EBT fraud twice in one day - how long did it take to get CalFresh benefits refunded?

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Unfortunately, EBT fraud is getting more sophisticated. The 10-30 day timeframe is standard, but in my experience, most claims are resolved in 10-15 days. When this happened to me last year, I got my benefits back on day 12. Make sure you have a case number for both fraud reports - you'll need them for follow-up. Also, immediately call your caseworker to report the fraud too, not just the EBT hotline.

This happened to my sister in february!!! she waited 23 days to get her money back and nobody helped her AT ALL during that time. she had to go to food banks. the system is rigged against us and they dont care if our kids starve. did u check if their was a skimmer on the atm??? thats how they got my sisters info

I'm dealing with this right now too. Been 16 days and still nothing back. I recommend calling 211 immediately to find out what emergency food resources are available in your area. Food banks, community meals, etc. Also, if you have school-age kids, make sure they're getting free breakfast and lunch at school while you wait. Some areas have P-EBT supplements too that aren't on your regular EBT card. Don't wait around hoping for a quick resolution - get emergency help now.

this is definitely a skimmer situation!!! the fact that they got you again right after getting a new card means they probably watched you at the bank and saw your pin when you activated it. always cover your pin!!!

I've had to deal with CalFresh fraud twice in the past year and let me tell you - it's almost impossible to get anyone on the phone. I spent 4+ hours on hold each time trying to reach a worker to expedite my claim. If you're having trouble getting through to your county office, I highly recommend using Claimyr.com - they get you through to a real person without the wait. Saved me hours of frustration and I was able to explain my emergency situation directly to a worker who expedited my claim. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

I worked in benefits administration for years, and here's what you need to know: 1. Call your county worker AND the EBT customer service line. They are separate systems and both need to know. 2. Request an emergency replacement benefit due to household hardship. This is different from fraud resolution and can be processed faster (3-5 days). Not all counties advertise this option. 3. Get a police report filed. This helps speed up the investigation and proves you're serious. 4. If your fraud amount is over $500 total (which yours is), escalate to a supervisor immediately - larger fraud claims can be prioritized. 5. Ask for emergency referrals to food assistance programs available immediately. Typical resolution really is 10-15 days despite what they claim. The emergency replacement can help bridge that gap.

does anyone know if u can get cash assistance while waiting for ebt fraud claims?? i only have $18 till next month

One thing I learned from my EBT fraud experience - after you get your new card, immediately create an online account through the ConnectEBT.com portal or the app. You can set up alerts for every transaction and set a daily spending limit. I have mine set to alert me for ANY transaction over $20 so I know immediately if there's suspicious activity.

Just want to add that I had EBT fraud back in January ($298 stolen) and it took exactly 15 calendar days to get my benefits back. They told me 30 days initially but it was faster. I suggest calling your County office directly and explaining you have children and no food - they can often connect you with emergency food resources while you wait. Some counties also have expedited processing for families with children.

I'm so sorry this happened to you and your family. EBT fraud is unfortunately becoming more common and sophisticated. Here are some immediate steps you can take while waiting for your benefits to be restored: 1. **Emergency food assistance**: Call 211 right now to find local food banks, soup kitchens, and emergency food programs in your area. Many don't require paperwork and can help immediately. 2. **School meals**: Make sure your kids are getting free breakfast and lunch at school if they're eligible. 3. **Emergency CalFresh**: Ask your caseworker about emergency food assistance or expedited replacement benefits due to "household hardship with minor children" - this is different from the fraud investigation and can sometimes be processed in 3-5 days. 4. **Document everything**: Keep all your case numbers, call logs, and any documentation. Take photos of your empty EBT balance as proof. In my experience helping families with benefits, fraud claims typically resolve in 10-15 days despite the 30-day window they quote. The key is to keep calling and emphasizing that you have children with no food. Don't give up - you deserve to have your stolen benefits restored quickly. Stay strong, and please update us when you get resolution. We're rooting for you and your family.

I'm so sorry you're going through this nightmare - having your food benefits stolen twice in one day with 3 kids to feed is absolutely devastating. I went through EBT fraud last year and want to share what helped speed things up for me: **Immediate actions:** - File a police report online (most departments allow this now) - having a police report number can help expedite your case - Call your county CalFresh office directly (not just the EBT fraud line) and specifically request "emergency replacement benefits due to household hardship with minor children" - this is a separate process from fraud investigation and can be processed in 3-5 days - Call 211 immediately for emergency food resources - food banks, community meals, etc. **For follow-up:** - Keep calling every 2-3 days with your case numbers. Be persistent but polite, and always mention you have 3 children with no food - Ask to speak with a supervisor since your total fraud amount ($799) is substantial - Set up alerts on your new EBT card through ConnectEBT.com to catch any suspicious activity immediately In my experience, most fraud claims actually resolve in 10-15 days despite the 30-day estimate they give. The emergency replacement benefits can help bridge that gap. Don't let them make you wait without any help - you have options for immediate assistance while the investigation is pending. Hang in there - this community is here to support you through this.