Thanks everybody for the advice! I downloaded the ConnectEBT app and it's working okay so far. Had to try a couple times to create an account but finally got in. I like that I can see my last few transactions. Definitely better than calling that number every time! I might still track things in my regular budget app too just to be more organized about what I'm buying.

Just wanted to add that you can also text your EBT card number to 511-411 to get your balance! I discovered this recently and it's super convenient when you're out shopping and don't want to download an app or call. You just text your 16-digit card number and they text back your current balance. It's free and works pretty quickly. I still use the ConnectEBT app at home for checking transaction history, but the texting option is great for quick balance checks when you're at the store.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now - my CalFresh benefits were discontinued last month with no explanation, and I've been calling for weeks with no luck getting through to anyone. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful, especially learning about the Assembly Member option and the ombudsman office. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - if you're struggling to reach your county office by phone, try calling right when they open (usually 8am). I've had slightly better luck getting through during the first 30 minutes they're open, though even then it's hit or miss. Also, if your county has multiple office locations, sometimes the smaller satellite offices are easier to reach than the main downtown location. @Charlee Coleman I hope the Assembly Member route works out for you quickly! It's absolutely ridiculous that families have to go hungry while dealing with these bureaucratic nightmares. The system is definitely broken when we need politicians to intervene just to get basic customer service.

I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare - it's absolutely unacceptable that families have to go without food while navigating these bureaucratic failures. Based on all the great advice shared here, it sounds like you have several solid options to pursue now. Just to add one more resource that might help - if you're in a larger county, sometimes they have dedicated "case resolution" units that handle situations exactly like yours where regular customer service has failed. You can ask your Assembly Member's office if your county has one of these units, as they often have more authority to override system errors and expedite case reviews. Also, when you do get through to someone (whether through the Assembly Member, ombudsman, or regular channels), make sure to ask for a case manager's direct phone number or email. Having that direct contact can prevent you from falling back into the same phone tree hell if any issues come up in the future. The fact that multiple people here have had success with the Assembly Member route is really encouraging. Document everything, emphasize the emergency nature of your situation, and don't give up. You shouldn't have to fight this hard just to access basic food assistance, but it sounds like you're armed with some real solutions now. Wishing you the best of luck getting this resolved quickly!

Wow, reading through all these experiences really highlights how broken the system can be! I just moved to California and am in the process of applying for CalFresh for the first time. This thread is honestly both terrifying and incredibly valuable - I had no idea these technical glitches were so common with the online system. I'm definitely going to follow Emma's four-step approach from day one: submit online, screenshot everything, hand deliver paper copies same day, and get receipts. It seems like overkill but clearly it's necessary protection. Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and practical solutions - this is exactly the kind of real-world advice you can't get from official websites. Kai, I'm so glad you were able to get it resolved by going in person. This community is amazing for looking out for each other!

This entire thread should be required reading for anyone new to CalFresh! I've been receiving benefits for about 6 months and thankfully haven't run into this specific issue yet, but I'm shocked at how widespread these system glitches seem to be. I've been doing everything online because it seemed more convenient, but after reading all these experiences, I'm immediately switching to the hybrid approach. Emma's four-step system sounds like the most foolproof method - submit online, screenshot everything, hand deliver paper copies same day, and get receipts. It's frustrating that we have to do double the work to protect ourselves from their technical failures, but clearly it's necessary. Kai, thank you so much for sharing your experience and following up with how it was resolved. Knowing that going in person and asking for a supervisor can actually fix these issues gives me hope. This community is incredible for sharing real solutions that you'd never learn from the official channels!

Online is generally faster, but ONLY if you have a good scanner/photo setup to upload clear docs. In-person takes longer but they give you receipts for everything. Either way, FOLLOW UP after 2 weeks by calling to confirm they received everything. Don't wait for them to contact you if something's missing.

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who recently went through this process in San Diego! With twins on the way, you'll definitely want to apply ASAP since processing times are so long right now. One thing I wish I had known - when you calculate your household size for the applications, you can include unborn children if you're in your third trimester (which it sounds like you might be with twins due in 2 months?). This could potentially increase your benefit amounts even before they're born. Also, since you mentioned being confused about the BenefitsCal website - I found it helpful to use the pre-screening tool first just to get a rough idea of eligibility before starting the actual application. It's not perfect but gives you a ballpark estimate. And definitely keep screenshots of everything during the application process - I had to resubmit parts of mine when the system glitched and lost my uploaded documents. Good luck with the twins and the application process! Having that extra food assistance will be such a huge help with a family of 6.

UPDATE FOR EVERYONE: California just implemented new EBT theft protection measures this year. Every county should now have an "EBT Theft Resolution Team." When you call your county office, specifically ask for this team. Also, as of March 2025, all EBT cards now have chip technology to reduce skimming fraud, so make sure you request the newest card version when getting your replacement. For those struggling with the police report requirement, you can now submit an affidavit of theft (Form EBT-1325) instead in many counties if getting to a police station is a hardship.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is unfortunately becoming way too common. I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago and it was a nightmare. Here's what finally worked for me: I had to be really persistent and document EVERYTHING. Keep a log of every phone call - date, time, who you spoke with, and what they told you. When I kept getting different answers, I started asking for supervisor names and reference numbers for each call. Also, if you're in LA County, try calling their dedicated EBT fraud line directly at (877) 481-1044 - it's supposed to be faster than the general DPSS line. The whole process took me about 3 weeks but I did get all my benefits back. Don't give up! And definitely look into local food banks while you're waiting - LA has some good ones that don't require a lot of paperwork.