CalFresh EBT card stolen - urgent help needed to access my food benefits

First thing - call EBT Customer Service at 1-877-328-9677 right away to report the card stolen. They'll deactivate it immediately so no one else can use your benefits. You can request a replacement card during the same call. You don't technically need a police report for a replacement card, but filing one is recommended if someone's actually using your benefits.

omg this happened 2 me last year!! call the number on the back of ur card ASAP!!! they will cancel it so noone can use it and u can get a new 1. but u should do it NOW before someone spends all ur benefits

You NEED to report it stolen IMMEDIATELY!! I waited 24 hours when mine was stolen and someone spent $375 of my benefits before I called. The county would NOT replace those funds even though I filed a police report and everything. They said I should have reported it faster. The system is so unfair to people actually trying to feed their families.

Here's what you need to know about stolen EBT cards and benefits: 1. Report the stolen card immediately to EBT Customer Service (1-877-328-9677) to deactivate it 2. For replacement benefits, California follows the federal rule that you must report within 10 days AND file a police report 3. You can get an emergency replacement card directly from your county office (same day) 4. If benefits were stolen electronically (someone used your card before you reported it), you need to file form CF 303 with your county office 5. Current CalFresh rules allow replacement of stolen benefits ONCE in a 12-month period Don't rely solely on phone support - visit your county office in person if possible.

Same thing happened to my cousin! She never got her stolen benefits back because she waited too long to report it. Such a broken system honestly

If you're struggling to reach someone at your county office about your emergency replacement card, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). It helped me get through to a real person when my benefits were suddenly stopped. They have this service that gets you past the hold times and connects you directly to a worker. Check out their video demo: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 In my case, I was able to explain my emergency situation to a real person instead of the automated system, and they helped me get an emergency card issued same-day.

heyyy if ur near sacramento county office they actually give u the card right ther as long as u got ur id. my sister got hers in like 20 mins when she went in. way faster than waiting for mail

Update on benefit replacement rules for 2025: If benefits were stolen from your card BEFORE you reported it stolen, you need to: 1. File form CF 303 (Request for Benefit Replacement) 2. Provide a copy of the police report 3. Submit a signed affidavit stating the benefits were stolen The county has 10 days to investigate and make a determination. If approved, replacement benefits will be issued within 3 business days. Remember, you're only eligible for benefit replacement once per year.

This is good that no benefits were actually taken. For getting an emergency replacement card quickly, go to your county office with: 1. Your ID (driver's license or other government photo ID) 2. Proof of address (if your current address differs from your ID) 3. Your Social Security Number They should be able to print you a card on-site. Some counties require an appointment, but most have emergency walk-in hours for situations exactly like yours.

Just be prepared for them to make you jump through a million hoops! When my card was stolen, they made me fill out forms, verify my identity AGAIN, and answer all these questions like I was trying to commit fraud or something. The whole system treats us like criminals when WE'RE the victims! Make sure you bring every possible document they might ask for.

Quick update on good news - I just checked and Alameda County does offer same-day emergency EBT card replacement at their main office (if you go early). Bring your photo ID and verification documents just in case. Some counties limit emergency replacements to certain hours, so if possible, arrive when they first open for the best chance of quick service.