Quick update on this issue: Starting in March 2025, California CDSS implemented new policies regarding benefit theft. They're now required to provide emergency replacement benefits within 5 business days for households experiencing hardship. The full investigation still takes 15-30 days, but you shouldn't go without food assistance during that time. Make sure to specifically request the emergency replacement under the new policy.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT skimming has become such a nightmare for families. I went through this exact situation 3 months ago - $623 stolen from my card overnight. Here's what I learned that might help you: 1. Document EVERYTHING - take screenshots of your BenefitsCal account showing the fraudulent transactions, write down exact dates/times/amounts 2. When you call, ask to speak with a "case manager" or "supervisor" - regular customer service can't always process emergency benefits 3. If they give you a claim number, write it down and reference it in every call 4. Check your account daily going forward - I caught my second attempted fraud within hours because I was monitoring it My emergency benefits took 6 days (this was before the new March policy) and full restoration took 19 days. The stress is awful but most people do get their money back. Stay persistent and don't let them brush you off. Your family deserves to eat while they investigate!

i thot calfresh was the same everywhere?? why would it be different in another county? its all california right??

Just want to add - when you call to report your move, ask for confirmation that they've initiated the Inter-County Transfer and get a reference number if possible. I learned this the hard way when my transfer got "lost" in the system for 2 weeks. Having that reference number helped me track it down when I called back. Also, keep your current county case number handy - San Bernardino will need it to pull up your case. The whole process should be seamless but it's good to have documentation just in case something goes wrong. Good luck with your move!

Update: I just spent 30 minutes searching my apartment one more time and FOUND MY CARD! It was inside a jacket pocket I hadn't worn in a week. Thank you all for the advice - I'm so relieved I don't have to go through the replacement process!

So glad you found it! I was literally about to suggest checking jacket pockets - that's where mine always ends up too. For next time, I've started keeping my EBT card in the same spot in my wallet every single time I use it. Makes it way less stressful when you need groceries and can't remember where you put it!

I went through something similar with my mom last year when her EBT card got compromised. The investigation process is real but painfully slow. Here's what I learned that might help your aunt: 1. Document EVERYTHING - take screenshots of the unauthorized transactions, keep copies of all forms submitted, note down reference numbers from phone calls 2. The emergency benefits (CF 303 form) is crucial - don't wait on this, file it ASAP while the investigation is pending 3. Call her county office directly rather than the general EBT line - you'll get someone who actually knows her case 4. If she has a caseworker, email them too (paper trail helps) For immediate food assistance while waiting: - Most senior centers have emergency food boxes available same-day - Churches often have pantries that don't require membership - Some pharmacies like CVS have programs for seniors on fixed income The waiting is awful when someone's depending on those benefits to eat, but stay on top of the process. In my mom's case, it took 26 days but she got every penny back. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these government systems - be persistent but polite.

I work at a legal aid clinic and we see EBT theft cases regularly. A few additional things that might help your aunt: 1. If she has any disabilities or health conditions that make it hard to access food, mention this when filing the CF 303 emergency form - it can help prioritize her case 2. Keep a log of every phone call made about this case (date, time, who you spoke with, reference numbers) - this documentation becomes crucial if you need to escalate 3. Some counties have EBT fraud victim advocates who can walk you through the process - ask her county worker if this service exists in your area 4. Consider reaching out to your local Area Agency on Aging - they often have emergency food programs specifically for seniors and can advocate on her behalf The investigation timeline is frustrating but legitimate. Banks and ATM operators sometimes take weeks just to provide the footage to investigators. The good news is that skimming cases typically have strong evidence once the footage is reviewed. Stay persistent with follow-ups but don't let them brush you off - seniors have additional protections under state law that caseworkers should be aware of.

my favorite thing is seeing when people try to steal my card info at those card skimmers!! the app shows every transaction so i can see if someones trying to use my card somewhere i wasnt at!

I just wanted to add that if you have any issues with the app not working or if you need to reset your PIN, you can also visit your local county office and they can help you with that. Sometimes the app might not work if your card has been temporarily suspended for security reasons (like if you entered your PIN wrong too many times at a store). The county workers are usually pretty helpful with tech issues like this. Also, make sure your phone has enough storage space - I had a friend who couldn't get the app to work properly because her phone was almost full!