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That's great news that you got through and they're expediting your case! Make sure to complete every single field on the CF-303 form accurately. The most common reason for delays is incomplete information. If possible, I'd recommend both uploading the completed form to your BenefitsCal account AND emailing it to the worker who's assisting you (get their direct email if possible). This creates two records of your submission, which can be helpful if there are any issues later. Wishing you luck, and please do keep us updated!
UPDATE: I got my benefits replaced today - just 3 days after submitting all the paperwork! They replaced the full amount that was stolen. For anyone else dealing with EBT theft, here's what worked for me: 1. Called EBT customer service first (got a reference number) 2. Filed police report online (got a case number) 3. Called county office and specifically asked for "Expedited Replacement Due to Theft with Hardship" 4. Completed CF-303 form + included police report number and EBT dispute number 5. Uploaded everything to BenefitsCal AND emailed copies to my worker 6. Called to follow up the next day to confirm they received everything Thank you everyone for your help and advice during this stressful time! I'm so relieved and can finally buy groceries for my family again.
They're actually the same program. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is the federal name, while CalFresh is California's name for the program. Other states have different names - like FoodShare in Wisconsin or Basic Food in Washington - but they're all referring to the same federal SNAP program.
UPDATE: Wanted to share what happened in case it helps someone else. After 2 weeks of back and forth, I finally got my benefits replaced! Had to complete the CF 303 form, provide a police report case number, and do a phone interview where they asked a bunch of questions about my shopping habits. The investigator said they've seen a huge spike in EBT theft cases and they're finding organized groups targeting certain grocery stores with skimming devices. They approved my claim after seeing that all the fraudulent purchases happened in a 3-hour period at stores 20+ miles from my home while I was at work (I provided a letter from my employer confirming my shift). I'm being super careful now - checking my balance after every purchase, covering the keypad when entering my PIN, and I even started taking my card out of my wallet only when I'm about to use it. Thank you all for your help during one of the scariest financial moments of my life!
quick update - i just saw your reply about income for HUD programs. if you qualify for calfresh you 100% meet the income requirements for emergency housing assistance!! most counties use 200% federal poverty level for crisis housing and calfresh is 130% FPL. so dont worry about that part!!
I wanted to follow up on something important - make sure you're still submitting your SAR7 reports for CalFresh even during this housing crisis. I've seen people lose their food benefits in the middle of a housing emergency because they missed reporting deadlines, which then creates a second crisis. If your SAR7 is due soon, you can list the hotel as your temporary address or write "currently homeless" - but don't skip submitting it. Housing instability is actually a good reason to request expedited processing on any benefit recertifications or updates. Also, ask the county about the "Housing and Disability Advocacy Program" (HDAP) if anyone in your household has a disability, even a temporary one. They have additional resources beyond the standard housing programs that others have mentioned.
Glad to hear you got through! For anyone else facing this issue, remember that under California regulations, the county office must provide \
Talia Klein
One more important tip: Make sure to change your PIN as soon as you report the theft, even before you get a new card. Sometimes thieves can access your account multiple times if the PIN remains the same. Also, avoid using easily guessed PINs like birthdays or address numbers. And never respond to text messages about your EBT benefits - the county never sends texts asking for your card info or PIN.
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PaulineW
•wait so if i get a text saying i need to verify my ebt info thats a scam?? i got one last week but ignored it
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Hailey O'Leary
just want to update - got my money back today! took 9 days but its finally there. had to call like 10 times tho. dont give up on calling!!
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Alberto Souchard
•That's great news and gives me hope! Did they just deposit it back to your existing card?
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