I work with CalFresh recipients regularly, and there's an important distinction in your case. When you received the denial letter citing "no service error," that's their standard response for first-level denials of EBT theft. You need to request a formal Administrative Hearing through your county office within 90 days of receiving that denial. Bring documentation showing: 1. Your whereabouts during the fraudulent transactions (receipts, work timesheet, etc) 2. The police report 3. Any transaction history showing the suspicious pattern Also, request that your caseworker document this as "electronic benefit theft" rather than general card misuse. The state has been dealing with increased skimming cases and has special protocols for these situations. Don't accept the first denial - the appeal process has a much higher success rate.

One more thing - while you're fighting this, immediately request expedited emergency CalFresh benefits. Explain that you have less than $150 in income available for food and less than $100 in liquid resources. This should get you emergency benefits within 3 days. This won't replace what was stolen, but it can help bridge the gap while you appeal the fraud case. Make sure to mention any children in the household as that strengthens your emergency request.

To add some additional resources since emergency allotments aren't returning: 1. Check with local food banks - many have increased their distribution since regular SNAP benefits returned to normal levels 2. If you have children in school, make sure they're signed up for free/reduced school meals 3. Look into WIC if you have children under 5 or are pregnant/breastfeeding 4. Some counties have General Assistance programs with food vouchers 5. Call 211 for additional food resources in your area Also, be sure your SAR7 and recertification forms are submitted on time to avoid any gaps in your regular benefits.

I just had my CalFresh recertification interview yesterday and specifically asked about any additional benefits or emergency allotments. The worker confirmed they ended years ago and there are no plans to bring them back for November or anytime soon. She did mention that they can sometimes provide one-time emergency benefits in very specific crisis situations (like if your home burned down or you had to evacuate due to a natural disaster), but nothing related to general inflation or food costs.

just wondering did u report all ur income on ur application? sometimes they send those forms when they find out about income u didnt tell them about through their verification system. happened to my cousin and they almost charged him with fraud

Good plan to take the documents in person! One more thing - make sure you ask for a "Proof of Submission" receipt when you drop off the documents. This is different from just a general receipt and specifically shows which documents you submitted. This has saved many people when the county later claims they never received something. Also, if your income situation is complex (like reduced hours, seasonal work, or multiple jobs), include a brief letter explaining it clearly. Sometimes case workers don't understand unique situations and a simple explanation can prevent further verification requests.

DONT WASTE UR TIME CALLING!!! The county NEVER answers and when they do they just tell you to "wait" anyway. I waited 3 weeks for my extra benefits after winning an appeal. The system is broken and nobody there cares if ur eating ramen for another week!!! 😡

hey did ur money ever come thru? been wondering what happened

This is actually a known issue with the March 2025 emergency supplements. The system was supposed to issue them automatically on the 27th, but there was a processing error affecting accounts in certain case number ranges. When this happens, workers have to manually issue the supplements, which unfortunately takes time.\n\nIf the representative told you it would be processed, it should appear within 3-5 business days. If you don't see it by then, call back and request to speak with a benefits supervisor. Make sure to have your case number ready and specifically mention the \

Thank you so much for this detailed information! I had no idea about the case number ranges being affected - that makes a lot of sense. I'll give it until Tuesday (which would be 5 business days) and then follow your advice if I still don't see anything. Really appreciate knowing about the expedited emergency benefits too, though hopefully it won't come to that.