EBT card skimmed - kids hungry while CalFresh taking 30 days for fraud investigation!

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately EBT skimming is becoming a huge problem in California. When my benefits were stolen last year, I submitted a police report along with the EBT theft claim, which seemed to speed up the process. Also, immediately call EBT customer service (not just the county) and request a replacement card with a new account number to prevent further theft. While waiting for the investigation, apply for emergency food assistance through local food banks - many have special programs for families waiting on benefit replacement. The county should also be able to expedite your case if you explain there are children in the household without food.

this happened 2 my cousin last month!! exact same thing with purchases showing up in arizona!! its all these skimmers they put on store machines. u need to ALWAYS cover ur pin and check for weird plastic pieces on the card readers. county replaced hers in like 3 weeks not the full 30 days they said

There's actually a new California state law (AB 1168) that requires counties to provide provisional benefits within 10 days of your theft report while they investigate, specifically because of the dramatic increase in EBT skimming. Make sure to ask about "provisional replacement benefits" by name when you follow up with your caseworker. Many workers aren't fully trained on this yet. You'll need to sign an affidavit confirming the benefits were stolen and that you had possession of your card, but you shouldn't have to wait the full 30 days to feed your children. Also file a police report as suggested above - this creates official documentation of the theft.

Anyone else notice these EBT thefts ALWAYS happen right after benefits are loaded?? Seems fishy that they can somehow track exactly when our money gets deposited. The system is broken and nobody cares because we're poor. I had $750 stolen in December and they DENIED my claim saying I must have given someone my PIN even though I NEVER did!! Appealing now but it's been 2 months!!!

Have you tried calling your county CalFresh office to ask for an expedited resolution? I was in the exact same situation last month (kids, stolen benefits, told to wait 30 days) and kept getting busy signals and disconnects when trying to reach someone after my initial report. I started using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual person. They helped me connect directly to a supervisor who put through emergency replacement benefits within 3 days once I explained my children had no food. Check out their demo video if you're struggling to get through: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Seriously saved us from going hungry while waiting for the investigation.

i dont get why they make u wait so long when its obvious fraud??? like how would u buy food in nevada and california in the same hour lol. the whole system is messed up and they dont care about us. my friend had her benefits stolen twice and second time they accused HER of fraud and cut off her benefits for 6 months!!! be carful what u say to them

UPDATE: Called using that Claimyr service someone recommended below and FINALLY got through to a supervisor after trying for days! She said I qualify for emergency replacement benefits under AB 1168 and they can issue provisional benefits while investigating. Should have them within 3 business days! Also filed police report which will help the investigation. Going to food bank tomorrow to get through until replacement comes. THANK YOU all for advice - might have gone hungry for weeks without your help! Will update when benefits actually arrive.