


Ask the community...
I work with a local assistance organization, and we're seeing tons of these cases right now. That June 3rd skimming operation hit hundreds of people across multiple counties. Here's what you need to know: 1. Yes, it can take up to 30 days by law (actually, up to 90 days if they need to investigate further). 2. The state has been overwhelmed with fraud claims, which is causing delays. 3. While waiting, you can: - Apply for emergency replacement benefits (separate from your claim) - Contact your county supervisor's office for help expediting - Reach out to local food banks (every county has emergency food assistance) - File a complaint with CDSS if it exceeds 30 days Also, make sure you've changed your PIN and are checking your balance daily. These skimmer groups often hit the same cards multiple times.
i changed my pin but how do u apply for emergency replacement benefits?? nobody told me about this!!
You need to contact your county CalFresh office and specifically request "emergency replacement benefits due to EBT theft hardship." This is different from your theft claim. These are issued under disaster/emergency provisions and can be approved within 3 days if you have less than $100 in resources and minimal income available. Bring ID and proof of the theft (like a copy of your police report and EBT transaction history showing the unauthorized transactions).
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone helpful at the county office! They told me my claim was approved yesterday and the funds should be on my card within 24-48 hours. They also said they're prioritizing households with children under the expedited process. For anyone else waiting - keep calling and specifically ask for your claim to be reviewed for expedited processing if you have children or vulnerable household members. Will update again when the money actually appears on my card.
That's great news! Thanks for updating us. How did you get through to an actual helpful person? I'm still trying to get mine expedited.
I actually tried that Claimyr service that someone mentioned above and got connected to a worker who could actually see my full case file instead of just basic status info. Made a huge difference! The regular EBT customer service line was useless - those people can't actually do anything for theft claims.
make sure u tell them about the cooking situation too. my worker said specifically that sharing food preparation is what makes u a "calfresh household" not just living together. good luck!!
Thanks for this! Yes, we definitely share cooking - my grandmother makes most of our meals actually, so I'll make sure to mention that specifically.
also if they have any medical expenses make sure to report those! seniors and disabled ppl get special deductions for medical costs over $35 a month which could mean more benefits for ur household!
Oh wow I had no idea! My grandfather has several prescriptions he pays for monthly that aren't covered by insurance. This is really helpful info!
Just to clarify some confusion I'm seeing in the comments: P-EBT is separate from CalFresh, though many families qualify for both. P-EBT cards are mailed based on data from schools, while CalFresh is county-administered. For P-EBT issues, you need to contact the P-EBT hotline at 877-328-9677, not your regular CalFresh worker. The second card will almost certainly arrive within 2 weeks, but if not, be ready with both children's names, dates of birth, school information, and your mailing address when you call.
Based on the 2025 P-EBT distribution schedule, they're sending cards out by age groups and school districts in phases. Children ages 5-8 were in the first distribution group, which explains why your 7-year-old received a card first. Children 9-13 are in the second phase, scheduled to receive cards approximately 10-14 days later. This is intentional to avoid overwhelming the system. Unless there's a specific issue with your 10-year-old's eligibility, the card should arrive by next week. If it doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, you can request a replacement through the P-EBT portal or by calling the hotline.
guys i just checked and mine came thru!! last name starts with B so guess that alphabet thing is true
UGH of course... I have to wait because my last name starts with T. So unfair they're making some families wait longer than others!
Btw my cousin had to call about her benefits last month and they told her the emrgency allotments are gonna stop in April 2025. Did anyone else hear this??
Yes, this is accurate information. The emergency allotments were originally tied to the public health emergency declaration, but California secured additional funding to extend them through April 2025. After that, benefits will return to the standard calculation based on household income, expenses, and deductions. It's important for all CalFresh recipients to prepare for this change. Make sure you're reporting all allowable deductions on your SAR7 and recertification forms (like childcare costs, medical expenses for elderly/disabled household members, and housing costs) to maximize your regular benefit amount.
Keith Davidson
Just checking in - did your benefits post yet? Several people in my building had theirs show up early this morning (around 4am).
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Avery Saint
YES! Thank you for checking. They finally showed up at 5:30am. Such a relief! I was able to place my grocery order and delivery is coming this afternoon. Really appreciate everyone's help and suggestions - this community is amazing. 💕
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