CalFresh EBT theft - Getting run around between EBT fraud dept and DPSS for police report

omg this happened to my sister last month!! the run around is INSANE. they make it impossible to actually get ur money back. she had to physically go to the police station to file a report cuz the online system is garbage

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. Unfortunately, EBT theft has become much more common in California. Here's what you need to do: 1. Call EBT customer service again (1-877-328-9677) and specifically ask for a "EBT Cash Benefit Theft Claim Number" - be firm about this, they should provide it 2. For the police report, you'll need to visit in person as online reporting usually doesn't work for EBT theft cases 3. Once you have both the claim number and police report, contact your DPSS office again with those documents 4. Request an expedited replacement due to hardship They're required to replace stolen benefits under California Senate Bill 1329, but the process is unnecessarily complicated. Make sure to document every call (who you spoke with, date/time).

The exact same thing happened to me but with my cash aid not CalFresh. DPSS and EBT just keep sending me back and forth, nobody wants to take responsibility. I finally got my benefits back after THREE MONTHS and only because I went in person to the DPSS office and refused to leave until someone helped me. The whole system is designed to make us give up!!

Have you tried using Claimyr to reach an actual person at DPSS? I was dealing with a similar runaround after someone stole $800 from my EBT card. After days of getting disconnected and waiting on hold, I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real DPSS worker in about 15 minutes. They basically wait on hold for you and call you when they get a person. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 and their website is claimyr.com. It saved me so much stress and the DPSS worker I talked to actually gave me the exact process for EBT theft claims that worked. Might be worth trying since you're getting the runaround.

I work at a community resource center and assist clients with CalFresh issues. Here's the current process for EBT theft in California (updated for 2025): 1. Report the theft to EBT Customer Service (1-877-328-9677) immediately 2. They MUST provide you with an EBT-2259 Benefit Theft Claim Number 3. File a police report (must be done in person for EBT theft) 4. Submit both the claim number and police report to your county office 5. For immediate food assistance while waiting, request an expedited replacement due to theft hardship Under SB1329, counties must replace stolen benefits within 10 business days of completing your claim. If you're getting the runaround, ask to speak to an EBT Theft Claims Specialist specifically. Also, consider requesting an emergency allotment due to hardship while your claim is processing.

These EBT scammers are getting way more sophisticated with skimmers and those fake card readers. One thing nobody mentioned - make sure you change your PIN number on your new card immediately!! And never use your card at sketchy ATMs or stores. My caseworker told me they're seeing tons of these cases lately and that thieves specifically target accounts right after benefits are deposited.

This whole situation makes me SO ANGRY!!! The government acts like we're criminals for needing help, but when ACTUAL criminals steal our benefits, suddenly it's our problem to solve?? I've been fighting for 6 weeks to get my stolen benefits back. Every time I call it's a different story about what documents I need or which department handles it. Meanwhile my kids are eating ramen noodles because that's all I can afford. The system is BROKEN!!

UPDATE FOR EVERYONE: California just implemented new EBT theft protection measures this year. Every county should now have an "EBT Theft Resolution Team." When you call your county office, specifically ask for this team. Also, as of March 2025, all EBT cards now have chip technology to reduce skimming fraud, so make sure you request the newest card version when getting your replacement. For those struggling with the police report requirement, you can now submit an affidavit of theft (Form EBT-1325) instead in many counties if getting to a police station is a hardship.