EBT card theft - next steps after filing report? Need emergency CalFresh replacement ASAP!

Yes, you should definitely contact your county office directly too. The EBT customer service dispute is required, but it's not enough by itself. The county worker can help push your case through faster since this is clearly an emergency situation. When this happened to me in January, I called my county office and explained I had already filed the dispute with EBT customer service and had a police report. They were able to issue emergency replacement benefits within 48 hours instead of waiting the full 10 business days that it normally takes. Make sure you have both reference numbers ready when you call.

omg this keeps happening to so many ppl!!! my cousin had her ebt stolen 2x this year already!! they rly need to make the cards more secure, like why don't they have chips yet?? or at least a pin that actually works?? so frustrating!!

I handle EBT theft cases as part of my job at a community assistance organization, so I can tell you exactly what you need to do: 1. You've already done the first two steps correctly (EBT customer service dispute and police report) 2. Yes, you absolutely should call your county office directly. Ask specifically for an "expedited replacement due to theft" 3. You'll need to complete form CF-303 (Benefit Theft Report) - they can email it to you or you can download it from the BenefitsCal portal 4. Submit the completed form along with your police report case number 5. Request that they note it as an emergency hardship case due to your rent situation By law, they can replace the full amount that was stolen, but only the CalFresh portion (not cash aid if you also receive that). The standard processing time is 10 business days, but emergency replacements should happen within 3 business days with proper documentation.

I had my ebt stole last year the same way and it was a nightmare trying to get through to the county office. I kept calling and calling for days but either got put on hold forever or the call would just drop. finally gave up and went in person and had to wait 4 hours!!! by the time they helped me it had been a week already without food. so frustrating

This happened to my sister last month. You need to be really persistent with both EBT customer service AND your county CalFresh office. Here's what worked for her: 1. Call your county office first thing tomorrow morning (they should be open by 8 AM) 2. Clearly state this is an "emergency replacement request due to theft" 3. Ask them to note in your case that you have dependent children and no other food resources 4. Submit the theft form (I think it's called CF-303 like someone mentioned) 5. Follow up EVERY DAY until it's resolved My sister got her benefits replaced in 4 days by being super persistent. Good luck!

My sister got the full amount back, yes. They replaced everything that was stolen. Just make sure you report exactly how much was taken if you know (check your EBT account online to see the unauthorized transactions). They should replace the full amount that was stolen as long as you've filed all the proper reports.

Yes, you can check your EBT transactions online at www.ebt.ca.gov or through the CalFresh mobile app. You'll need your card number and PIN to log in. It shows all transactions, remaining balance, and when your next benefits will be deposited. This is actually very important documentation for theft cases - take screenshots of any unauthorized transactions to include with your CF-303 form.

I've been through this EXACT situation and the whole system is set up to make it as difficult as possible!!! I had my card stolen in February and they made me jump through SO MANY HOOPS. First they told me I had to wait 10 business days (which is TWO WEEKS when you count weekends!!), then they claimed I didn't submit the right form, then they said they needed to "investigate" if it was actually fraud. MEANWHILE MY KIDS WERE HUNGRY!!! I ended up having to go to a food bank just to survive. The whole system is BROKEN!!!

Update to my earlier comment - I forgot to mention that you should specifically ask for an "Expedited Replacement Due to Theft with Hardship" when you call. Make sure to explain that you have children and no food in the house. This triggers a 3-day response requirement instead of the standard 10 days. Also, if you're not getting anywhere with the regular customer service rep, politely ask to speak with a supervisor. Sometimes they have more authority to expedite cases.

That's great news that you got through and they're expediting your case! Make sure to complete every single field on the CF-303 form accurately. The most common reason for delays is incomplete information. If possible, I'd recommend both uploading the completed form to your BenefitsCal account AND emailing it to the worker who's assisting you (get their direct email if possible). This creates two records of your submission, which can be helpful if there are any issues later. Wishing you luck, and please do keep us updated!

UPDATE: I got my benefits replaced today - just 3 days after submitting all the paperwork! They replaced the full amount that was stolen. For anyone else dealing with EBT theft, here's what worked for me: 1. Called EBT customer service first (got a reference number) 2. Filed police report online (got a case number) 3. Called county office and specifically asked for "Expedited Replacement Due to Theft with Hardship" 4. Completed CF-303 form + included police report number and EBT dispute number 5. Uploaded everything to BenefitsCal AND emailed copies to my worker 6. Called to follow up the next day to confirm they received everything Thank you everyone for your help and advice during this stressful time! I'm so relieved and can finally buy groceries for my family again.