CalFresh EBT theft claim denied - 3rd incident in 12 months (LA County limit?)

Unfortunately, this policy is actually real. LA County implemented the twice-in-12-months limit for EBT theft claims as part of their fraud prevention measures around 2022. The 12-month period is rolling (not calendar year), so your July 2023 and December 2022 claims both count within the same 12-month window when you filed in August 2023. \n\nSome suggestions that might help while you wait:\n1. Apply for emergency food at local food banks (211 can direct you)\n2. Ask for expedited processing of your claim by explaining the hardship\n3. Request to speak with a supervisor who might be able to make an exception\n\nI understand how frustrating this is, especially when the theft isn't your fault.

Thx for explaining but that's so UNFAIR!! Nobody told me about this policy when I got my card. I tried calling the number on the back of my EBT card but just got the automated system. Do you know if I can appeal this decision? Or is there any way to get emergency benefits while I wait??

happened 2 me 2 I had 2 thefts in 6 months and they gave me the money back but when it happened again they said NOPE gotta wait. ended up being denied cuz they said I was \

Same here!! They accused me of being

I work as an advocate at a community org that helps with CalFresh issues, and yes, this policy is real but there are exceptions. The twice-in-12-months rule was implemented to reduce fraud, but legitimate theft victims shouldn't be punished.\n\nHere's what you should do:\n1. File a police report if you haven't already - this strengthens your claim\n2. Request an Administrative Hearing (you have 90 days from notice)\n3. Ask for \

I already filed a police report but they just gave me a report number and said EBT fraud isn't a priority for them. How do I request this Administrative Hearing? Do I have to go to the DPSS office in person? I've been calling for days but can't get through to anyone!

I had this EXACT problem last month and I found a service called Claimyr that helped me finally get through to an actual person at DPSS after trying for days. You go to claimyr.com and they somehow get you past the phone queue so you can talk to a real worker. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8\n\nAfter I got through, I explained that I had no way to know about the theft until my benefits were already gone. The supervisor approved my claim as an exception even though it was my 3rd time. It's worth a try instead of waiting 25 days while your family goes hungry. Good luck!

OMG thank you!! I'm going to try this right now. I've been calling for 3 days and keep getting disconnected or stuck on hold forever. Did they make you pay upfront for this service?

You do pay for the service but it was totally worth it to me since I got my $750 in benefits back. I was desperate after being on hold for literally hours and getting nowhere. The supervisor I talked to actually helped expedite my claim when I explained my kids were going hungry.

I used to work for DPSS (not anymore thank god lol) and here's what they don't tell you: if you specifically say you want to apply for an EXPEDITED HARDSHIP EXCEPTION they have to review your case within 3 business days instead of 25. But you HAVE to use those exact words. Most workers won't volunteer this information because it creates more work for them. \n\nAlso make sure you've changed your PIN and ask for a replacement card. Keeping the same card and PIN after multiple thefts can be used as evidence of \

Is this real?? I had my benefits stolen twice and nobody ever mentioned this \

100% real but they don't advertise it. It's buried in the policy manual and most eligibility workers aren't even properly trained on it. Always ask for supervisors and use specific policy language - it's the only way to get through the bureaucracy.

I don't understand why the county isn't doing more to stop these thefts in the first place!! Instead of limiting how many times victims can get help, maybe fix the actual problem?? My neighbor had her entire month's benefits ($975) stolen last week and she has 3 kids. The worker told her to go to a food bank while they \

You're absolutely right. The real solution would be implementing better card security, like chips or mobile app verification for purchases, something many of us have been advocating for. The good news is California is supposed to be rolling out enhanced EBT cards with chip technology in late 2025, which should help reduce these skimming thefts. Until then, everyone should be changing their PINs regularly and checking their balance frequently.

So wait do they EVER make exceptions to this 2-claim rule? My benefits just got stolen yesterday ($680) and it's my 3rd time this year... I have 4 kids and we literally have no food in the house right now. Should I even bother filing a claim? I'm so stressed I can't even sleep.

Yes, they do make exceptions, especially in cases with dependent children. File the claim immediately and specifically request both:\n\n1. An exemption to the two-claim limit due to family hardship\n2. Emergency replacement benefits under the expedited process\n\nAlso reach out to your local legal aid organization - many have special advocates who help with CalFresh theft cases at no cost. Provide any evidence that shows you couldn't have made those transactions (work schedules, location data, etc.). Document EVERYTHING, including the names of workers you speak with. And yes, definitely use a service like Claimyr to actually reach someone if you're having trouble getting through.

Thank you so much! I'll do all this first thing tomorrow. Do you know if legal aid has a long waiting list? I'm in South LA if that matters.

just curious but how r they stealing ur benefits?? r u shopping at sketchy stores? maybe try only using ur card at big stores like walmart or food4less instead of corner markets? i started doing that after getting skimmed once and havent had a problem since

I ONLY use my card at major grocery stores! The last theft happened after I used it at Ralph's. The worker said skimmers can be installed on ANY card reader, even at big chains. The frustrating part is I'm being super careful and it STILL happens!

Update for everyone: I just got off the phone with a supervisor at LA County DPSS (used the Claimyr service to get through). She confirmed the 2-theft policy but said they ARE making exceptions for people with children, seniors, and disabled individuals. You have to specifically request a \

THANK YOU for this update! I'm going to try this hardship review right away. I have 2 kids under 10 so hopefully that helps my case. I wish they'd implement that text verification system NOW instead of making us wait another year+ while our benefits keep getting stolen.