I reported and verified a significant rent increase, they recalculated my shelter deduction and determined I was eligible for more benefits. The 'pending' status was just because it was still processing in their system. She said it should change to 'available' in the next 1-2 days. So it's legitimate extra benefits, not a mistake! Thanks everyone for your help!
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Natasha Orlova
•That's great news! Always worth reporting those rent increases on your SAR7. Many people don't realize how much difference it can make in your benefit calculation. Glad you got it sorted out!
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Oliver Schulz
•lucky!!!! i'm still waiting to hear about mine but fingers crossed it's the same thing! my rent went up too!
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Emma Wilson
the whole calfresh system is so confusing...i never know what im supposed to report when. do i wait for the SAR7 or report right away? and some things show up random in the account without explanation...
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Malik Thomas
•You're right that it can be confusing! The basic rule is: 1. Report on your SAR7 (Semi-Annual Report) for most changes 2. Report IMMEDIATELY if your household income goes above your Income Reporting Threshold (IRT) - this amount is listed on your approval notices 3. Report IMMEDIATELY if someone moves in/out of your household who will significantly affect your eligibility For things like rent increases or utility cost changes, you can wait for your next SAR7 unless you want the potential benefit increase sooner (then report voluntarily).
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Ava Thompson
This is super helpful info! I'm new to CalFresh and just got approved last month. I had no idea that reporting rent increases could actually increase your benefits - I thought reporting changes would only hurt you. Good to know for when I fill out my first SAR7. Thanks for sharing your experience with getting through to the county office too, that sounds like a nightmare but glad it worked out!
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Carmen Ruiz
•Welcome to CalFresh! You're absolutely right that it can be confusing at first. Just remember that changes like increased housing costs actually HELP your case because they increase your allowable deductions, which can raise your benefit amount. The key is being honest and reporting everything accurately. Don't be afraid to ask your worker questions during your first few interactions - they're supposed to help you understand the process. And definitely keep all your paperwork organized from the start, it makes everything so much easier later on!
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