Hi Summer! Welcome to the EBT community! I see you've gotten incredible advice already, but I wanted to share one more resource that really helped me when I first started navigating the system. If you're having ongoing issues with ATM compatibility, you might want to try downloading the "Allpoint" app - it's an ATM locator that specifically filters for surcharge-free ATMs that accept EBT cards. I've found it more reliable than some of the other apps mentioned for finding ATMs that actually work with EBT. Also, just wanted to add that many Rite Aid pharmacy locations have ATMs that are EBT-friendly with reasonable fees, and they're often in more convenient neighborhood locations than the bigger banks. The whole EBT system definitely has a learning curve, but you're asking all the right questions and this community is fantastic for ongoing support. Don't feel overwhelmed by all the information - just try one or two suggestions at a time and you'll quickly figure out what works best for your specific situation and location!

Hi Summer! I'm pretty new to EBT too (just got my card about 6 weeks ago) and I totally feel your confusion about the whole system! One thing that really helped me was creating a simple notes file on my phone with all the key info - like which benefits are cash vs food only, my PIN, and a list of nearby fee-free ATMs. I've been slowly building this list as I discover what works in my area. Also, I found that credit unions that participate in the Shared Branching network sometimes have better EBT compatibility than others - you might want to ask SchoolsFirst if they're part of that network and if any of their partner locations have EBT-enabled ATMs. The whole learning process has been overwhelming at times, but this community has been such a lifesaver for getting practical advice that you just can't find anywhere else. Everyone here has been so patient with newcomer questions, so definitely don't hesitate to ask if anything else comes up as you start using your benefits more regularly!

This exact same thing happened to my sister in Santa Clara County last month! She was told her benefits would load on the 8th but they didn't show up until the 10th. Turns out there was some kind of system maintenance that caused delays but nobody at the county office mentioned it when she called asking about the date. It's so frustrating because they know people are depending on this money for groceries. I'm glad yours finally loaded! For what it's worth, her benefits have been on time every month since then, so hopefully this was just a one-time glitch with the system update.

I'm new to CalFresh and just went through something similar in Alameda County last month. My worker told me benefits would load on the 5th but they didn't appear until the 7th. No one explained why or even acknowledged there was a delay when I called. It's really stressful when you're counting on that money for groceries, especially with kids! I'm glad to see from this thread that it seems to be a common issue with system updates and that benefits do eventually come through. It sounds like Santa Clara has been having more technical issues than usual. For anyone still waiting, I found that checking your balance early in the morning (around 6-7 AM) sometimes shows the deposit before it appears later in the day. Hang in there!

I'm pretty new to the CalFresh program and this whole thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I had no idea about the midnight vs 6am thing - I've just been assuming I had to wait until regular business hours to use my benefits. Reading everyone's experiences makes me realize I've probably been making grocery shopping way harder on myself than it needs to be. My benefits load on the 5th and I work weird hours, so knowing I can shop at midnight opens up so many more options for me. Quick question though - has anyone ever had issues with their card not working at midnight even when benefits should be loaded? I'm a bit paranoid about getting to the store and having problems, especially since I don't have a car and would need to take a rideshare to get there. Just want to make sure I'm not setting myself up for disappointment!

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who's been on CalFresh for about 2 years - you can absolutely use your benefits at midnight! I've done countless late-night grocery runs and it works every time. Since you mentioned you're down to your last $7 with hungry kids, I totally feel for you - that stress is so real. A few tips that have helped me: download the ebtEDGE app if you haven't already (it's the official California EBT app) so you can check your balance instantly when benefits load. Also, since you're going to Walmart after your night shift, their grocery pickup service is actually available 24/7 at some locations - you could place an order online right after midnight and just drive through to pick it up, which might be faster than shopping in-store when you're exhausted from work. Hope your shopping trip goes perfectly and you can get your kids fed! This community has been such a lifesaver for navigating all the CalFresh stuff.

Quick tip: If your claim isn't resolved within 30 days, you can also file a State Fair Hearing request. You don't need to wait for a denial to request this. Having a hearing pending sometimes speeds up the process because counties don't want to deal with the paperwork of a hearing. Just call the State Fair Hearing number at 1-800-743-8525 and tell them you want to file for a hearing due to excessive delay in processing your stolen benefits claim.

Just wanted to share my recent experience since this thread has been so helpful! My EBT benefits were stolen about 2 months ago (around $450) and it ended up taking exactly 42 days to get reimbursed. I'm in Sacramento County if that helps with comparison. The key things that seemed to help speed it up were: 1) Calling every 10 days (not daily - that seemed to annoy them) to check status, 2) Making sure I had ALL the paperwork they needed upfront (the EBT-2259 form, police report, transaction history, and that signed affidavit someone mentioned), and 3) Being polite but persistent with the workers. I also got emergency benefits after about 2 weeks which really helped bridge the gap. Hang in there Connor - the process is frustrating but you will get your money back!

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is that you should also keep your EBT card secure while traveling - treat it like a debit card! If it gets lost or stolen while you're out of state, you'll need to call the customer service number immediately to report it. They can usually rush a replacement card to you, but it might take a few days which could leave you in a tough spot while traveling. I always make sure to have the customer service number saved in my phone before any trips, just in case. Also, some states have different rules about what you can buy with EBT (like energy drinks or certain prepared foods), so don't be surprised if something that works in California gets declined elsewhere. Have an amazing time visiting your sister!

Hey Amara! Welcome to CalFresh and this community! I see you've already gotten some fantastic advice from everyone here. Just wanted to add a quick tip from my own experience - when you're traveling out of state, it's worth downloading store apps for the major chains you plan to shop at (like Kroger, Safeway, etc.). Some stores have digital coupons that stack with EBT purchases, which can help you stretch those benefits even further while you're away from home. Also, if you're staying somewhere with a kitchen during your Arizona visit, consider hitting up a grocery store first thing to stock up on basics rather than relying on convenience stores or gas stations - your benefits will go much further that way. Have an amazing time with your sister and enjoy the peace of mind knowing your benefits will be there when you need them! 🌵