did u activate the card yourself or did someone else do it for u? sometimes they steal them from mailboxes before we even get them 😡

Since you've confirmed the fraudulent transactions, here's what to expect with the P-EBT fraud process: 1. They'll conduct an initial review (2-3 business days) 2. You'll receive a fraud packet to complete (either electronically or by mail) 3. There will be a formal investigation (10-15 business days typically) 4. If approved, benefit replacement usually happens within 3-5 business days after approval For your case specifically, since it's out-of-state fraud with clear evidence, I'd expect them to approve the claim. While waiting, ask if you qualify for emergency food assistance through your local county office. Also, document any financial hardship this is causing (had to borrow money for food, etc.) as this can sometimes help expedite the process. Keep following up every 3-4 days for status updates. If it goes beyond their stated timeframe, ask to speak with a supervisor.

They ALWAYS say benefits are coming and then they get delayed!! Last year they said December for summer benefits but some counties didn't get them until JANUARY!! Don't count on this money for Christmas, I'm just saying. The state LIES about these dates. Why don't they just send everyone's at the same time instead of this county by county mess?? Makes NO SENSE!

UPDATE: Just got my P-EBT card today (Dec 16th)! I'm in Sacramento County. The letter says $488 per child like someone mentioned above. Just wanted to let everyone know they're definitely going out now!

Did u check if ur card has any scratches on the black strip thingy?? My cousin had her benefits stolen and turns out someone had put a skimmer on the ATM she used at the store!!! Now she only uses the EBT machines inside the grocery stores never the outside ATMs!!!

UPDATE: Finally got through to EBT fraud department and reported the theft. They're sending me a new card that should arrive in 3-5 days. Also filed a police report online and got a case number. Called my county office first thing this morning and filed the CF 303 form. They said it could take up to 10 business days to process the claim and get my benefits reissued. In the meantime, I called 211 and got referred to two local food banks that can help us get through until the benefits are restored. Thanks everyone for your advice and support during this nightmare!

does ne1 know if u can get emergency food stamps while waiting for stolen benefits to be returned? like can they give u emergency funds till the investigation is done??

Update: I FINALLY got through to someone today! Used the emergency benefits option like someone suggested, still waited 35 minutes but actually spoke to a person. She apologized for the delay and said there's been hundreds of theft claims this month alone. Mine was approved but stuck in the system. She manually pushed it through and said I should see the replacement benefits on my card within 24-48 hours! Will update again when/if they actually show up. Thanks for all the help everyone!

did u check if maybe the card came but looked like junk mail?? my nephews p-ebt came in a really plain white envelope that looked like spam... almost threw it away!! no markings saying it was important or anything

Quick update on P-EBT 3 timeline: If you're still missing a card at this point in 2025, it's definitely not coming without intervention. The final batch of initial P-EBT 3 cards was mailed in November 2024. At this stage, you'll need to specifically request a replacement through the hotline or email. When contacting them, ask them to verify if a card was ever issued for your child - sometimes there are system errors where eligible children are missed in the initial distribution. Based on your situation with siblings receiving benefits, your 9-year-old was likely eligible but either the card was sent to an old address or there was a system error in the issuance.