CalFresh EBT card drained - can't reach caseworker after 5 attempts. What's your quickest way to contact them?

This happens way too often! The county offices are a NIGHTMARE to reach. My caseworker NEVER answers or returns calls. When my benefits were held up last year, I had to physically go down to the office and wait 4+ hours just to talk to someone. Even then they couldn't help and just told me to "wait for your worker to call" 🙄 The system is completely broken!!

Sorry to hear about your stolen benefits! I actually had the same thing happen last summer. The key is to call the main CalFresh customer service line for your county (not your worker's direct line) and specifically ask for a "Benefit Replacement Request" for stolen EBT benefits. They should transfer you to someone who can take your report immediately. Also, make sure you've already filed the police report - they'll ask for the case number. You have 10 days from the theft to request replacement benefits under California regulations.

iv been on calfresh for 3 yrs and never once talked to my worker lol. everything thru the portal. they dont call back ever. my friend had her ebt stollen to, took like 3 weeks to get anythin back but they did eventualy. good luck my dude

Hi there, I work with CalFresh recipients and can offer some advice. For stolen benefits, you need to follow specific steps: 1. Report to EBT customer service (sounds like you did this) 2. File a police report within 4 days of discovery 3. Submit a "Stolen EBT Benefits Statement" (CF 303) form 4. Request an expedited replacement of benefits due to hardship Caseworkers do get overwhelmed with high caseloads, but theft cases should receive priority. Try calling the main CalFresh line for your county and ask for a supervisor - explain that you have no food and need immediate assistance. Also, while waiting for replacement benefits, check with your local food bank. Many will provide emergency food with proof of your CalFresh status.

Have you tried calling right when they open? I've found that's the only way to actually reach someone. My caseworker never returns calls either, but if I call the main office at exactly 8:00 AM, I sometimes get through. Still a 50/50 shot though...

Wait I'm confused... if someone stole your EBT card, how did they get the PIN? Aren't we supposed to keep that private? Maybe you need to check if someone in your household used the card? Not trying to be rude just saying check all possibilities before going through all this hassle.

I struggled with reaching my CalFresh worker for MONTHS last year when trying to report an address change. Calling got me nowhere. I found out about this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually calls the county office for you and connects you when they reach a live person. It saved me hours of hold time and disconnected calls. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Might be worth trying since your situation is urgent and you need to speak to someone ASAP about the stolen benefits. I was skeptical at first but it worked really well for me.

ANOTHER THING - after you get this resolved, CHANGE YOUR PIN immediately!!! And change it regularly!!! These scammers are getting more sophisticated. My sister had her benefits stolen TWICE in 6 months. The second time she got NOTHING back because they said she should have been more careful after the first time. THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST US!!!

Just following up - were you able to get through to anyone yet? If you're still struggling, call the County CalFresh office and tell them this is an "immediate need" situation. Use those exact words. By regulation, they have to address immediate need cases within 3 days. Also, did you check with 211? They can refer you to emergency food resources in your area while you're waiting for the benefits replacement.