EBT card skimmed - all my CalFresh benefits stolen today! What's the emergency replacement process?

This happened to me back in November! Call the EBT customer service number (on the back of your card) IMMEDIATELY to report it stolen. They'll deactivate your card right away. Then they'll send you a new card, but that takes like 5-7 business days. You also need to call your county worker to report the theft so they can start the benefit replacement process. Sorry this happened to you - there's been a huge increase in EBT skimming lately.

omg this is my worst nightmare! i always check my balance after using it anywhere now. did u use it at a sketchy store recently? i heard they put skimmers on the card readers to steal ur info

I work for a community organization that helps with CalFresh issues, and unfortunately, EBT skimming has become a major problem in 2025. Here's what you need to do: 1. File a police report - this is REQUIRED for benefit replacement 2. Call EBT customer service (1-877-328-9677) to report the theft 3. Contact your county CalFresh office for form CF 303 - "Request for Benefit Replacement" 4. Submit the form along with the police report within 10 days of discovering the theft The good news is that since October 2024, California has improved the replacement process for skimming victims. Your benefits should be replaced within 5-10 business days if all documentation is submitted correctly. Always check your EBT account regularly and consider changing your PIN monthly.

sorry this happened to u! the same thing happened to my sister last month. thieves are targeting our benefits its so WRONG

I hate to tell you this, but getting your benefits back isn't easy or fast. My card was skimmed in January and I STILL haven't gotten all my benefits back. The county made me fill out so many forms and kept saying they were "investigating" while my kids went hungry. I had to borrow money and go to food banks. The system is BROKEN and NOBODY CARES about us. They act like we're trying to scam them when WE'RE the victims!

If you're having trouble reaching your county worker about this (which is likely - they're swamped with EBT theft cases), I highly recommend using Claimyr. I was in your exact situation last month and was getting desperate after being on hold for hours. Claimyr got me through to an actual person at the CalFresh office in under 10 minutes. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 or just go to claimyr.com. Seriously saved me when I was dealing with my skimming case - I got my benefits back within a week after finally talking to someone who could help.

I'm going to give you the step-by-step process for EBT theft replacement in California, based on the latest regulations: 1. Report the theft to EBT Customer Service: 1-877-328-9677 (you've done this) 2. Get a police report (can be filed online in most counties) 3. Download form CF 303 from BenefitsCal.com or request it from your county office 4. Submit both documents to your county office (upload through BenefitsCal portal for fastest processing) 5. Check your case status daily through the BenefitsCal app Under California Administrative Notice 24-32, counties must process EBT theft replacements within 10 calendar days. The benefit should be loaded onto your new card as soon as it's approved, even before you receive the physical card. Also, request expedited processing due to household hardship (having children with no food qualifies). This can speed up the process to 3 business days. Hope this helps!

Update on my situation since I mentioned it earlier - I did eventually get my benefits back (took about 9 days total). The key was following up EVERY single day. I called my worker, emailed, and even went in person once. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with CalFresh. Make sure you document everything - who you talked to, dates, times, what they said. And don't be afraid to ask for a supervisor if you're getting nowhere. Hang in there!

my grandma had this happen 2 her and she got emergency calfresh benefits while waiting for the investigation!!! ask about emergency benefits!!!

UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what happened in case it helps someone else. I finally got through to my county worker yesterday (took forever!) and submitted the police report and CF 303 form. They approved emergency replacement benefits that will be loaded onto my new card as soon as I receive it (should arrive tomorrow). The worker said they're seeing dozens of these cases every week now. Thanks everyone for your help! I'm still angry this happened but at least my kids won't go hungry now. And I'm definitely changing my PIN regularly from now on.