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I've been dealing with the exact same issue and it's so frustrating! What finally helped me was calling right at 8 AM and having backup plans ready. I'd also suggest checking if your county has a mobile app - mine has one that lets you upload documents and check case status without calling. Another trick I learned was following up any phone conversation with an email summarizing what was discussed - it creates a paper trail and sometimes gets faster responses. Also, don't be afraid to escalate if you're not getting help - ask for supervisors or case managers. The squeaky wheel really does get the grease in this system. One last tip: if you're dealing with missed payments or urgent issues, lead with that immediately when you get someone on the phone - they have different procedures for emergency situations. Hang in there, Carlos! The system is broken but there are good people working within it who will help once you connect with them. 🙏
Louisa, this is such solid advice! The mobile app tip is huge - I had no idea some counties had apps that let you upload docs and check status. That could save so many phone calls! Creating a paper trail with follow-up emails is really smart too, especially for keeping track of what was promised or discussed. I'm definitely going to try leading with any urgent issues right away when I call - it makes total sense that they'd have different protocols for emergencies. Thanks for sharing all these strategies and for the encouragement! It's really reassuring to hear from someone else who's navigated this successfully. 💪
Carlos, I've been in your exact shoes and I know how incredibly frustrating this is! Here's what finally worked for me after weeks of trying: I started calling at 7:58 AM and kept hitting redial until exactly 8:00 when they open - persistence is key. Also, try calling on Tuesdays or Wednesdays around 2-3 PM, which seems to have shorter wait times than the obvious peak hours. Make sure you have your case number, SSN, and any recent notices ready before you dial so you don't waste precious time once you get connected. If you get disconnected while on hold, call back immediately - they can sometimes see you were just waiting and prioritize your call. One more tip: check if your county has a mobile app or online portal where you can upload documents or check your case status without calling. Don't give up - the system is definitely broken but there are genuinely helpful people on the other end once you reach them! You've got this! 💪
This is such comprehensive advice! The timing strategy really seems to be the key - I'm seeing 7:58 AM mentioned by so many people who've had success. The Tuesday/Wednesday afternoon window is a great alternative too for those of us who can't always call first thing in the morning. Having all your documents ready beforehand is such a good point - there's nothing worse than finally getting through only to fumble around looking for your case number! The tip about calling back immediately if you get disconnected is really valuable too. It's so encouraging to hear from everyone who's made it through this system - gives me hope that persistence really does pay off! 🙏
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This thread has been incredibly informative and honestly quite alarming! I've been using CalFresh for about 6 months and primarily shop at local stores in person, but I was considering trying grocery delivery services to save time. After reading everyone's experiences here, I'm definitely sticking with in-person shopping only. @Ana Rusula I'm so sorry you and your kids had to go through this ordeal, but thank you for sharing your experience and keeping us all updated. It's really helpful to see how you navigated the system and got emergency benefits while waiting for resolution. What really strikes me is how organized and knowledgeable this community is about protecting each other. The tips about: - Using the card lock feature between purchases - Daily balance checking - Filing complaints directly with CDSS - Utilizing 211 and food bank resources during investigations These are all things I never would have known without this discussion. I'm going to implement the security measures right away and research local emergency food resources just to be prepared. It's frustrating that we have to become cybersecurity experts just to buy groceries safely, but this thread proves how valuable community knowledge-sharing is. Thank you to everyone contributing resources and looking out for fellow CalFresh recipients!
@Raul Neal you re'absolutely right about this community being incredibly knowledgeable and supportive! As someone who s'also relatively new to CalFresh, this thread has been both educational and alarming. I had no idea EBT theft was this common with online shopping. The security tips everyone has shared are invaluable - I m'definitely implementing the card lock feature and daily balance checks immediately. It s'really unfortunate that we have to become so cautious just to access our food benefits safely, but threads like this show how important it is for us to share information and protect each other. @Ana Rusula thank you again for being so open about your experience - it s clearly'helping so many people avoid this situation or know how to handle it if it happens to them. I m sticking'to in-person shopping only from now on too!
This is such a comprehensive and eye-opening discussion! As someone who just started receiving CalFresh benefits last month, I had absolutely no idea that EBT theft through online grocery shopping was this widespread. I was actually planning to sign up for grocery delivery services this weekend to make shopping easier with my newborn, but after reading all these experiences, I'm definitely not taking that risk. @Ana Rusula I'm so sorry you and your family had to go through this nightmare, but thank you for sharing your story and keeping everyone updated. It's incredible how your post has created this invaluable resource thread for the community. The practical tips everyone has shared are amazing: - Enabling the card lock feature immediately after purchases - Daily balance monitoring through the EBT app - Filing complaints with both county and state CDSS - Knowing about 211 and emergency food bank resources - The importance of documenting everything I'm implementing all the security measures right away and researching local emergency food assistance just to be prepared. It's honestly shocking that we need to become cybersecurity experts just to safely buy groceries, but this thread shows the power of community knowledge sharing. Thank you to everyone who's contributed resources and advice - you're literally helping families protect their food security. Stay safe everyone, and here's hoping California fixes these security vulnerabilities soon!
