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guys i just checked again and now mine updated!!! was $593 last month and now shows $650 for october! maybe they're just updating in batches?
As a follow-up, I want to mention that if anyone needs to verify their new benefit amount after the COLA increase, you can: 1. Check your BenefitsCal account (may take a few days to update) 2. Call the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677 (often faster than the county office) 3. Check the MyBenefits CalFresh mobile app 4. Wait for your next notice of action letter, which should explain the new amount Remember that any income or household changes can affect your benefit amount beyond just the COLA increase, so the percentage increase might not be exactly 9.4% for everyone.
Great advice! I checked the EBT customer service line and confirmed my new amount is correct with the COLA. Such a relief!
does ne1 know if u can get emergency food stamps while waiting for stolen benefits to be returned? like can they give u emergency funds till the investigation is done??
Yes, you can apply for expedited CalFresh benefits if you have less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in resources. It's separate from your theft claim. You should receive the expedited benefits within 3 days if you qualify. However, this would be a new, separate benefit issuance - you'd still need to continue following up on your theft claim.
Update: I FINALLY got through to someone today! Used the emergency benefits option like someone suggested, still waited 35 minutes but actually spoke to a person. She apologized for the delay and said there's been hundreds of theft claims this month alone. Mine was approved but stuck in the system. She manually pushed it through and said I should see the replacement benefits on my card within 24-48 hours! Will update again when/if they actually show up. Thanks for all the help everyone!
Let us know if it actually shows up! I've heard that promise before... 🙄
P-EBT isnt the same as calfresh tho. maybe try asking in a p-ebt forum instead? not trying to be rude just saying this is mostly about calfresh ebt not the pandemic school stuff
You're technically correct that they're different programs, but both P-EBT and CalFresh are nutrition assistance programs administered by the same department (CDSS). Many families utilize both programs, and the customer service issues often overlap. The information about verification processes and delays would be helpful for anyone trying to navigate either system.
Update! I finally got through to someone today and got some answers. They said our school district is in the second batch of P-EBT issuances scheduled for May 10-15. The representative explained that they had to implement new federal guidelines this year which caused verification delays. For anyone still waiting, they recommended checking the portal at ca.p-ebt.org for your specific date once it's confirmed. She also mentioned that all eligible households will receive a notification letter about 7-10 days before funds are loaded.
I work with a benefits advocacy group, and unfortunately, EBT theft is increasing throughout California. Here are the current official recommendations: 1. Change your PIN immediately after benefits deposit (usually 1st-10th of month depending on your case number) 2. Check your EBT account activity at least weekly 3. Report unauthorized transactions within 10 days 4. Request an "expedited determination" if you have children or seniors in the household 5. File a police report and get a case number 6. Avoid using EBT cards at ATMs or card readers that appear damaged or have loose parts The state is currently working on implementing better security features, but until then, regular PIN changes are your best protection.
This is really helpful info, thank you! I didn't know about requesting an "expedited determination" - no one at the county mentioned that option. Do you know if benefit replacements are guaranteed if theft is proven?
Yes, if theft is proven, replacement benefits should be issued. However, there's a limit of two theft replacements per year under current regulations. Make sure to emphasize if you have children in the household, as this often prioritizes your case. The county must make a determination within 10 days of receiving all required documentation for expedited cases.
Just wanted to say im sorry ur dealing with this its super stressful. our family had to go to food banks twice while waiting for our case to be resolved last year. if ur in a bad spot call 211 they can tell u where emergency food assistance is near u
Mohammed Khan
Just wanted to chime in that if this happens again, food banks can help bridge the gap. 211 can connect you with local resources. No one should go hungry waiting for EBT systems to update!
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Aaliyah Reed
One more tip - if you're worried about this happening in the future, you can sign up for text or email alerts on the EBT Edge website. They sometimes (not always) send notifications about system maintenance or deposit delays. Has saved me some stress a couple times.
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