


Ask the community...
i think everybodys overthinking this tbh... just dont use sketchy atms and check ur balance often. ive had calfresh 3 years never change my pin except when i first got the card lol never had a problem 🤷♀️
Quick update on the skimming replacement process: As of March 2025, California implemented a faster reimbursement process for EBT theft. Now, once you file the EBT-2259 form, you should receive provisional replacement benefits within 10 business days while the investigation continues. You don't have to wait for the full investigation to complete anymore. Make sure to ask specifically about this when you contact your county worker.
If you're really struggling without the extra allotments, make sure you report ALL your expenses on your SAR7 and recertification. A lot of people don't know they can deduct childcare costs, excess medical costs (for elderly/disabled household members), and a homeless shelter deduction if applicable. Also, if your income dropped, report it right away - don't wait for your next SAR7. You might qualify for more regular benefits that way.
This is really helpful advice. I pay $950/month for childcare for my youngest and wasn't sure if that counted. I'll make sure to include that on my next report. Do you know if after-school programs count as childcare expenses too?
just want to add that you should check your EBT card balance regularly using the app or calling the number on the back of your card. sometimes they load benefits without any notification. and ya the pandemic extra benefits are over - my family really misses those too. made a huge difference for us.
had this happen 2x already this year...its gotten so bad. now i just transfer my benfeits to my other account as soon as they hit so theirs nothing to steal. wish theyd fix this problem but they dont care about us
UPDATE: I wanted to follow everyone's advice here. I filed the CF 303 form online through BenefitsCal and used Claimyr to get through to a real person at my county office. The worker was super helpful and processed an emergency replacement for 60% of my benefits that will be available when my new card arrives in a few days. The rest will be replaced after the investigation, which she said typically takes 10 business days. Thank you all for your help! This forum literally saved my family from going hungry.
Good point! San Bernardino County has several Community Based Organizations (CBOs) that offer free application assistance. Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County is one of them - they help with applications and understanding what deductions you qualify for. Their website has locations and contact info. These helpers know all the rules and exceptions that most of us wouldn't think to ask about.
Romeo Barrett
this happened 2 me 2!!! i got skimmed 4 like $250 and they only gave me back like $220 something. i called and they said it was bcuz of transaction fees from the ATM that they dont replace. did u withdraw any cash from ur ebt? they dont replace those fees
0 coins
Jackie Martinez
•Interesting! I did withdraw $40 cash at one point to pay my neighbor back for giving us a ride to the grocery store. Maybe that's where the $15 went - in transaction fees? Seems really high for a fee though...
0 coins
Marina Hendrix
Have you checked if your county has a specific form for contesting replacement amounts? In Sacramento County, we have a "Benefit Replacement Dispute Form" that you can submit if you think the replacement amount was calculated incorrectly. Most counties have something similar. The form typically asks for your transaction history and requires you to mark which specific transactions you're disputing. It's usually processed within 3-5 business days rather than waiting for a regular case review which can take weeks. Also, for anyone dealing with card skimming: immediately change your PIN through the BenefitsCal portal rather than waiting for the new card. Sometimes thieves will continue attempting transactions even after you've reported the card stolen.
0 coins
Jackie Martinez
•That's really helpful, thank you! I'm in San Bernardino County - I'll ask if we have a similar form when I call. And thanks for the PIN change tip too. I did change my PIN right away but I'll make sure to remind friends who might deal with this in the future.
0 coins