@Sayid Hassan congratulations on your new baby! You re'absolutely making the right choice avoiding online grocery shopping with your EBT card right now. As a new parent, the last thing you need is the stress of dealing with stolen benefits. If you need help with shopping while caring for a newborn, maybe consider asking family/friends to help with grocery runs, or look into whether your local stores offer curbside pickup where you can pay in person with the card reader. Some stores even have personal shopping services where an employee gathers your items and you just pay at customer service. It s'such a shame that new CalFresh recipients like yourself have to worry about these security issues on top of everything else, but this thread really shows how we can all look out for each other. Wishing you and your little one all the best! @Ana Rusula thank you again for starting this crucial conversation that s helping'so many of us stay informed and safe.
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I'm so sorry you're going through this Sean - the phone system is absolutely ridiculous! I'm in Alameda County and had a similar nightmare trying to update my income last month. Spent 4+ hours on hold just to have them tell me I called the wrong department. One thing that finally worked for me was going to my local WIC office - they have CalFresh application assistance and the staff there actually knows how to navigate the DPSS system. They helped me figure out exactly what documents I needed and even let me use their fax machine to send everything directly to my caseworker. Not every WIC office does this, but it's worth calling to ask. Also, try calling right at 7:30 AM on a Tuesday or Wednesday - Mondays are swamped with weekend backlog and Fridays everyone's trying to get stuff done before the weekend. Tuesday/Wednesday seem to be the sweet spot for shorter waits. The fact that you got disconnected at position #2 is just cruel! Document everything - date, time, how long you waited, what happened. If your benefits get messed up because of their system failures, you'll need that evidence for appeals. You're doing everything right, it's their broken system that's the problem!
Reina, thank you for the WIC office tip! I had no idea they might have CalFresh assistance - that's such a smart workaround I never would have thought of. Having access to someone who actually knows the DPSS system AND a working fax machine sounds like a dream compared to trying to navigate this alone. I'm going to call the WIC offices in my area tomorrow to see if any of them offer this service. The Tuesday/Wednesday timing advice makes so much sense too. I've been randomly calling whenever I have a free moment, but being strategic about which days to attempt calls could make a huge difference. Monday morning desperation calls are probably the worst possible timing! And you're absolutely right about documenting everything - getting disconnected at position #2 was soul-crushing, but at least now I'm keeping track of all these system failures. If nothing else, it's therapeutic to have a record of how broken this whole process is! Thank you for validating that I'm doing everything right - sometimes you start to wonder if you're missing something obvious when the system is this impossible to navigate.
I feel your pain so much! I'm in Ventura County and just went through this exact same nightmare two weeks ago. Had to report a job change and new childcare expenses - ended up calling 6 different times over 3 days, with the longest wait being 4.5 hours before getting disconnected. It's absolutely infuriating when you're trying to do the right thing and report changes properly! What finally worked for me was a combination of strategies from this thread: I called the state hotline (1-877-847-3663) first to confirm what documents I needed, then used the early morning strategy (7:30 AM sharp on a Wednesday) for my county line, and had everything pre-uploaded to the MyBenefitsCalWIN app beforehand. Still took 2 hours but at least I got through! Since your SAR7 is due next week, definitely prioritize getting that submitted with all your changes included rather than trying to report them separately first. You can always follow up later to clarify if needed. The most important thing is protecting that $850/month for your family. And seriously consider trying some of the workarounds people mentioned like the WIC office assistance or food bank navigators - sometimes having someone who knows the system helping you makes all the difference. You've got this! 💪
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This thread has been absolutely incredible to read through! As a new community member, I'm blown away by how everyone came together to help you navigate this crisis, Alexis. The practical advice shared here - from the phone shortcuts and optimal calling times to the emergency vault vouchers and community resources - is invaluable information that you just can't find in official handbooks. I'm taking notes on everything from keeping EBT cards separate from other cards to writing down card numbers at home, calling at 8am, and knowing to ask for supervisors when requesting emergency assistance. The fact that you were able to get that emergency voucher shows how important it is to advocate for yourself and persist when facing genuine hardship. What really strikes me is how many safety nets exist in our communities - food banks, churches, libraries, community colleges, mobile pantries - but only when you know where to look and how to ask. This thread should honestly be a pinned resource for anyone new to the CalFresh system. Thank you for turning a stressful situation into a learning opportunity for all of us, and I'm so glad you got the help you needed for you and your kids!
