Just to follow up: it's also important to protect your new EBT card once you get it. Here are some tips to prevent future theft: 1. Check for skimmers before swiping your card at any terminal 2. Change your PIN regularly (at least every 3 months) 3. Never share your PIN with anyone, even family members 4. Consider pulling out your benefits in 1-2 larger transactions rather than many small ones 5. Monitor your EBT account regularly through the BenefitsCal app or website 6. Avoid using your EBT card at standalone ATMs or gas stations (higher risk of skimmers) Also, when you go to the county office, bring your ID, EBT card (even though it's empty), any transaction records you can print, and documentation showing your household size (like children's birth certificates).

This just happened to me too! Exact same pattern! Multiple $175 charges at midnight. The fraud department told me that there's a ring of thieves targeting CalFresh cards in our area. They're using some kind of advanced skimming technology that can copy your card data even through your wallet. When you contact your county office, ask specifically for the "CalFresh Expedited Replacement Due to Theft" option. There's an actual checkbox on their internal form for this! I got my benefits back in 4 days instead of 10. Bring as much documentation as you can - ID, any transaction records, proof of children in household, etc. Also, request the new "enhanced security" EBT card that they started issuing this year with the chip technology. You have to specifically ask for it, but it's much harder to skim!

my worker told me theres a huge increase in EBT fraud right now!!! they're using skimmers and cameras to get card numbers and PINs. always cover the keypad when typing PIN and check for weird card readers that wiggle or look off. also some scammers call pretending to be EBT and ask for ur card info NEVER give that!!

I used to work for CalFresh, and I'd recommend two things: 1) Report the fraud immediately to EBT customer service, 2) Contact your county office directly and speak with an eligibility worker to file an official claim. You'll need to sign an affidavit stating which transactions weren't yours. The county can expedite replacement benefits in hardship cases while the fraud investigation proceeds. Make sure to mention your aunt is elderly and has no other food resources - this can qualify as a hardship case. Also request a new card with a different number immediately.

did you get WIC too? sometimes people think kids dont get calfresh if they already get WIC but thats wrong you can get both

One more thing - when you call, make sure you're ready with your daughter's full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Having all this information ready will help them process the change faster. And definitely ask them to review your case for any other errors while they're at it. Sometimes one mistake means there might be others too!

i just wanted to add that my cousin works for the food bank and she said lots more people coming in since those emergency food stamps ended. if ur family needs extra food u should check out the food banks. they dont ask many questions and u can go even if u get calfresh. they have produce and meat sometimes too not just canned stuff. just google LA food bank locations and they will tell u where to go based on ur zip code

One more thing to note - while the regular emergency allotments have ended, LA County does occasionally issue one-time supplements during specific circumstances. For example, during the extended power outages last summer, some CalFresh recipients received replacement benefits for food lost due to refrigeration issues. Also, if you experience a major household change that significantly decreases your income (job loss, reduction in hours, someone leaving the household), report it immediately rather than waiting for your next SAR7. LA County is required to process these changes within 10 days and adjust your benefits accordingly. This isn't "extra" benefits, but it does ensure you're receiving the maximum amount you're eligible for based on your current situation.

I had this exact same problem last month! I tried with Chase and Wells Fargo and both refused. Ended up going to my local credit union (Golden 1) and they were super helpful. Not only did they sign the direct deposit form, but the customer service rep actually called my county worker WITH ME to verify all the information was correct. My direct deposit for CalWORKs started on the very next payment cycle. I also learned you can check the status of your direct deposit change by logging into BenefitsCal and looking under "Payment Information" once you're logged in. It will show if your account is pending verification or active.

Update: I went to Bank of America today and they signed my form no problem! The banker even helped me fill out some parts I wasn't sure about. I'm submitting it to the county office tomorrow. Thanks everyone for your help! And special thanks for clarifying that this is for my CalWORKs, not CalFresh. Still learning all the terminology lol.