When my sister moved counties last year, she ended up having to reapply because the transfer got messed up somehow. The new county said they never received her case info from the old county. Just make sure you follow up regularly to check on the status of your transfer.

One more important tip: start checking your EBT card balance frequently during the transfer period. If you notice your benefits don't get loaded when expected, contact both counties immediately. Sometimes transfers can cause delays in benefit issuance, but if you're proactive, they can often fix it quickly. Also, once the transfer is complete, your benefit amount might change slightly because some counties calculate utility allowances differently. Don't be surprised if there's a small adjustment in your benefit amount after the transfer.

For future reference, here's what you should know about lost EBT cards: 1. Report lost/stolen cards immediately by calling 1-877-328-9677 (available 24/7) 2. Your old card will be deactivated and cannot be used even if found 3. You can check your balance through BenefitsCal, the EBT app, or by calling customer service with your Social Security Number 4. Replacement cards typically arrive within 5-7 business days 5. There's no fee for your first replacement card each year 6. If you've reported the card lost/stolen and unauthorized purchases were made BEFORE reporting, you may not be reimbursed Also, when you get your new card, consider setting up the CalFresh EBT mobile app. It lets you check your balance anytime and will alert you to any transactions, which helps you catch potential fraud quickly.

Update: I got my replacement card today, only took 4 business days! And thankfully no one used my benefits during the time my card was lost. Thanks everyone for your help and advice! I've downloaded the EBT app so I can keep better track of things going forward.

Just a heads up that sometimes there can be system maintenance that delays the usual midnight loading. Back in January, I stayed up to shop at midnight and my benefits didn't actually load until 6am because they were updating something in the EBT system. So definitely have a backup plan just in case. But to directly answer your question - yes, it's usually midnight, not during business hours. They don't manually press a button during the day or anything. It's all automated.

UPDATE: IT WORKED!!! Just got back from Walmart at 12:40am and my benefits were loaded! Thank you everyone for the help. Such a relief to have food in the house again.

Quick update on EBT theft prevention: California has been rolling out increased security measures for EBT accounts. Make sure you've done these things to protect your replacement benefits: 1. Create an online account at www.ebt.ca.gov if you haven't already 2. Enable two-factor authentication for your online account 3. Set up transaction alerts via text message 4. Use the "lock card" feature in the app when not actively shopping 5. Change your PIN immediately after receiving your new card Also, when your case is being processed, ask your worker about emergency food assistance through local food banks. Many counties can provide immediate referrals while your EBT theft claim is being processed.

This is becoming such a huge problem! I read in the news that California is planning to eventually replace all EBT cards with the newer versions that have tap-to-pay and better security. But who knows when that'll actually happen 🙄

anybody else notice that the theft always happens right after benefits are deposited?? like they know exactly when our money comes in. makes me think it's an inside job tbh. too much coincidence.

I work with CalFresh recipients daily, and here's what I'm telling everyone: 1. Request a new EBT card even if yours hasn't been compromised yet 2. When you receive the new card, IMMEDIATELY change the PIN 3. Call the EBT customer service line and request the "card freeze" feature be activated 4. Only unfreeze your card immediately before shopping, then freeze it again after 5. Check your balance through the official app DAILY The latest skimming devices can capture both your card data and PIN in seconds. The thieves are targeting certain stores and specific days of the month when benefits are typically distributed. Paper food stamps aren't coming back, but many counties are piloting direct deposit options for CalFresh similar to how they handle CalWORKs. Ask your worker if your county is part of the pilot program.