anybody else notice that CalFresh theft is getting worse?? seems like every week someone on here is posting about stolen benefits. the whole system needs better security!!! regular credit cards have fraud protection but EBT is stuck in the 1990s 🙄

UPDATE: I finally got through to my county office! Used that Claimyr service someone recommended and it worked great - had a caseworker on the phone within 15 minutes. The caseworker was really helpful and walked me through filling out the CF 303 form. She said I need to email them: - The completed form - Copy of police report - Any evidence showing I couldn't have made the purchases She said they'll review it within 10 days but it looks promising since I reported it immediately and the purchases were made far from my home. She also referred me to a local food bank that can help with emergency food while I wait. Thank you everyone for your help! I'll update again when I hear their decision.

Anyone else notice how these EBT thefts keep happening right before holidays and rent due dates??? My cousin works for the county and she says they see TONS of "theft" reports at the end of every month. I'm not saying the OP is lying but they investigate these claims REALLY carefully now. If they think ur being dishonest they can terminate ur benefits completely so be 100% truthful about everything

Quick update on the current replacement process: I just confirmed with our local CalFresh office that the rules changed in mid-2025. Now when benefits are stolen electronically (not from a lost/stolen physical card), they can replace up to two months of benefits per federal fiscal year. The process requires: - Police report (required) - EBT-28 form completed in full - Proof of identity - Statement explaining how you believe the theft occurred If your case is still with your previous county, they handle the replacement. If the transfer completed, then your new county handles it. The 10-day processing requirement only starts once ALL documentation is received, so submit everything as quickly as possible.

the people stealing these cards should be ASHAMED of themselves. taking food from children!!! what is wrong with people these days. back in my day we would never dream of stealing from neighbors especially not FOOD MONEY. society is going downhill fast. hope they catch whoever did this to you.

One important update for everyone in this thread: If you're experiencing P-EBT theft, you should be documenting the incident with BOTH the local police AND the USPS Postal Inspector if it was stolen from your mailbox. The Postal Inspector report can carry more weight in your CalFresh fraud investigation because it establishes federal mail theft, which is taken very seriously. You can file a report online at https://www.uspis.gov/report. Also, once your benefits are restored, I strongly recommend setting up online account access immediately so you can monitor for any suspicious activity. You can also request that your replacement card be sent to your local CalFresh office for pickup rather than mailed to your home if mail theft is common in your area.

NOBODY MENTIONED THIS YET - if she's really out of food right now, check if your county has emergency food banks! My benefits got delayed for 2 months during recertification (still mad about it!) and the food bank saved me. They usually don't even ask for much paperwork for emergency situations. Google "[your county] emergency food assistance" and you should find options while waiting for her card!!!!!

Just to follow up with specific information for Alameda County: Alameda County Social Services Agency: 510-263-2420 or 1-888-999-4772 For same-day EBT card replacement, yes, Alameda County offices can issue cards on-site at their Oakland and Hayward self-sufficiency centers during business hours (M-F, 8:30am-5pm). Your daughter would need to bring photo ID. For the Authorized Representative form, here's the direct link: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/SAR80.pdf And the Alameda County Community Food Bank has a helpline at 1-800-870-FOOD (3663) or 510-635-3663 for immediate food assistance.

update????? did your benefits show up?

My friend had the same problem but she had to contact her worker because her benefits NEVER transferred. Turns out they had some kind of system glitch that affected people who got their cards the same week as the quarterly maintenance or something. Just mentioning this in case anyone else reading has waited more than 7 days - don't just assume it'll eventually work itself out!