EBT card theft - $242.10 stolen from my CalFresh account! What are my options?

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Yes, CalFresh CAN replace stolen benefits, but you need to act quickly. Here's what you should do: 1. Report it to EBT Customer Service immediately at 1-877-328-9677 to deactivate your card 2. File a police report (good that you're doing this) 3. Contact your county office to report the theft 4. Ask specifically for form CF 303 - "Request for Restoration of Cash Aid/CalFresh Benefits" In California, you can get stolen benefits replaced if you report within 10 days of discovering the theft. Keep copies of everything and get the name of everyone you talk to.

omg the same thing happened to my sister last month! someone stole like $300 from her ebt card and she had to fight for WEEKS to get it back. the county kept saying they were "investigating" but like what is there to investigate when its obvi not her using the card in another state???

This happened to me in January. The welfare office is USELESS. They'll make you fill out paperwork and then tell you to "wait for processing" while your kids go hungry. The system is rigged against us. They treat us like WE did something wrong when our benefits get stolen. One worker actually suggested I should have been "more careful" with my PIN. HOW IS THIS MY FAULT??

I work for a nonprofit that helps people navigate CalFresh issues, and unfortunately, EBT theft is becoming more common. The official process is: 1. Report to EBT Customer Service to deactivate card 2. File Form CF 303 with your county office 3. Submit any evidence (police report helps) 4. Request expedited processing due to hardship By law, the county has 10 days to approve or deny your request once they receive all verification. If you explain that your family has no food, they should process it as an emergency. Make sure you request this specifically. Also, while waiting, ask about emergency food resources. You may qualify for emergency food benefits if you have no food in the house.

Yes, those screenshots will be helpful. Bring: 1. Those transaction screenshots 2. Your police report (or case number if you haven't received the report yet) 3. Your ID and EBT card 4. Any correspondence from EBT Customer Service about deactivating your card 5. A calendar or something showing you were in California (work schedule, school records, medical appointments, etc.) Also, if you're having trouble reaching someone at your county office, I recommend trying Claimyr.com. They have a service that helps you skip the long hold times when calling CalFresh offices. They essentially wait on hold for you and then call you when a real person answers. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 In emergency situations like yours, getting through quickly can make a big difference.

I had my EBT card skimmed last year and got all my benefits back, but it took about 3 weeks. While you're waiting, immediately apply for emergency food assistance - most counties can issue emergency benefits within 3 days if you qualify (which you should since you have no food). Also check with local food banks - many have special programs for families with children. You can text your zip code to 898211 to find food banks near you.

They gave me a new card immediately at the county office. Make sure to ask for one while you're there - don't leave without it! The new card will have a zero balance until they approve your claim, but at least you'll have it ready when they deposit the replacement benefits.

Just a heads up - when you go to the welfare office, they might try to tell you that federal law doesn't require them to replace stolen EBT benefits. This is WRONG! California passed a law (AB 1614) that specifically allows for replacement of stolen benefits. Don't let them turn you away! If they give you trouble, ask to speak to a supervisor and cite California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 10072.

my cousin works for calfresh and she says theyre getting TONS of theft reports lately. some scammers are using skimming devices at stores to steal card info. did u use ur card at any sketchy stores recently? not blaming u at all just wondering how they couldve gotten ur info

One more thing - if they delay processing your replacement request, ask for an "Expedited State Hearing." You have the right to an expedited hearing when your household is experiencing an emergency. The hearing must be scheduled within 5 working days of your request. Also, if you're really in a bind waiting for benefits to be restored, you can contact 211 (just dial 2-1-1 on your phone) for immediate emergency food assistance. They can connect you with programs that provide same-day food help. Hope this gets resolved quickly for you and your family!