Just an FYI - once you report the theft, you might qualify for emergency replacement benefits while your claim is being processed. Ask specifically about "expedited replacement" due to hardship. They can sometimes issue a partial replacement within 3 days if you explain that your family has no food. Also, going forward, here are some security tips: 1. Change your PIN regularly (monthly) 2. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN anywhere 3. Check for loose or suspicious card readers before inserting your card 4. Use the BenefitsCal app to check your balance instead of ATMs 5. Set up alerts so you get a text/email notification whenever there's a transaction Wishing you the best - please update us on what happens!

I'm so sorry this happened to you Isabella! This is absolutely heartbreaking and unfortunately way too common. I went through something similar last year and want to share what worked for me. First, don't give up on calling - the fraud line IS open today but it's swamped. Try calling right when they open at 7am or later in the evening around 9-10pm when call volume is lower. When you do get through, use these exact words: "I need to report ELECTRONIC BENEFIT THEFT and request form EBT-2259 for benefit replacement." Since this is your second time, definitely mention that - they should flag your account for extra monitoring. Also ask them to completely change your card number, not just issue a new card with the same number. For immediate help with groceries, contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they can connect you with local food banks and emergency food assistance that can help your family eat while you sort this out. Many churches and community centers also have food pantries that don't require paperwork. You WILL get through this, and with the new California law, you should be able to get your benefits replaced. Stay strong! 💙

UPDATE: Finally got through to EBT customer service after using that Claimyr service someone recommended. They froze my current card, are sending me a new one, and gave me a claim number for the stolen benefits. They said I need to go to my county office with ID and the police report number (was able to file online thankfully). Still worried about feeding my kids in the meantime, but at least the process is started. Thanks everyone for the help and advice!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! This is unfortunately becoming way too common. A few additional tips that might help while you're waiting: 1. Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they can connect you with local emergency food resources and food banks in your area that can help immediately 2. Check with your kids' schools - many have weekend food backpack programs or can connect you with emergency food assistance 3. Some churches and community centers provide emergency food boxes even if you're not a member 4. WIC offices sometimes have emergency food vouchers if you qualify Also, when you get your replacement card, consider setting up account alerts if available, and check your balance before AND after every transaction. I know it's scary and frustrating, but the community has given you great advice and you're taking the right steps. Keep us updated on how it goes!

That quarterly schedule is a brilliant idea! I think having a system would definitely help my anxiety instead of changing it whenever I get nervous. Going to try implementing this starting next month.

I totally understand the anxiety! When I first got CalFresh, I was the same way - constantly worried about my benefits getting stolen. What really helped me was learning about the actual security measures in place. The EBT system tracks every transaction with timestamps and locations, so if fraud does happen, there's a clear paper trail. I settled into changing my PIN every 2-3 months and always check my balance before and after shopping. The mobile app someone mentioned is super helpful for this - you can see your transaction history in real time. Also, most fraud actually happens from card skimmers or people shoulder-surfing your PIN at the store, not from random PIN guessing. One thing that gave me peace of mind was calling the EBT customer service line (the number on the back of your card) and asking them to walk me through their fraud protection policies. Knowing exactly what steps to take if something did happen made me feel way more prepared and less anxious about it.

Update: I finally got through to CalFresh after trying for 3 days straight! The worker told me they're now prioritizing theft claims for households with children under 18. She submitted my paperwork for expedited processing and said I should hear back within 10 business days. She also confirmed they're working on implementing a card lock/unlock feature through the BenefitsCal app, but it won't be ready until later this summer. For now, I've requested a brand new card with a different number, and I'm going to be super vigilant about checking my balance. Thanks everyone for your advice and support - it helps knowing I'm not alone in dealing with this!

This is absolutely infuriating and I'm so sorry you're dealing with this AGAIN! I went through the same nightmare last year - had my benefits stolen 3 times in 6 months. What finally helped me was getting a new card AND immediately setting up text alerts for every transaction through the ebtEDGE mobile app. Now I get notified within minutes if my card is used anywhere. Also, I learned that you can ask your county worker to flag your case as "high risk for fraud" which supposedly gets you faster replacement processing. The whole system is broken but at least there are small things we can do to protect ourselves. Hang in there - your kids need you to keep fighting this!

One more important note - if you didn't receive P-EBT before but think your children should qualify, you can't apply directly for P-EBT. Instead, you need to make sure your children are certified for free or reduced-price school meals through your school district. Once your children are in the system as eligible for free/reduced meals, they should automatically be included in future P-EBT issuances if the program continues. The state uses data from schools to determine eligibility, not applications from parents.

Just wanted to share my experience for anyone still waiting - I finally got my P-EBT 3.0 benefits loaded onto my existing card yesterday! I'm in Riverside County and my kids' school is also Title I. The amount was different for each of my kids based on their attendance, just like someone mentioned earlier. For those still waiting, I'd recommend setting up text alerts through the P-EBT website if you haven't already - I got a notification as soon as the funds were added. Also, if you're having trouble with your PIN like I was, the reset process through customer service was actually pretty quick once I got through to someone. Hang in there everyone - it seems like they really are rolling these out in waves, so your turn is probably coming soon!