EBT card benefits stolen - how long for CalFresh to replace stolen funds?

omg this happened to my sister last month!! she said it took almost 3 weeks to get the money back on her card. total bs if u ask me

I'm sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately, EBT skimming has become very common. Here's what you need to know about the replacement process: 1. Make sure you've filed an official claim with both the EBT Customer Service (not just the fraud department) and your county CalFresh office. You need both reports. 2. Request Form CF 303 - "Request for Replacement of CalFresh Benefits." This is the official form for stolen benefits. 3. Processing time is typically 10-15 business days, but current high volume of fraud cases may extend this. 4. Keep documentation of when/where unauthorized transactions occurred. 5. In the meantime, you can request emergency CalFresh benefits if you have less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in resources. This is separate from your replacement claim.

This is EXACTLY why I always empty my EBT account right when benefits drop!! Too many scammers out there. The county acts like its your fault when this happens but its THEIR system thats not secure enough. Have you checked if there's a food bank near you for emergency help while waiting?

When this happened to me in January, I was getting nowhere with the regular customer service line. Always on hold for hours then disconnected. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual CalFresh worker in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold all day. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Once I got through to a real person, they were able to expedite my case and I had my benefits back in 7 business days instead of the "up to 30 days" they initially told me. Definitely worth it in an emergency situation like this.

Make sure you file a police report too!!!! The county made me do this before they would process my claim. And change your PIN immediately!! Did you get any text alerts about unusual activity? I thought they were supposed to be doing that now but mine got stolen last year before they started the text alerts

theres a new thing where scammers put skimmers on the card readers at stores. they steal ur info when u swipe and then make clone cards. happened to my whole apartment building, like 5 people all got hit same week. change ur pin and get a new card asap

Just to clarify some information shared in this thread: 1. The current processing time for stolen CalFresh benefit claims (Form CF 303) is approximately 10 business days according to recent state guidelines. 2. Emergency replacement CalFresh benefits are available while your claim is being processed, but you need to specifically request these from your county worker. 3. A police report is helpful but not required in all counties for EBT theft claims. 4. Under federal regulations, benefits stolen within the last 90 days are eligible for replacement. 5. California recently enhanced EBT card security, so requesting a new card will give you access to these improved security features. You can also find emergency food assistance through 211 or at https://www.cdss.ca.gov/food-banks while waiting for your replacement benefits.

did u get one of those EBT fraud text alerts? my cousin got one but thought it was a scam so she ignored it and then lost all her benefits too

once u get a new card dont store the card number on any websites or apps. also dont use the ebt card at small random stores. stick to major chains with better security on their machines