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has anyone noticed that the EBTedge app sometimes logs you out randomly?? happened to me twice last month and i panicked thinking my account was hacked lol. but ya the lock feature is good, i use it all the time. btw i heard they're gonna upgrade the actual EBT cards soon to have chips like regular credit cards which should help with the skimming problem
Quick update on the chip card situation since it was mentioned - California is indeed planning to roll out chip-enabled EBT cards, but the timeline has been pushed to late 2025 according to the latest CDSS updates. The chip technology will significantly reduce skimming risk, but until then, the app's lock feature is your best protection. To answer the original poster's question about notifications - EBTedge doesn't have automatic deposit notifications yet, but you can set calendar reminders for your issuance date. Some users have reported success with setting up banking apps like Mint to monitor their EBT account and notify them of balance changes, though this varies by county integration. One final tip: when you unlock your card to shop, consider only unlocking it at the register right before you pay, then immediately locking it again after the transaction is approved. This minimizes the window of vulnerability.
Thanks for all this info! Late 2025 feels so far away for the chip cards, ugh. I'll definitely use your tip about only unlocking right at the register - that's smart. Wish the app had better notifications though. I'll just keep checking manually around my issuance date to make sure the benefits actually loaded correctly.
DONT FORGET TO ASK FOR EXPEDITED PROCESSING!!! They won't offer it unless you specifically say your family has NO FOOD and NO MONEY to buy any! I had to literally tell them my kids were going hungry before they marked my claim as "priority" - the system is designed to make you give up!!!
One additional suggestion - if you have the transaction details showing the suspicious location, print that out to include with your police report. Also, when you file the report, make sure it lists "EBT fraud/theft" specifically, as some officers may not be familiar with the proper categorization. This helps ensure your claim meets all requirements for replacement. Most counties are processing these claims faster now (often within 5-7 business days) due to the new legislation, but having complete documentation speeds things up.
my sister just got calfresh last month and she had benefits in like 5 days but she has 3 kids so maybe thats why it was fast? idk how it works exactly but i think families with kids get prioritized
Households with children don't automatically get prioritized for faster processing unless they also meet the criteria for expedited services (very low income/resources). However, families with children often qualify for higher benefit amounts based on household size. Each county processes applications in the order received, but expedited applications get moved to the front of the line regardless of household composition.
UPDATE: I called this morning and had to wait on hold for 45 minutes, but I finally spoke to someone! They confirmed I qualify for expedited services and are processing my application today. They said I should have benefits loaded onto an EBT card within 3 days and they'll mail the card to me ASAP. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and advice.
Update: After getting nowhere all day yesterday, I tried Claimyr this morning to get through to an actual person at the county (thanks for that tip!). Finally spoke with someone who knew what they were talking about. Apparently there's been a HUGE increase in EBT theft and they've updated their procedures. Here's what I had to do: 1. Filed police report online (got case #) 2. Filled out EBT-2259 form 3. Had to provide transaction details showing where benefits were used fraudulently 4. Submitted everything via the BenefitsCal portal AND in person 5. Requested emergency replacement benefits due to household hardship They're supposed to process it within 7-10 days. Meanwhile, they referred me to 3 food banks and gave me emergency vouchers good for $280 worth of groceries to use immediately. Still stressful but at least we have some food now. Will update when/if we get our benefits back!
Great job navigating this difficult situation! Those emergency vouchers should help in the meantime. Two more tips that might help others dealing with EBT theft: 1. Request a new EBT card immediately with a different number to prevent future theft 2. Once you get your replacement benefits, consider using the EBT card lock feature in the EBT mobile app - you can lock your card between uses to prevent unauthorized transactions Also, for anyone reading this thread in the future, California implemented new theft protection measures in late 2024, so you now have 90 days to report EBT theft (previously it was only 30 days). The county must process valid claims within 10 calendar days.
Amara Nnamani
not to be off topic but how do i apply for p-ebt for my 3yr old? we get calfresh but nobody ever told us about p-ebt for little kids
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Giovanni Mancini
•You don't need to apply separately if you're already on CalFresh. However, your 3-year-old needs to be attending a childcare facility that participates in the federal food program (CACFP). Ask your childcare provider if they participate in this program. If they do, and you're on CalFresh, your child should automatically receive P-EBT when cards are distributed to your area.
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Liam Fitzgerald
Update: Called my daughter's Head Start program this morning and they confirmed they're still participating in the food program this year. The director said several other parents have been asking about P-EBT too, and she thinks the cards are just delayed. She suggested waiting until the end of May before following up with the county. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Dylan Mitchell
•That's great news! The Head Start director is giving you good advice. The P-EBT distribution windows are guidelines, and they often run a bit behind schedule. If you don't receive anything by early June, then it would be appropriate to follow up with the county. Glad you got some clarity!
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