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One more thing to check - make sure your address is correct in the county system. I've seen cases where the card was sent to an old address because the school records and county CalFresh records had different information. When you call, ask them to verify your mailing address as well.
Just a quick update for everyone in this thread - the California DSS released a statement yesterday acknowledging delays with the Summer EBT card distribution. They're prioritizing replacements for families who were approved in April and May. When calling, mention reference code "SE-DELAY-2025" which they're using to flag these cases. This should help streamline the replacement process.
when u report ur rent increase make sure u also report ALL utilities u pay!! even if its just ur phone bill or internet!! those count toward the standard utility allowance and can get u more benefits!!!
BTW if ur low on food this month, don't forget to check local food banks! I use one that gives out fresh produce twice a month and another that does shelf-stable items once a month. Really helps stretch the CalFresh benefits.
This whole system is BROKEN!!! I called my county and the worker told me THREE different things in the same conversation about when we'll get the emergency benefits. First she said it was automatic, then she said I needed to apply, then she put me on hold and came back saying I needed to upload documents to prove the losses but couldn't tell me WHICH DOCUMENTS!! I've completely given up hope that we'll ever see this money. The CalFresh system is an absolute JOKE!!
I understand your frustration. Unfortunately, the county workers are sometimes confused about disaster protocols themselves because these emergency programs aren't implemented often. For documenting losses, typically you'd need receipts for replacement food, hotel stays if you evacuated, or repair bills if your home was damaged. If you don't have receipts, a written self-declaration of losses is usually accepted. You might have better luck going in person to your county office with whatever documentation you do have, rather than calling. The in-person workers often have more training on disaster procedures.
UPDATE for everyone: Just saw on the CDSS website that they've extended the application period for Disaster CalFresh through the end of the month. If you're in an affected area and haven't applied yet, you now have until February 28th, 2025. Also, they've posted a list of all eligible zip codes on the BenefitsCal home page under emergency alerts. The supplemental payments for existing CalFresh recipients should all be issued by the 22nd according to the latest update.
BTW any1 know if p-ebt counts as income for calfresh??? i got a letter saying i have to report all these new cards as income on my SAR7 and im freaking out that ill lose my regular ebt!!
UPDATE: I received both cards today (they came earlier than expected). My daughter's card (virtual school all year) has $480 on it, and my son's card (only missed school in November) has $210. So the rep on the phone was definitely wrong! Seems like the system is working correctly after all - my daughter got benefits for multiple months of virtual learning, not just the same amount as my son. Thanks everyone for your help!
Thanks for updating us! This makes much more sense with the benefit calculation guidelines. Your daughter likely received the $120 summer benefit plus approximately $40-45 for each month of virtual learning (depending on your state's specific calculation). Your son received the $120 summer benefit plus one month of COVID-absence benefits at around $90. I'm glad it worked out correctly without you having to go through the appeal process!
Oliver Alexander
just go to the food bank till u get it fixed thats what i always do when theres problems with my calfresh
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Layla Sanders
•That's a good suggestion for emergency help. Do you know if they require any documentation or proof of need? I've never had to use a food bank before.
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Oliver Alexander
•nah most dont ask for anything maybe just tell them how many ppl in ur family. google food banks near u or call 211 they tell u where 2 go
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Kaylee Cook
I'd like to clarify something important: if your benefits were valid yesterday and disappeared today without any notification, this is almost certainly a system error or administrative issue, not an eligibility problem. Under CalFresh regulations, the county MUST provide you with a Notice of Action (NOA) at least 10 days before reducing or terminating your benefits. The only exceptions are very specific circumstances like confirmed fraud or explicitly requesting case closure. When you call tomorrow, specifically mention that you did not receive the legally required 10-day notice, and that you're requesting immediate benefit restoration while they investigate the issue. Use those exact terms. This often triggers a faster response as it references their legal obligations.
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Layla Sanders
•This is incredibly helpful advice! I definitely didn't receive any Notice of Action - I check my mail religiously for anything CalFresh related. I'll specifically mention the 10-day notice requirement when I call tomorrow. Thank you!
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