Mateo, I completely agree! As another newcomer to this community, I've been following this entire thread and it's been such an incredible learning experience. What started as Alexis sharing a really stressful situation has turned into this amazing resource that covers everything from the technical steps of reporting stolen cards to discovering community resources I never knew existed. I'm especially grateful for all the insider tips like the phone menu shortcuts and the 8am calling strategy - those are the kinds of details that can make or break your experience when you're already stressed and dealing with a crisis. The way everyone shared not just what the official process is, but how to actually make it work in real life, is exactly what makes community support so valuable. I'm definitely saving this thread as a reference, and like you said, it really should be pinned as a resource. Alexis, thank you for being so open about your experience and for following up to let us know how things worked out - it gives hope to others who might face similar situations!
Wow, reading through this entire thread has been both heartbreaking and inspiring! Alexis, I'm so sorry you had to go through the stress of having your wallet stolen, but I'm amazed at how this community rallied around you with such practical, real-world advice. As someone completely new to both this forum and the CalFresh system, I've learned more from this single thread than from any official resource I've found. The detailed tips everyone shared - from calling exactly at 8am to asking specifically for supervisors when requesting emergency assistance - are the kinds of insider knowledge that can make all the difference during a crisis. I'm especially impressed that you were able to secure that emergency vault voucher! It gives me hope that there really are safety nets available when you know how to advocate for yourself. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread and taking notes on everything from keeping card numbers written down separately to all the community resources mentioned (food banks, churches, libraries, mobile pantries). Thank you for turning such a stressful situation into a learning opportunity for all of us - this thread should be required reading for anyone navigating the benefits system!
Keisha, you've captured exactly what makes this thread so special! As someone who just joined this community myself, I've been amazed by the depth of practical knowledge shared here. What really stands out to me is how Alexis's experience has created this comprehensive guide that covers not just the official processes, but all the unofficial tips that actually make things work - like those phone shortcuts and the importance of asking for supervisors. I'm also new to navigating these systems, and reading about resources like Little Free Pantries, community college food banks, and mobile pantries has opened my eyes to so many safety nets I never knew existed. The way everyone contributed their real experiences instead of just repeating policy information makes this thread incredibly valuable. I'm definitely saving this as a reference too, and I agree it should be pinned! It's wonderful to see how a community can turn someone's crisis into a resource that will help so many other families. Alexis, thank you for sharing your journey and showing us all how persistence and community support can make such a difference!
Madeline Blaze
Hey there! I understand your concern about this situation. Here's what you should know: **Regarding payback (overpayment):** Yes, you may be liable to repay benefits you received after becoming ineligible due to your income increase. The state can determine you received an "overpayment" for the months you didn't report your new job income, even if you weren't using the benefits. **About the unused balance:** I'd strongly recommend NOT touching that balance right now. Using benefits you may not have been eligible for could complicate your situation further. **What you should do:** 1. Contact your local CalFresh office immediately to discuss your situation 2. Be honest about when your income changed and why you didn't report it 3. Ask about setting up a repayment plan if an overpayment is determined 4. Get everything in writing The good news is that overpayments can often be resolved through manageable payment plans, and being proactive about addressing this shows good faith. Don't wait - the sooner you contact them, the better your options may be. Hope this helps! 🙏
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Oliver Becker
•Thank you all for this incredibly thorough discussion! As someone who's been lurking in this community for a while, I finally felt compelled to chime in because this situation hits close to home. @Darren Brooks, your advice about getting a direct contact is spot on - I learned that the hard way when I had to deal with a benefits issue last year. Having to explain your situation to a different person every time you call is exhausting and sometimes details get lost. @Rusty Shackleford, I just wanted to add one more perspective: even though this feels scary right now, the fact that you're addressing it shows you're doing the right thing. I've seen people ignore these situations for years and it only gets worse. The CalFresh program is designed to help people, not trap them, so most caseworkers I've encountered genuinely want to find a workable solution. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you do end up with a repayment plan, make sure you understand whether it affects your ability to reapply for CalFresh in the future if your circumstances change. Some people assume they can't get benefits again while paying back an overpayment, but that's not always the case. This community continues to amaze me with how supportive and knowledgeable everyone is. Wishing you the best outcome, Rusty! 🙏
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Eve Freeman
•This has been such an enlightening thread! As someone who just started receiving CalFresh benefits a few months ago, I had no idea about the complexity around overpayments and reporting requirements. @Oliver Becker, your point about being able to reapply while having a repayment plan is really important - I think a lot of people probably assume they're permanently disqualified or something. It's good to know the system has some flexibility built in. @Rusty Shackleford, reading through everyone's advice, it sounds like you're actually in a better position than you might think. The fact that you stopped using the card when your income changed shows good intent, and being proactive now rather than waiting for them to find it during an audit will probably work in your favor. One question for the group - has anyone dealt with a situation where someone reported late but was still within the same reporting period? Like if someone was supposed to report by the 10th but didn't report until the 25th of the same month? I'm wondering if there's any grace period or if any delay in reporting automatically triggers the overpayment process. Thanks everyone for making this such a welcoming and informative space for newcomers like me! 💙
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