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Update us on what happens! Also, make sure to document everything - write down who you speak with, case numbers for any service requests, and confirmation numbers. This will help if you need to escalate the issue. In my experience, payment issues are usually resolved within 3-10 business days once you get in touch with the right person.
I finally got through using that Claimyr service! Turns out my direct deposit form had errors - they entered my account number wrong. The worker said they'll reissue the payment within 3 business days. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for the help.
wait does calfresh replace stolen money now? when my balance got stolen last year they told me it was just gone forever like a debit card
Yes, this changed with Assembly Bill 1958 which went into effect January 1, 2023. California now replaces stolen CalFresh benefits if you report the theft within 10 days of discovering it. This applies to electronic theft (skimming, phishing, etc.). You need to complete form EBT-2259 and submit it to your county office. The state can replace up to two months' worth of benefits that were stolen.
UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know what happened in case it helps someone else. I followed the advice here and: 1. Called EBT customer service to report theft and freeze my account 2. Filed a police report online (took screenshots) 3. Went to my county office with the EBT-2259 form, police report, and transaction history 4. Explained I had no food for my kids They processed an emergency allotment right there! Got $313 loaded today to help until the full replacement goes through. The worker said they're seeing tons of these cases and recommended ALWAYS freezing the card when not actively shopping. Also said to never use the card at ATMs in gas stations or convenience stores as they're the most commonly compromised. Thanks everyone for your help during this nightmare!
my sister lives in oregon and says they get $1200 per kid there for p-ebt!!! why are california amounts so much lower???
That information isn't accurate. Oregon's P-EBT benefit for 2025 is $463 per eligible child, which is actually slightly lower than California's $490. Each state has different rates based on their specific school closures and participation data from previous years. The benefit amounts are calculated at the federal level, not by individual states.
I just got my kids' P-EBT cards yesterday! (We're in Alameda County). They are definitely light blue like someone mentioned. Each card has $490 on it. You need the kid's date of birth and the zip code on file to activate. Just FYI they took about 3 weeks to arrive after I got the text notification.
One more important tip: Make sure to change your PIN as soon as you report the theft, even before you get a new card. Sometimes thieves can access your account multiple times if the PIN remains the same. Also, avoid using easily guessed PINs like birthdays or address numbers. And never respond to text messages about your EBT benefits - the county never sends texts asking for your card info or PIN.
Alexander Evans
Update: I went to the police station today and filed a report. The officer actually said they've had several similar reports recently and they think there's an organized group targeting EBT cards in our county! He said to definitely appeal with the county and gave me a copy of the police report to bring with me. I also called EBT customer service and enabled the card lockdown feature that someone suggested here. The representative also helped me check for any authorized users (there weren't any) and set up text alerts for all transactions. I have an appointment with a supervisor at the county office tomorrow. Feeling a little more hopeful but still stressed about feeding my kids this month. Thanks everyone for the support and advice!
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Isaac Wright
•You're doing everything right! Bring that police report to your appointment tomorrow and specifically mention that the officer confirmed multiple similar cases in your area. That's crucial evidence that you're part of a targeted fraud pattern, not just experiencing random theft. Make sure to use the phrase "systematic fraud targeting" when you speak with the supervisor - it helps frame this as a larger issue that deserves special consideration beyond the standard three-strikes policy.
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Evelyn Martinez
One other suggestion - when you get your next replacement card, immediately set up the BenefitsCal mobile app if you haven't already. The newest version has a feature where you can temporarily "freeze" your card between uses. It's not perfect protection, but it's another layer of security. You just unfreeze it right before shopping and freeze it again right after. Also, only use the card inside major grocery stores at the register, not at outdoor terminals or ATMs. And if you do social media, make sure you're not accidentally posting photos that show your card or shopping receipts (which sometimes have partial card numbers).
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Alexander Evans
•That freeze feature sounds amazing! I already have the BenefitsCal app but didn't know about that function. I'll definitely set that up on my new card. And good point about receipts - I never thought about that. I do sometimes post meal photos so I'll be more careful. Thank you for all these suggestions!
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