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EVERYBODY need to kno that worker lied to u!!!!! benefits CAN be replaced!!! my cosin got hers back after 6 weeks so dont let them tell u no!!!!!!
One more critical thing everyone should know: starting in March 2025, California implemented a new verification process for suspicious EBT transactions. If a transaction occurs far from your home ZIP code OR is unusually large, you should get a text message asking you to confirm it's legitimate. If you haven't set up your mobile number for these alerts, log into your BenefitsCal account and update your contact preferences immediately. Make sure to select "Fraud Alerts" in the notifications section. This won't stop all theft, but it can prevent large-scale draining of benefits if you respond quickly to deny suspicious transactions.
I don't understand why they're replacing benefits on the cash side. That doesn't seem right to me. CalFresh and CalWORKs are totally different programs with different funding sources. Are you sure you weren't already getting cash benefits and just didn't realize it? You might want to double-check your eligibility letter to make sure you understand what benefits you're approved for. Also, not filing a police report was definitely a mistake. They usually require that for any theft claims. You got lucky they replaced it at all without one.
This is actually standard procedure in California. When CalFresh benefits are stolen and need to be replaced, counties often issue the replacement as a cash benefit because of limitations in the EBT system for backdating food benefits. It's an administrative workaround that most counties use, not an indication that OP is on CalWORKs. You're right that they technically should require a police report, but many counties have been waiving that requirement due to the dramatic increase in EBT theft over the past couple years.
Just want to add that you should DOCUMENT EVERYTHING. Write down the name of every worker you talk to, date and time, and what they told you. The homeless system is so broken. I had a worker tell me I wasn't eligible for the homeless shelter deduction because I sometimes stayed at a friend's house. COMPLETELY WRONG. Had to file a formal complaint to get it fixed. If you have any issues, you can request a State Hearing where they have to review your case again. Don't let them jerk you around just because you're homeless.
hey i forgot to say but with the H code ur case also gets reviewed less often. like they dont bug u as much for updates n stuff. at least thats how it was for me. makes it easier when ur trying to handle more important things like finding a safe place to sleep every night. also check out if ur county has hotel vouchers for CalFresh peeps with the H code
Wait really? Hotel vouchers through CalFresh? I thought that was only through general assistance or something. Has anyone else heard about this?
The hotel vouchers aren't actually through CalFresh - they're through county homeless services programs. But having the H code on your CalFresh case can help establish your homeless status for those programs. You should contact your county's homeless outreach team or call 211 to get connected to those resources.
i heard ur supposed to wiggle the card reader thing before u put ur card in. if it feels loose it might be a skimmer. also check ur balance on the app before AND after u shop so u notice rite away if somethings wrong
Thank you everyone for all the helpful replies! I just changed my PIN and downloaded the EBT app. Going to be much more careful about where I use my card from now on. I'll stick to the Safeway near me and Food Co rather than the corner stores. Still worried but at least I know what to do if something happens. Seems like Sacramento isn't immune after all. 😟
Smart precautions! One more tip: when your benefits get deposited each month, consider making larger purchases right away rather than leaving your full balance on the card for longer periods. While this isn't completely foolproof, it can minimize losses if your card information is compromised later in the month.
Jacob Lee
Thanks everyone for clearing this up! Sounds like my neighbor definitely got confused between the regular COLA increase and something COVID-related. I'll let her know so she doesn't keep spreading incorrect info. Even a small increase will help though - groceries have gotten so expensive this year.
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Elijah Brown
Good idea to correct the misinformation. And you're right - even small increases help with today's food prices. If your circumstances have changed significantly (income decrease, new household member, higher housing costs), you can always report those changes to potentially increase your benefits beyond just the COLA adjustment.
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