This is absolutely infuriating but I'm so glad you finally got your money back! I've been dealing with EBT theft for months now and it's like the system is designed to make us give up. My benefits were stolen twice in February - $520 the first time and $340 the second time. Filed reports immediately but kept getting the runaround from the county office. What really gets me is that they have all this technology to detect "suspicious" purchases when we're actually using our own benefits, but somehow can't stop thieves from draining our accounts? The whole system needs an overhaul. I'm definitely going to try bringing documentation of financial hardship like you did. My utilities are about to be shut off and I've been living off food bank donations while waiting for reimbursement. It's beyond cruel to make families wait weeks or months when we're already struggling to survive. Thank you for sharing your experience - it gives me hope that there might be light at the end of this nightmare!

This whole situation is absolutely heartbreaking and infuriating! I can't believe families are being put through this when they're already struggling just to put food on the table. The fact that you had to bring an eviction notice to get action is completely unacceptable - no one should have to be on the verge of homelessness before getting help with stolen benefits. I'm dealing with something similar right now - had $385 stolen two weeks ago and I'm still waiting for any response on my claim. Reading everyone's experiences here is both terrifying (37-46 days?!) and helpful. I had no idea about setting up EBT alerts or that phrase "immediate financial hardship" that someone mentioned. What really bothers me is how the state keeps talking about "improving security" but families are suffering RIGHT NOW while they slowly roll out chip cards. Meanwhile thieves are getting more sophisticated and we're left holding the bag (literally) when our grocery money disappears. I'm so relieved you finally got your money back, but the stress you went through to get there is unacceptable. Thank you for sharing your story - it's helping others like me know what to expect and how to fight for what's rightfully ours.

I've heard of IHSS but wasn't sure if we'd qualify. That would be amazing if I could get paid for some of the care hours. And I didn't know about expedited service - that would be incredibly helpful since we're really struggling right now. Thank you!

I'm sorry you're going through this - the system really isn't set up well for gig workers! One thing that helped me when I was doing Uber Eats was keeping a simple spreadsheet tracking my daily earnings and expenses. I'd log miles driven, gas costs, and any delivery-related expenses each day. For your son's situation, definitely look into the Dependent Care Deduction when you reapply. If you have any childcare costs related to his autism (like respite care, therapeutic services, or even babysitting so you can work), those can be deducted from your income calculation. Also, medical expenses over $35/month for your son can be deducted too. Since you're planning to quit to care for him, make sure to mention that this is due to lack of suitable childcare for his special needs - this can help establish that your income reduction is legitimate and necessary. The county should understand that caring for a child with autism is essentially a full-time job in itself. Hang in there - once you get the right worker who understands these situations, things should go much smoother.

This is exactly why I get so frustrated with benefit misinformation. So glad you got the facts directly from the source! Enjoy your benefits - that's what they're there for!

I'm so glad you went directly to the source and got written confirmation! This thread should be required reading for anyone who has concerns about CalFresh and estate recovery. The amount of misinformation floating around about benefits programs is really harmful - it literally prevents people from accessing help they need and deserve. For anyone else reading this who might have similar concerns: the bottom line is that CalFresh is a nutrition assistance program, not a loan. You're not borrowing money that needs to be paid back. There's absolutely no mechanism in the CalFresh program for estate recovery because it's designed to help people meet their basic nutritional needs, period. Keep spreading the correct information when you hear these rumors!

Update us after you get through to them! I'm curious if they'll fix it right away or give you the runaround. In my experience they usually fix it when you have proof, but sometimes they make you jump through so many hoops first.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - it's absolutely infuriating when the system fails like this! I went through something similar a few months ago and here's what worked for me: when you call, ask to speak to a supervisor right away if the first person can't help. Also, screenshot EVERYTHING from your BenefitsCal account - the confirmation page, your submission history, any emails you received. Sometimes the county workers can see more details in their system if you give them the exact date and time you submitted. And don't let them tell you that you have to reapply - this is 100% their error and they should restore your benefits immediately. You might also want to file a complaint with the state while you're dealing with this so there's a paper trail. Hang in there!

The WHOLE SYSTEM is broken!!! My neighbor had hers stolen THREE times and the third time they basically accused her of lying and denied the claim. She had to get legal aid involved to get her money back. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING and don't let them push you around!!

This is such a widespread problem and I'm so sorry you're dealing with this again! I work with families navigating benefits and here are some additional steps that might help: 1. When you call to report, specifically ask to speak with a "Benefits Security Specialist" - they handle theft cases and know the process better than regular intake workers 2. Request they put a "fraud alert" on your account immediately while processing your claim 3. Ask for written confirmation of your claim number and expected processing timeline 4. If you have a smartphone, take photos of any ATM before using it - this can serve as evidence that you weren't at suspicious locations Also, California has a new pilot program starting this year that provides immediate emergency food assistance (up to $200) while theft claims are being processed. Ask specifically about "Emergency Food Assistance for Theft Victims" when you call. The suspicious attitude from workers is unfortunately common, but remember - you have legal rights here. Don't let them make you feel like you're doing anything wrong. Keep pushing and document every interaction!