CalFresh benefits stolen from EBT card this month - anyone get their money back yet?

OMG YES!!! Same thing happened to me! $643 completely GONE two weeks ago. They also told me I'd get it back 'within 10 business days' but it's been 12 days now and NOTHING. Called yesterday and got stuck in that stupid automated system for 45 minutes before it hung up on me. This is ridiculous! So many people getting their benefits stolen and the county acts like it's no big deal.

mine got stolen 2. almost $400 gone just like that. called the number on back of card and they said to fill out form but havent got anything back yet. been 8 days

I work as a benefits advocate, and unfortunately this has been happening a lot lately. Here's what you need to know: 1. The 'simple process' isn't always quick. While they're required to restore benefits within 10 business days of verifying the theft, the verification process itself can take time. 2. Make sure you have a case number for your report. If they didn't give you one, call back and request it. 3. The county should have issued you an EBT ARU Fraud Report - confirm you have this documentation. 4. If it's been more than 10 business days since you received confirmation your claim was approved, you can request an expedited replacement. You might also want to request a new card with a different number to prevent future theft.

I had a similar situation back in January - $520 stolen. I actually did get it back, but it took 13 business days, not the 10 they promised. What helped me was going into the county office in person with my police report (yes, file a police report too) and the EBT theft form. The in-person visit seemed to speed things up, and my replacement benefits showed up 2 days later. Also, they can issue emergency benefits if you explain that your family has no food. You might need to specifically request this as an 'immediate need' situation.

Try Claimyr to reach the county faster. I spent 3 days trying to reach someone about my stolen benefits last month, then I found this service at claimyr.com that got me through to a real person in about 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 They basically wait on hold for you and call you back when they reach a real person. Saved me hours of frustration and I got my $389 back within 4 days after speaking to someone. Worth checking out if you keep getting disconnected.

Has anyone else noticed that these thefts seem to be happening more around benefit deposit days? I'm wondering if scammers know exactly when our money drops and target us then. I'm getting paranoid about using my card anywhere now. Do you think those card skimmers might be at the grocery stores we shop at?

i had my calfresh stolen twice in the past 3 months!! first time they gave it back after like 2 weeks. second time they denied my claim saying i must have given my card to someone which is totally BS!!! i'm still fighting that one. make sure u tell them u never gave ur pin to anyone and never shared ur card. they try to blame u for the theft!!!

Just to follow up on this thread - for those waiting for benefit replacement due to theft, here are some immediate resources that might help: 1. Call 211 to find local food banks and emergency food assistance 2. If you have children, contact their school about emergency meal programs 3. Request an expedited replacement if it's been more than 5 days and you have no food 4. Ask specifically about the Immediate Need program when you speak to your worker The county should prioritize households with children, seniors, or disabled members for faster replacement. Make sure to mention if your household includes any of these groups when you contact them.

One more important tip: Make sure to change your PIN as soon as you report the theft, even before you get a new card. Sometimes thieves can access your account multiple times if the PIN remains the same. Also, avoid using easily guessed PINs like birthdays or address numbers. And never respond to text messages about your EBT benefits - the county never sends texts asking for your card info or PIN.

just want to update - got my money back today! took 9 days but its finally there. had to call like 10 times tho. dont give up on calling!!