UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at the county office! Called right when they opened at 8am like someone suggested. The worker said they hadn't mailed out the Summer EBT cards yet for my area, so my address change should take effect in time. She also said I needed to submit a signed form to officially change my address for all benefits (the online update wasn't enough). Just wanted to let everyone know in case someone else has the same issue!

So glad you got it resolved! Thanks for sharing the update - this is really helpful info for others who might face the same situation. The tip about calling right at 8am is gold, and knowing that some counties require the signed form even after online updates is crucial. Hope your kids get their Summer EBT cards without any issues now!

UPDATE: Just heard back and the Temporary Homeless Assistance was approved! They're paying for a hotel for the next 16 days, which gives me time until my first paycheck and to find a new place. Thank you all SO MUCH for your advice - especially about asking specifically for the Temporary Homeless Assistance program. The worker also referred me to their Housing Support Program for help finding a new permanent place. I'm still stressed but at least my son will have a safe place to sleep.

So glad to hear the Temporary Homeless Assistance came through! That's such a relief. Just wanted to add - when you're looking for a new place, some landlords are more willing to work with CalWORKs recipients than others. You might want to ask your Housing Support Program worker if they have a list of "CalWORKs-friendly" landlords or properties. Also, if you're having trouble finding a place that will accept you, ask about the security deposit assistance - sometimes offering to pay a larger security deposit upfront (with the county's help) can make landlords more willing to rent to you. Wishing you and your son the best!

my cousin works for calfresh in san diego county and she told me they got specific instructions not to count that tax refund thing for any benefits including calfresh. so your definitely fine dont worry about it

This whole thread has been so helpful! I'm in a similar situation - got my Middle Class Tax Refund ($600) in January and have been losing sleep over whether to report it. Based on what everyone's saying, especially @Dallas Villalobos with the detailed explanations, it sounds like we're all good. I already used mine for groceries and utilities anyway. It's just frustrating that there's no clear communication from the county about these things when they happen. Like why didn't they send out a notice saying "hey, this new tax refund doesn't count for benefits"? Would save everyone so much stress!

Has anyone tried the chip-enabled EBT cards? My worker mentioned California is slowly rolling them out to help prevent skimming. I'm on the waitlist but they said it could be months before I get one in my county.

This is absolutely infuriating! I'm a single mom with two kids and had my benefits stolen twice in the last 5 months - $467 in December and $421 just last month. The stress of not knowing if your food money will be there when you need it is unbearable. I've been following some of the advice here - downloaded the BenefitsCal app to freeze my card between uses, joined the Facebook group someone mentioned, and I'm definitely going to file for that administrative hearing. The fact that we have to become experts on federal regulations and jump through all these hoops just to feed our families is ridiculous. What really gets me is how the county workers act like WE'RE the problem when we report theft. Like we're trying to scam the system instead of being victims of actual criminals. The whole system needs an overhaul, and I'm ready to fight for it. Count me in for any coordinated media outreach or legal action!

UPDATE: I just got off the phone with the EBT Fraud Department (finally!) and asked specifically about San Bernardino skimming cases. The representative told me they're seeing a HUGE spike in fraud cases from that area - apparently there's an organized group installing skimmers at certain stores. She actually gave me some helpful info: They're expediting claims for victims of this specific fraud ring, and are working with USDA on a special process. Ask your caseworker to check if your case matches the "San Bernardino County January 2025 Skimming Pattern" in their system. If it does, they can fast-track your replacement! I'm going to try this with my claim too since mine happened in a neighboring area. Will let you know if it works!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT fraud is becoming such a widespread problem. As someone who works in social services, I want to add a few important points to what others have shared: 1. Document EVERYTHING - take photos of your transaction history, save receipts from where you actually were when the fraud occurred, and keep records of all your phone calls with EBT customer service. 2. When you file the CF 303 form, you can actually submit it online through your county's portal in most cases - you don't necessarily need to go in person. Check your county's website or call to confirm. 3. If your initial claim gets denied (which unfortunately happens sometimes), don't give up! You have the right to appeal and request a hearing. Many legitimate claims get approved on appeal. 4. While waiting for resolution, ask your caseworker about emergency food assistance programs. Some counties have specific protocols for EBT theft victims. The good news is that California's replacement policy is actually better than many states. Stay persistent and keep following up. Your kids deserve to eat and you deserve to get your stolen benefits back!