I wonder if your cousin is confusing CalFresh with other benefits. Some cash assistance programs DO allow direct deposit to bank accounts or prepaid cards, but CalFresh (food stamps) absolutely cannot be transferred to anything except the official EBT card. It's part of the federal SNAP regulations. I've been on CalFresh for 5 years and it's always been this way. For your card issues - have you tried the plastic protective sleeves? They sell them on Amazon specifically for EBT cards and they've saved mine from my toddler's sticky fingers multiple times!

I'm so glad you asked this question here before trying it! Everyone is absolutely right - transferring CalFresh benefits to prepaid cards or apps like Venmo is completely illegal and could result in permanent disqualification from the program. The USDA requires all SNAP/CalFresh benefits to stay on the official EBT system. For your card replacement issues, here's what has worked for me: when you call 1-877-328-9677, tell them it's an emergency food situation and ask for expedited shipping. They usually get it to you within 2-3 business days instead of the usual week. Also, you can actually have TWO active EBT cards at once - request a backup card and keep it somewhere safe! Most people don't know this option exists. The protective sleeves everyone mentioned are a game changer. I got a 10-pack on Amazon for like $8 and haven't had a damaged card since. Much cheaper than dealing with replacement delays!

I had the exact same issue last month! My daughter's P-EBT card showed $180 balance but kept getting declined everywhere. What finally worked for me was calling right at 8 AM (not 8:01 - literally right when they open) and following Alina's sequence: press 1, then 4, then 2, then stay completely silent when they ask for case info. The key is being patient during those automated prompts - don't press anything! After about 2-3 minutes it transferred me to hold. Took 35 minutes but I got through to someone who fixed it immediately. Turns out the card was "locked" due to multiple failed PIN attempts (my kid had been trying different combinations). They unlocked it right away and it worked at the store that same day. Good luck!

This is exactly what I needed! My 6-year-old's P-EBT card has been showing a balance but getting declined for over a week now. I've been calling every day during lunch breaks and getting nowhere with that automated system. I'm definitely going to try the 8 AM sharp approach with the 1-4-2-silence sequence that multiple people have confirmed works. Really appreciate everyone sharing their actual experiences and step-by-step instructions - it's so much more helpful than the generic "contact customer service" advice you get everywhere else. Will report back once I try it tomorrow morning!

Did you ever resolve this? Please update us on what worked! Others will likely have the same problem in the future.

So glad to hear you got it sorted out! This is exactly why I always tell people to go in person when possible - they can fix address errors and print cards immediately instead of waiting weeks for mail delivery. Thanks for updating us with the resolution, it'll definitely help other parents in similar situations know that the emergency card option really works!

Just wanted to add that some gas stations and convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Circle K, and Wawa also accept EBT if you need to grab something quick and can't get to a full grocery store. They usually have a limited selection of eligible food items but it's good to know as a backup option while traveling. Also, if you're staying somewhere with a kitchen, buying basic staples like bread, peanut butter, milk, etc. at these smaller stores can help you get by until you can make it to a larger grocery store for a full shopping trip.

Just wanted to share another option that might help - if you have Amazon Prime, you can also use your EBT card for Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods delivery in many areas. This could be really convenient since you're dealing with a family emergency and might not have time to go shopping in person. You'd need to add your EBT card to your Amazon account first, but it's pretty straightforward. They also offer free delivery on EBT orders over $35. Might be worth checking if they deliver to where you're staying!

I'm dealing with a CalFresh dispute right now too and wanted to share something that just worked for me yesterday! After reading through all these comments, I decided to try a combination approach. I called first thing in the morning (8 AM sharp like @Sasha Ivanov suggested) and specifically asked for an "Administrative Review of Benefits Calculation" (thanks @Miguel Hernández!). The key was when I got someone on the phone, I politely but firmly explained that I had been waiting 3+ weeks and asked them to pull up my case while I was on the line. I had my dispute reference number ready and mentioned that I was prepared to file a State Hearing if needed. The worker actually found my paperwork that had been "misplaced" and told me it would be processed within 5 business days! @Jamal Brown - definitely try calling early morning and use that specific language about "Administrative Review." Also, if you can swing it, going in person with all your documents might be your best bet. The squeaky wheel really does get the grease with this system. Don't let them wear you down - you deserve those benefits!

I'm so sorry you're going through this frustrating situation! Three weeks is way too long to wait for a dispute resolution. Based on what others have shared here, I'd definitely recommend trying the early morning call strategy (8 AM sharp) and specifically asking for an "Administrative Review of Benefits Calculation" rather than just checking on your general dispute status. Also, since you mentioned your family is really counting on those extra benefits, you should absolutely request an expedited review due to financial hardship. The county is supposed to prioritize cases where people are struggling to meet basic needs. When you call, emphasize that your reduced work hours are causing financial difficulties and that you need the increased benefits urgently. One more thing - if you haven't already, consider reaching out to your local Legal Aid office or food assistance advocacy groups. They often have direct contacts at the county offices and can sometimes cut through the bureaucratic delays. Some organizations even have "benefit advocates" who can make calls on your behalf. Keep pushing - you're absolutely entitled to those benefits and shouldn't have to wait this long for something that should be straightforward. The system is definitely broken, but don't let them wear you down!