I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - it's absolutely infuriating when the system fails like this! I went through something similar a few months ago and here's what worked for me: when you call, ask to speak to a supervisor right away if the first person can't help. Also, screenshot EVERYTHING from your BenefitsCal account - the confirmation page, your submission history, any emails you received. Sometimes the county workers can see more details in their system if you give them the exact date and time you submitted. And don't let them tell you that you have to reapply - this is 100% their error and they should restore your benefits immediately. You might also want to file a complaint with the state while you're dealing with this so there's a paper trail. Hang in there!

This is such a common and frustrating issue! I've helped dozens of families through similar situations at my local community center. A few additional tips that might help: 1) When you call, have your case number, SSN, and confirmation email ready before they even ask - it speeds things up. 2) If they say they can't see your documents, ask them to check the "pending" or "unprocessed" queue in their system - sometimes submissions get stuck there. 3) Document EVERYTHING - get the name of whoever you speak with and ask for a case note number for your call. 4) If you're getting nowhere, contact your county supervisor's office or local legal aid - they can sometimes light a fire under the CalFresh office. The system is broken but don't give up - you submitted on time and you deserve those benefits! Also, many food pantries don't require any paperwork if you need emergency food while this gets sorted out.

I've been using CalFresh for about 2 years and this happened to me once at a Walmart around 1am. The cashier told me the same thing about cards being "locked after midnight" but I knew that wasn't right. Turned out their EBT processor was down for maintenance. I went to a 24-hour CVS down the street and my card worked perfectly. It's really annoying when store employees spread misinformation like that - makes people think there's something wrong with their benefits when it's just a technical issue on the store's end. Always worth trying a second location before panicking!

This whole thread is so eye-opening! I'm pretty new to CalFresh and had no idea that cashiers might give wrong information about EBT policies. I've been mostly shopping during regular hours but knowing that my benefits are available 24/7 is really reassuring for those times when I need to grab something late. Thanks to everyone who shared the EBT customer service number and tips about trying different stores - I'm definitely saving all this info. It's really helpful to have a community where people share these real-world experiences instead of just the official policies that don't always tell you what actually happens at stores.

did u check ur transaction history? maybe it wasnt fraud maybe someone in ur household spent it and isnt telling u?

This is such a common problem now and it's terrifying! I work at a local food pantry and we've been seeing more families come in because of EBT theft while they wait for replacement benefits. A few practical tips that might help while you're waiting: 1. Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they can connect you with emergency food resources in your area 2. Many churches and community centers have food pantries that don't require paperwork 3. Some school districts have weekend backpack programs for families in crisis 4. WIC offices sometimes have emergency food vouchers even if you're not on WIC Also, once you get your benefits back, consider only keeping a small amount on your card and asking your county worker about splitting your monthly benefits into weekly deposits if that's an option. It limits how much can be stolen at once. Hang in there - the system is slow but they will make this right!

Great job navigating this difficult situation! Those emergency vouchers should help in the meantime. Two more tips that might help others dealing with EBT theft: 1. Request a new EBT card immediately with a different number to prevent future theft 2. Once you get your replacement benefits, consider using the EBT card lock feature in the EBT mobile app - you can lock your card between uses to prevent unauthorized transactions Also, for anyone reading this thread in the future, California implemented new theft protection measures in late 2024, so you now have 90 days to report EBT theft (previously it was only 30 days). The county must process valid claims within 10 calendar days.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - EBT theft is unfortunately becoming way too common and the process to get help is frustrating. Reading through all the advice here, it sounds like you're on the right track now with getting the emergency vouchers and submitting all the required paperwork. One thing I'd add that helped me when I had my benefits stolen - take screenshots of your EBT transaction history showing the fraudulent charges AND your account balance before/after. Print them out too if you can. Some counties want this as "proof" even though it seems obvious. Also, if you used your card at any ATMs recently, avoid those locations in the future - a lot of the skimmers are on standalone ATMs at gas stations and convenience stores. The waiting is the worst part, especially when you have kids to feed. Glad you found some resources to bridge the gap. Fingers crossed your replacement benefits come through quickly!

UPDATE: Finally got through to someone at the county office today! Used both the Claimyr service someone recommended here (which actually worked!) and mentioned AB-158 like another person suggested. The supervisor I spoke with said my case was \

That's amazing news! So glad the combination of Claimyr and mentioning AB-158 worked for you. This thread has been so helpful - I'm dealing with a similar situation right now where my benefits were skimmed last week. Going to try both of these strategies tomorrow. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through all these hoops when we're the victims of theft, but at least there are ways to navigate the system. Thanks for sharing your update and keeping us posted on what worked!