CalFresh EBT card skimmed - desperate for emergency replacement benefits in Riverside County

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately, benefit theft investigations do take time, but you shouldn't have to wait without food. Call your caseworker ASAP and specifically ask for "expedited emergency benefits" due to the theft. Riverside County can issue emergency benefits in cases of hardship while the investigation is ongoing. Make sure to emphasize you have children and no food in the house. Also, check with local food banks immediately - most don't require any documentation, just show up. The FIND Food Bank partners with Riverside County and can help right away.

same thing happened 2 me last month!!! took them 3 weeks to put my $ back. go to catholic charities on magnolia they give emergency food boxes no questions asked

The theft investigation procedures are ridiculous! When my mom's card got skimmed last year, they made her jump through so many hoops just to get HER OWN MONEY back. She had to file a police report, fill out an affidavit, provide bank statements, and still waited 23 days!! The system is designed to make you give up, I swear. Keep calling EVERY SINGLE DAY and document who you talk to. Don't let them forget about you!

You actually have a couple of options here: 1. Request expedited emergency replacement benefits - these should be available within 3 business days if you qualify (which it sounds like you do). Call and specifically say you have an emergency food situation due to theft. 2. Apply for a supplemental issuance due to misfortune/household emergency. This is separate from the theft investigation. 3. Contact Riverside's Community Action Partnership for their emergency food program - (951) 955-4900 The 5-30 day timeline is for the fraud investigation, but you shouldn't have to wait that long for emergency assistance. Call your worker first thing in the morning. If you can't get through, I recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they help connect you directly to a live CalFresh worker instead of waiting on hold forever. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. I used them when my recertification was stuck in limbo and got through in minutes instead of hours.

dont they tell u to keep ur pin secret?? my caseworker said never use card at sketchy stores

I went through this exact nightmare back in May! First, definitely hit up the food banks while you're waiting - Second Harvest on Tyler Ave doesn't even ask questions. But here's what worked for me: I called and called until I got a live person, then asked specifically for a supervisor and explained I had children with no food. They issued emergency benefits the next day while the investigation was ongoing. Don't take no for an answer - children going hungry is considered an emergency situation by their own policy! The theft investigation took 17 days but at least we could eat in the meantime.

Just checking back - were you able to get through to your worker? Did they help with emergency benefits?

That's great news! Make sure when you go in tomorrow to ask them for a list of all documents they need to complete the theft investigation so you don't have to make multiple trips. Also ask them to note in your file that you've verified your identity in person - this sometimes speeds up the investigation. Glad you're getting some relief!

good 4 u!!! put a freeze on ur card when ur not using it btw. u can do it in the app now

So glad you were able to get some emergency benefits! Just wanted to add that when you get your replacement card, consider using contactless payment (tap to pay) instead of inserting the card whenever possible - it's much harder for skimmers to intercept. Also, if you shop at stores with self-checkout, try to use the ones that are closest to the attendant station since skimmers are less likely to be placed on those machines. Stay strong - you're doing an amazing job advocating for your family!