EBT card skimmed - all CalFresh benefits stolen overnight! How long for reimbursement?

same thing happen to me back in october. took them almost 3 weeks to put my money back. its rediculous!!! some stores have those skimmer things they put on the card readers. i always check before i swipe now and also keep my pin covered

I'm sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately, EBT skimming has become extremely common in California. The reimbursement process typically takes 10-30 business days depending on your county and their current caseload. Here are steps to protect yourself in the future: 1. Change your PIN immediately after receiving a replacement card 2. Check for skimming devices before swiping (wiggle the card reader) 3. Set up EBT text alerts to notify you of all transactions 4. When possible, freeze your EBT card between uses through the EBT app 5. Consider contacting your local food bank for emergency assistance while waiting Also, as of 2025, California now requires counties to expedite theft reimbursement for households with children or elderly members, so make sure to mention that when following up.

This happened to me last summer and it was HORRIBLE. I had to go to the food bank for 2 weeks before they finally replaced my benefits. Make sure you fill out that affidavit ASAP and then follow up, follow up, follow up! The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these people. Also they told me I should change my PIN regularly like every month now.

u need to check ur balance EVERYDAY!!! thats what i do now. they got me twice before i started checking it like crazy. these thieves are getting smarter with the skimmers.

If you need emergency food while waiting, contact your county office directly and ask about emergency replacement benefits. Sometimes they can issue a partial emergency allotment while your theft claim is processing. Also, after dealing with the endless hold times trying to reach my county worker about a similar issue, I discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real person in about 15 minutes instead of waiting for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. It really helped when I was desperate to talk to someone about my stolen benefits.

I HATE THOSE THIEVES!!! My sister-in-law just had this happen in January and she didnt get her money back for almost 3 weeks which is completely ridiculous when people have families to feed!!! The system is broken and they dont care that we are starving while they "investigate". Call 211 to find food banks near you meanwhile. Also maybe try asking if you can get expedited benefits while you wait?

use cash only now cant trust the machines

To give you some hope - I had $430 stolen in December and got it back in 8 business days. The key things that helped speed up my process: 1. I submitted the signed affidavit through the BenefitsCal app immediately 2. I called my county worker directly (not just the EBT line) and explained we had no food 3. I brought up the California EBT Theft Reimbursement Law (AB 1965) that mandates timely reimbursement 4. I documented all my calls and followed up every 48 hours Also, once you get your new card, IMMEDIATELY change the PIN to something unpredictable (not birthdays or simple sequences). I now use the card lock feature in the app to lock my card whenever I'm not actively shopping. This prevents unauthorized transactions even if someone has skimmed your card data.

u know they stealing from everyone i heard its like millions of $$$$ being stolen from EBT in california but the news dont talk about it cuz poor people dont matter

Update on reimbursement times: As of March 2025, Sacramento County is processing theft claims in approximately 7-10 business days. Make sure you've filled out form EBT 2259 (Benefit Theft Claim) completely and submitted all requested documentation. The most common reason for delays is incomplete paperwork. For immediate assistance while waiting: 1. Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services: (916) 456-1980 2. River City Food Bank: (916) 446-2627 3. Call 211 for additional emergency food resources To protect your new card, consider purchasing an RFID-blocking wallet which helps prevent remote skimming of card data.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is unfortunately becoming way too common. I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago and it's terrifying when you realize all your food money is just gone. Here's what worked for me to speed things up: - I called my county eligibility worker directly instead of just the EBT fraud line (you can find their number on your last CalFresh notice) - I mentioned I have children and requested expedited processing under the new 2025 rules - I submitted everything electronically through the BenefitsCal portal instead of mailing I got my benefits back in 9 days, which was way faster than the horror stories I'd heard. The key is being persistent but polite when following up. For right now, definitely hit up the food banks Maya mentioned. Also, some churches in Sacramento do emergency food boxes even if you're not a member - might be worth calling around. You shouldn't have to go hungry while waiting for the county to fix their broken system. Stay strong and keep pushing them for updates!

This is absolutely infuriating and I'm so sorry you're dealing with this! I had my EBT card skimmed at a gas station in Riverside County last year - $412 gone overnight. It took exactly 12 business days to get reimbursed, but that was before the new expedited rules everyone's mentioning. A few things that helped me survive the wait: - Downloaded the ebtEDGE app immediately to monitor transactions in real time - Set up account alerts for ANY activity (even balance inquiries) - Started using smaller grocery stores instead of big chains - they seem to have fewer skimming incidents The most important thing I learned: NEVER use your EBT card at gas stations or sketchy ATMs. Stick to major grocery stores and pharmacies where they check their card readers more frequently. Also, when you get your replacement card, test it immediately with a small purchase to make sure it works before you really need it. Mine was defective the first time and I had to wait another 3 days for a second replacement. Hang in there - I know it feels hopeless right now but you WILL get your money back. The system is slow but it does work eventually.

I'm really sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is such a violation and it's awful that families have to deal with this stress on top of everything else. I work at a community organization that helps people navigate these situations, and here's what I always tell folks: 1. You did the right thing calling the fraud line immediately - time is critical 2. When you follow up, specifically mention you have children and request expedited processing under AB 1965 (the 2025 law) 3. If possible, submit your affidavit through the BenefitsCal app rather than mail - it's faster 4. Document every call you make (date, time, who you spoke with, case numbers) For immediate food assistance while you wait: - Sacramento Food Bank has a drive-thru service on Wednesdays - Many Sikh temples (Gurdwaras) serve free meals daily, no questions asked - Check if your kids' schools have weekend backpack programs The average reimbursement time in Sacramento County is currently 8-10 business days for families with children, so hopefully you'll see your benefits restored soon. Don't let them brush you off - you have rights under the new theft protection laws. Keep us posted on how it goes. This community has your back!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is becoming a huge problem and it's absolutely devastating when you're relying on those benefits to feed your family. A few things that might help while you're waiting for reimbursement: - Contact your county eligibility worker directly (not just the EBT fraud line) and emphasize that you have children - this should qualify you for expedited processing under the new 2025 regulations - Submit your affidavit electronically through the BenefitsCal app if possible - it's much faster than mailing - Call 211 for immediate food assistance resources in your area - Many food pantries don't require appointments and can help bridge the gap For future protection, I've started checking my EBT balance every single day and I use the card lock feature in the ebtEDGE app whenever I'm not actively shopping. Also be extra careful at gas stations - they seem to be hotspots for skimmers. The wait is terrible but most people in this thread got their money back within 2 weeks, and with the new expedited rules for families it should hopefully be faster. Stay on top of them with follow-up calls every few days. You shouldn't have to suffer because of these criminals!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is unfortunately becoming way too common and it's devastating when you're counting on those benefits to feed your family. I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago - had $520 stolen overnight and was completely panicked. Here's what I learned that might help you: 1. Call your county eligibility worker directly (not just the EBT fraud line) - their number should be on your last CalFresh notice. Tell them you have children and request expedited processing under the new 2025 theft protection laws. 2. Submit your affidavit through the BenefitsCal app instead of mailing it - it's much faster and you get confirmation it was received. 3. Follow up every 2-3 days. Be polite but persistent. Document who you spoke with and when. For immediate help while you wait: - Call 211 for local food banks and emergency assistance - Many churches and community centers do emergency food boxes regardless of membership - Ask your kids' schools about weekend food programs I got my benefits back in 10 business days, which was way better than the horror stories I'd heard. The new expedited rules for families with children really do help if you know to ask for them. Stay strong - I know it feels impossible right now but you WILL get through this. The community here has great advice and you're not alone in dealing with this nightmare!