As someone who's been navigating the CalFresh system while experiencing homelessness, I want to add that it's really important to keep ANY documentation you get about your homeless status - even informal notes from shelter staff or case workers. I learned the hard way that having backup documentation helps if there's ever confusion about your status. Also, if you're staying in different places (shelters some nights, outdoors others), don't worry too much about being super precise in your reporting. The new 2025 rules are designed to be more flexible about this. One thing that helped me was asking my caseworker to put notes in my file about my disability accommodations AND my homeless status at the same time. That way both are documented together and future workers will see it right away. @homelessguy2025 you're doing the right thing by staying on top of this and asking questions. The system can be overwhelming but there are people who want to help make it work for you.

I've been working with homeless CalFresh recipients for about 3 years now, and I want to emphasize something important that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you understand the difference between "temporary" and "permanent" homelessness in the new 2025 system. If you've been homeless for over a year like you mentioned, you'll likely qualify for the "chronic homelessness" category which has even more streamlined requirements and potentially higher benefits. This is separate from the shelter/unsheltered distinctions others have talked about. Also, since you mentioned having a reading disability, you should know that the new rules specifically require counties to provide information in accessible formats. Don't hesitate to ask for verbal explanations of ALL written materials - it's your right, not a favor they're doing you. The key thing to remember is that these changes are happening because advocates have been pushing for years to make the system work better for homeless people. The old system was designed assuming everyone had a stable address, which obviously doesn't work for folks in your situation. Keep asking questions and don't let anyone rush you through the process. You deserve to understand what's happening with your benefits.

I want to share some updated information about benefit theft replacement since there seems to be confusion: 1. As of January 2025, California's updated EBT theft reimbursement program covers up to two months of stolen benefits within a federal fiscal year 2. The process requires: - Filing a police report (online is fine in most counties) - Completing form EBT-2259 (Benefit Theft Report) - Submitting a signed affidavit declaring the theft - Providing transaction records showing the unauthorized purchases 3. For emergency assistance while waiting: - Ask your county worker specifically for "expedited theft replacement" - Visit a local food bank (they have special programs for victims of benefit theft) - Check if you qualify for emergency CalFresh supplemental benefits If you're having trouble reaching someone at the county office to process this faster, you can either escalate to a supervisor by clearly stating it's an emergency food situation affecting children, or visit the office in person where they can't put you on hold.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - having benefits stolen twice is absolutely devastating, especially when you have kids depending on those funds. Beyond what others have mentioned, here are a few additional protective steps: 1. Consider using your EBT card only at larger chain stores with better security monitoring rather than smaller independent markets 2. Always inspect the card reader before inserting - look for anything loose, misaligned, or that seems "off" 3. If possible, use the chip reader instead of swiping when available 4. Keep a record of every transaction with photos of receipts to catch unauthorized use faster For immediate food assistance while waiting for replacement benefits, contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they can connect you to local food pantries and emergency food programs specifically for families affected by benefit theft. Many have special expedited services for EBT theft victims. Also, if that 3rd Street Market keeps coming up in theft reports, definitely report it to both local police and the USDA fraud hotline. Sometimes coordinated reporting from multiple victims is what finally gets these compromised terminals shut down. Hang in there - you're not alone in this and there are people working to help you get through this crisis.

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.

This is absolutely infuriating but I'm so glad you finally got your money back! I've been dealing with EBT theft for months now and it's like the system is designed to make us give up. My benefits were stolen twice in February - $520 the first time and $340 the second time. Filed reports immediately but kept getting the runaround from the county office. What really gets me is that they have all this technology to detect "suspicious" purchases when we're actually using our own benefits, but somehow can't stop thieves from draining our accounts? The whole system needs an overhaul. I'm definitely going to try bringing documentation of financial hardship like you did. My utilities are about to be shut off and I've been living off food bank donations while waiting for reimbursement. It's beyond cruel to make families wait weeks or months when we're already struggling to survive. Thank you for sharing your experience - it gives me hope that there might be light at the end of this nightmare!

This whole situation is absolutely heartbreaking and infuriating! I can't believe families are being put through this when they're already struggling just to put food on the table. The fact that you had to bring an eviction notice to get action is completely unacceptable - no one should have to be on the verge of homelessness before getting help with stolen benefits. I'm dealing with something similar right now - had $385 stolen two weeks ago and I'm still waiting for any response on my claim. Reading everyone's experiences here is both terrifying (37-46 days?!) and helpful. I had no idea about setting up EBT alerts or that phrase "immediate financial hardship" that someone mentioned. What really bothers me is how the state keeps talking about "improving security" but families are suffering RIGHT NOW while they slowly roll out chip cards. Meanwhile thieves are getting more sophisticated and we're left holding the bag (literally) when our grocery money disappears. I'm so relieved you finally got your money back, but the stress you went through to get there is unacceptable. Thank you for sharing your story - it's helping others like me know what to expect and how to fight for what's rightfully ours.

One more important point - when you go to the office, make sure they give you a written receipt showing you submitted the EBT 2259 form. Some offices are claiming they never received forms when they get backed up. This receipt is your proof you submitted within the 10-day window, which is legally required for replacement. Also, ask if they can issue emergency food vouchers while you wait for the replacement. Some counties offer this for families with children who have had benefits stolen. It's not guaranteed but worth asking about.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is unfortunately becoming more common. Just wanted to add one thing that helped me when my benefits were stolen last year - if you have any food banks or pantries in your area, don't hesitate to use them while you wait for the replacement. I was embarrassed at first, but they were so understanding and it really helped bridge the gap. Many churches and community centers also have emergency food programs specifically for situations like this. You're doing everything right by going in person tomorrow - stay strong and keep advocating for your family!