CalFresh benefits stolen from EBT card before I received it - how to report theft and get benefits replaced?

You need to report this EBT theft immediately. Call the EBT customer service line (877-328-9677) right now and report the card as stolen. Then contact your county CalFresh office ASAP to report benefit theft. California does have a process for replacing stolen benefits, but you need to act fast. Make sure you ask them to: 1. Deactivate the compromised card 2. Issue a new card with a different number 3. File a benefit theft claim (sometimes called EBT-2259 form) 4. Get a case number for your theft report Unfortunately, the county investigation might take time, but they can sometimes expedite replacement benefits in emergency situations. Mention that you have no food for your family.

omg this happened to me when i first moved here too!!! someone used all my benefits at a Food 4 Less in San Bernardino before i even got my card. so frustrating!!! i had to file a police report and everything. took like 6 weeks to get my money back tbh

This is EXACTLY why I always tell people to check their BenefitsCal account every single day when waiting for a new card!!! The system is completely BROKEN. When they say a card was "returned" it usually means it was never delivered or someone intercepted it. This happens ALL THE TIME and the counties do NOTHING to fix the security issues! I had $1200 stolen last year and the county worker had the nerve to imply I might have spent it myself. Took MONTHS of fighting to get it replaced.

Hi there, sorry you're dealing with this stressful situation. The process for replacing stolen benefits in California requires several steps: 1. Report to EBT customer service (which you've done - good) 2. File a report with your county CalFresh office (you'll need form CF 303 - EBT Benefit Theft Report) 3. File a police report with local law enforcement 4. Submit all documentation to your county worker California's policy allows for replacement of stolen benefits if you report within 10 days of discovery and submit the required documentation. The investigation may take 3-4 weeks, but if you explain the emergency nature, they sometimes issue a small emergency allotment while investigating. For immediate food assistance, contact local food banks or ask your county worker about emergency food resources.

Did you just move from another state? If so, make sure your old benefits from your previous state are properly closed out. Sometimes when you move states, there can be confusion in the system. Also, after you report the theft, ask for "expedited" replacement benefits due to immediate need - they should be able to help get you at least some emergency food benefits within 3 days. Been through the system many times unfortunately.

have u tryed calling the county? they never pick up when i call lol. always on hold for like 2 hours and then it hangs up on me. so annoying. maybe u can go in person to report it? thats what i had to do when somebody stole my card from my mailbox last yr

Just as a follow-up - make sure when you're filing your reports that you emphasize several key points: 1. You never received the initial card 2. You reported the card as "not received" before any transactions occurred 3. You have never been to the location where the card was used 4. You requested a replacement before discovering the theft All of these factors strengthen your case. California's EBT theft replacement policy (AB 1614) specifically covers these situations. Document everything - names of representatives you speak with, case numbers, and dates of all calls.

just wondering but does ur mailbox lock?? when i moved to my new apt i made sure to get a place with locked mailboxes cuz EBT card theft is soooo common here. maybe ask neighbors if theyve had mail stolen too? could be someone in ur building/neighborhood

Make sure you also check if anyone used the card AFTER today too! Sometimes these thieves will use the card multiple times until it's deactivated. Log into BenefitsCal every day to monitor it. And INSIST on expedited replacement benefits - don't let them make you wait! It's your RIGHT to have emergency benefits if you have no food.

When you get your new card, I recommend having it sent to the actual county office for pickup instead of mailed to your home. Most counties offer this option for security reasons. Also, immediately create a PIN that's not obvious (not your birth year or 1234). And check your balance frequently through the BenefitsCal app. This happens way too often unfortunately.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! This is unfortunately super common in California, especially with the mail delivery issues we've been having. A few additional tips that helped me when I went through this: 1. When you file the police report, ask for a copy of the report number - the county office will need this for your claim 2. If you have any screenshots of the fraudulent transactions from BenefitsCal, save those as evidence 3. Consider signing up for Informed Delivery with USPS so you can track what mail is supposed to come to you 4. Ask the county worker about getting your replacement card expedited shipping (they sometimes offer this for theft victims) The good news is that California's replacement process has gotten better in recent years. Most legitimate theft claims get approved, especially when you have clear evidence like transactions in locations you've never been to. Hang in there - you should have emergency benefits soon and the full replacement within a few weeks!