I'm so sorry you're going through this - having your benefits stolen is stressful enough without the system making it even harder to get help. I just went through something similar a few months ago and wanted to share what finally worked for me. The key thing that made a difference was getting really specific about who I was talking to. Instead of just calling my regular worker, I started asking to be transferred directly to the "EBT Fraud Investigation Unit" when I called the main county number. They have people who specifically handle theft claims and they know the process way better than regular eligibility workers. Also, when you do get someone on the phone, ask them to put notes in your case file about the call - date, time, what was discussed, and when they'll follow up. Then reference those notes in your next call. It forces them to actually document what's happening instead of just giving you the runaround. One more thing - if you haven't already, start documenting everything yourself. Write down every call you make, every person you talk to, every promise they make. If this drags on much longer, you might need that documentation for a hearing or complaint. Hang in there! The system is broken but your benefits WILL get replaced eventually. In the meantime, definitely reach out to local food banks and see if any churches or community centers are doing food distributions.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and it's absolutely maddening! My EBT was skimmed three weeks ago and I'm getting nowhere with my county office. Reading through all these responses has been really eye-opening though - I had no idea there were so many different numbers to call and forms to request. For what it's worth, I found that calling RIGHT when they open (usually 8 AM) gives you the best chance of getting through without waiting on hold forever. Also, if you have a smartphone, you can use the "Call Back" feature some counties offer where they hold your place in line and call you back instead of making you wait on hold. One thing that helped me was reaching out to my local Assembly member's office. They have constituent services staff who can sometimes make inquiries on your behalf when you're not getting responses from the county. It doesn't always work but it's another avenue to try. Stay strong and keep pushing! The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these government agencies. Document everything and don't let them wear you down.

this is y the system is SO BROKEN!!! calfresh should cover diapers & formula!!! how r we spsd to feed are babies??? the income limits r a joke nobody can live on what they say is "too much money" smh

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get the supplies you needed? The Sacramento Crisis Nursery that someone mentioned is an excellent resource. Also, for future reference, you mentioned you're over the income limit for CalWORKs by just $75. If your situation changes at all or you have any additional expenses that might count as deductions, it's worth reapplying. Sometimes even small changes in circumstances can make you eligible.

I'm in the same boat - last name starts with D and still waiting! My neighbor got hers yesterday (also D name - Davidson) so they're definitely going out now. I called the P-EBT line this morning right at 8am like someone suggested and actually got through after about 25 minutes on hold. The rep told me that cards are still being processed for D names through the end of this week, and if we don't get them by Monday to call back. She also mentioned that some people's cards got delayed because their address in the system didn't match what the school had on file. Might be worth double-checking that your address is current in your kids' school records just in case!

I'm also waiting for my D last name card! Reading through all these comments has been really helpful - I didn't know about the address matching issue or that some districts submit data faster than others. I'm going to check with my kids' school tomorrow to make sure our address is current, and I'll try calling right at 8am like Marcus suggested. It's so stressful when you're counting on these benefits and the system seems so disorganized. At least it sounds like D names are still being processed this week, so hopefully we'll all get our cards soon!

Glad you got it figured out! This is exactly why it's so important to keep track of any changes you report to your county office. The processing delays can be really frustrating - sometimes it takes months for them to update your benefits even for something as straightforward as a rent increase. For future reference, if you report changes and don't see them reflected in your benefits within 30 days, it's worth following up. The retroactive payments are nice when they finally come through, but it would be so much better if they just processed things on time in the first place!

This whole thread is so helpful! I'm new to CalFresh and honestly had no idea about all these different reasons why benefit amounts can change. I was getting stressed thinking I might be getting "extra" money by mistake and would have to pay it back later. It's reassuring to know that retroactive adjustments for things like rent increases are totally normal. I'm definitely going to set up my BenefitsCal online account so I can track my notices better. Thanks everyone for explaining how this all works!

make sure u call early in the morning when they open! thats the only time u can get thru without waiting for hours

Just wanted to add that you can also check your benefit details online through your BenefitsCal account or the ebtEDGE app. It should show your monthly benefit amount and any back payments separately, which might help you understand the $1790 before you call tomorrow. Also, even though the card has your son's name on it, you as the parent/guardian can still use it legally to purchase food for your household. But definitely get it corrected for future reference!