Update: I was able to register on the website. It's orangecounty.gov/sunbucks if anyone else is looking. Had to enter my EBT card number and some basic info, but it was pretty easy. Thanks everyone for your help clearing this up! I'm actually excited about this program now - $50 extra for fruits and vegetables will make a big difference for my kids.

Just wanted to add that I also got one of these letters in North OC and was totally confused at first! Mine has letter H on it - so there must be even more store groups than just F and G. The website worked fine for me this morning and I was able to register pretty easily. One thing I noticed is that they ask you to verify your phone number during signup, probably so they can send you updates about the program. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here - it's so much more helpful than trying to get through to the county office!

Also make sure to ask them about the "mass EBT theft protection program" they started implementing. They're supposed to be adding extra security features to cards now because of all the skimming happening. My new card has some chip or something the old one didn't have.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! This is incredibly stressful, especially with kids to feed. I went through something similar last year and want to share what worked for me. First, you're doing the right thing by acting quickly - that 10-day reporting window is crucial. When I had my benefits stolen, I found that going to the county office in person was WAY more effective than calling. The phone system is a nightmare, but face-to-face they can't ignore you as easily. Here's what I'd suggest for tomorrow: - Bring all your ID documents, EBT card, and those transaction screenshots - Go right when they open (they're usually less busy early morning) - Tell them immediately it's an emergency food situation with children - Ask specifically for the CF 303 form and emergency replacement benefits The good news is that California law requires them to replace electronically stolen benefits. Don't let them tell you otherwise! I ended up getting my full amount back, it just took persistence. In the meantime, if you have any local food banks or churches nearby, they might be able to help bridge the gap until your benefits get replaced. Some schools also have weekend backpack programs if your kids are school-aged. Hang in there - this will get resolved, but I know how scary it is right now. 💙

UPDATE: I just got off the phone with my county office (finally!) and wanted to share what I learned in case it helps anyone else. They confirmed there's been a wave of EBT theft in our area even with changed PINs. Good news: I'm getting emergency replacement benefits within 3 business days! Had to fill out the CF 303T form and provide my police report number. Also requested the new chip card that someone mentioned here. They suggested I: 1. Get a completely new card (not just PIN change) 2. Only use the card inside major grocery stores (no gas stations/ATMs) 3. Cover the keypad when entering PIN 4. Set up transaction alerts on BenefitsCal Thanks everyone for your help! This community saved me so much stress.

So glad you got your replacement benefits sorted out! This whole thread has been incredibly helpful - I didn't even know about the CF 303T form or the new chip cards. I'm in a similar situation (benefits stolen last week despite changing my PIN) and was feeling totally lost until reading all these responses. Going to call my county office tomorrow armed with all this info. It's terrible that this is happening to so many people but at least we're helping each other navigate the system. Thanks for sharing your update!

btw has anyone noticed the HUGE increase in ebt theft lately??? my cousin and 2 ppl from my building all had their benefits stolen in the last couple months. someone said theres these new skimmer things thieves put on store card readers that can copy ur card when u swipe. now i only use my ebt at the big safeway near me cuz i dont trust the corner stores anymore!!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! This is absolutely heartbreaking and unfortunately way too common. While the federal rules around CalFresh theft replacement are frustrating, definitely follow up on what Kevin mentioned about the new federal demonstration project - it's worth a shot even if it only covers certain types of theft. In the meantime, here are some immediate resources that might help: - Many churches and community centers have emergency food boxes that don't require paperwork - Check if your local library has information about mobile food pantries in your area - Some grocery stores participate in programs that provide emergency food vouchers through nonprofits - If you have young kids, contact Head Start programs - they often know about family emergency resources Also, when you call about the federal program, ask to speak with a supervisor if the first worker doesn't know about it. Sometimes the frontline workers haven't been trained on newer programs yet. Document everything - dates, times, who you spoke with. Hang in there, and I hope you can get some help soon. No family should have to go through this.

Update for everyone: I just activated my card by calling the number and all my benefits were there! Thanks for all the help...going grocery shopping tomorrow! :

That's awesome that you got everything sorted out so quickly! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - if you're ever in a similar situation, you can also check your EBT balance online at ebtEDGE.com or by calling the customer service number even before you get your replacement card. That way you can at least know how much you have available while you're waiting for the new card to arrive. Really helpful for meal planning when you're stuck without access to your benefits!