This is exactly why I get so frustrated with benefit misinformation. So glad you got the facts directly from the source! Enjoy your benefits - that's what they're there for!

I'm so glad you went directly to the source and got written confirmation! This thread should be required reading for anyone who has concerns about CalFresh and estate recovery. The amount of misinformation floating around about benefits programs is really harmful - it literally prevents people from accessing help they need and deserve. For anyone else reading this who might have similar concerns: the bottom line is that CalFresh is a nutrition assistance program, not a loan. You're not borrowing money that needs to be paid back. There's absolutely no mechanism in the CalFresh program for estate recovery because it's designed to help people meet their basic nutritional needs, period. Keep spreading the correct information when you hear these rumors!

This is absolutely infuriating! I'm so sorry you and your kids are going through this. The fact that benefits can be stolen so easily and then families have to wait WEEKS for help is just broken. I went through something similar last year and here's what finally worked for me: I called my county supervisor's office (not CalFresh directly) and explained that my children had no food due to EBT theft. The supervisor's office put pressure on the county CalFresh office and I got a callback within 2 days instead of waiting weeks. Sometimes you have to go above the regular workers to get action. Also, while you're fighting this, see if your kids qualify for free school meals if they're not already getting them. At least that covers breakfast and lunch during school days. Some schools even have weekend backpack programs with food to take home. Keep pushing and don't let them brush you off. You shouldn't have to choose between feeding your kids and waiting for the bureaucracy to do its job!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this nightmare! As someone who works with families facing food insecurity, I wanted to add a few more resources that might help while you're waiting for your benefits to be restored: 1. Contact your local WIC office even if you don't normally qualify - they sometimes have emergency food vouchers for families with young children facing crisis situations like benefit theft. 2. Check if your area has a "Mobile Food Pantry" program - these are different from regular food pantries and often provide much larger quantities of fresh food. You can find locations at feedingamerica.org. 3. Many churches and community centers offer free community meals (not just food to take home) - this can help stretch whatever food you do have. 4. If your kids are under 5, look into local Head Start programs which often provide meals and snacks even during enrollment processes. The fact that this is happening to so many families is absolutely unacceptable. The state needs to fix these security vulnerabilities ASAP instead of making victims wait weeks for help. Keep advocating for yourself and your children - you're doing everything right in a completely broken system.

The WHOLE SYSTEM is broken!!! My neighbor had hers stolen THREE times and the third time they basically accused her of lying and denied the claim. She had to get legal aid involved to get her money back. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING and don't let them push you around!!

This is such a widespread problem and I'm so sorry you're dealing with this again! I work with families navigating benefits and here are some additional steps that might help: 1. When you call to report, specifically ask to speak with a "Benefits Security Specialist" - they handle theft cases and know the process better than regular intake workers 2. Request they put a "fraud alert" on your account immediately while processing your claim 3. Ask for written confirmation of your claim number and expected processing timeline 4. If you have a smartphone, take photos of any ATM before using it - this can serve as evidence that you weren't at suspicious locations Also, California has a new pilot program starting this year that provides immediate emergency food assistance (up to $200) while theft claims are being processed. Ask specifically about "Emergency Food Assistance for Theft Victims" when you call. The suspicious attitude from workers is unfortunately common, but remember - you have legal rights here. Don't let them make you feel like you're doing anything wrong. Keep pushing and document every interaction!

congrats!! glad u got ur money back. its crazy how much we gotta fight just to get what was STOLEN from us in the first place

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT skimming is unfortunately becoming really common. I had my benefits stolen ($520) about 6 months ago and it took 3 weeks to get them replaced, even though they told me 10 business days too. A few things that might help while you wait: - Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) for emergency food resources in your area - Check if your local food banks have mobile pantries - they often distribute more than the regular weekly boxes - Some churches and community centers do hot meals even if you're not a member For pushing your case along, try calling first thing in the morning (8 AM) when the phone lines open - you're more likely to reach someone. Also document every call you make (date, time, who you spoke to) in case you need to escalate later. Hang in there - you will get your benefits back, it's just taking way longer than it should. The system really fails people when they need help most.

UPDATE: After trying for days to reach someone, I finally got through to Sacramento County using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. It actually worked! I was connected to a fraud specialist who confirmed Sacramento IS part of the expedited program now. She said they can process theft claims in about 30 days instead of 90 if you have the transaction details and file a police report. She also recommended I download the ConnectEBT app to monitor transactions in real-time (I didn't even know this existed). Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions - I'll update again when/if I get my benefits restored.

This is such an important discussion - thank you for starting it! I'm a new CalFresh recipient (just approved last month) and had no idea this was such a widespread problem. Reading all these responses is both terrifying and incredibly helpful. I'm definitely going to download that ConnectEBT app and start checking my balance daily. Quick question - for those who've been through this, do you recommend using the chip reader even at smaller local stores that might not have updated equipment? My usual corner market still uses the old swipe-only readers and now I'm worried about shopping there. Also, should I be concerned about using my EBT at farmers markets? I love supporting local vendors but want to make sure I'm not putting myself at risk. Really hoping California gets those security updates implemented soon. It's awful that families are losing food assistance to criminals while waiting months for investigations.