EBT theft reported weeks ago but no response from CalFresh worker - when will I get my stolen benefits back?

same thing happened to me last month! took foreeeever to get a response. try calling the main number instead of ur worker, sometimes they can transfer u to someone else who can help

The theft replacement process is unfortunately taking much longer now because they've had a huge increase in EBT skimming cases. According to regulations, they're supposed to provide a determination within 10 days of receiving a complete theft report, but counties are backlogged. A few things you can do: 1. Call the main CalFresh customer service number (not your worker) and ask for a supervisor 2. Request an emergency replacement due to hardship - explain your situation with kids 3. Contact your local food bank while waiting - they can help with immediate needs 4. Make sure your case number is included in every voicemail you leave I've helped several clients through this process, and persistence is key. Also, make sure you've changed your PIN and are checking your EBT balance regularly.

I had my EBT stolen last year and it took almost 5 weeks to get it replaced. The system is completely overwhelmed with fraud cases. Something that really helped me was using Claimyr to actually reach a real person. You know how impossible it is to get through on those county phone lines - I was getting disconnected after waiting on hold for hours! With Claimyr.com they called and waited on hold for me, then called me when they got a real person. Saved me literally hours of frustration. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Once I actually talked to someone, they expedited my case and I got my benefits back within 3 days.

Unfortunately, benefit theft replacement is taking anywhere from 30-60 days in most California counties right now due to the massive increase in skimming fraud. Here's what you need to know: 1. Your claim is valid - stolen benefits can be replaced if reported within 10 days of discovery (which you did) 2. By regulation, the county needs to make a determination on your claim within 10 days of submission, but they're falling behind due to volume 3. They should have provided an EBT-2259 form for you to complete. If you didn't get this specific form, your claim might not be properly in the system 4. Your recourse options: - Request to speak with a supervisor (not just your worker) - File for an expedited hearing if it's been more than 10 business days - Contact your county Board of Supervisors office for intervention - Reach out to Legal Aid in your county - they often have CalFresh advocates In the meantime, contact 211 for emergency food resources in your area. Keep detailed records of all your attempts to contact your worker.

The whole EBT card system is BROKEN!!!! I had $1200 stolen in November and I'm STILL fighting with them to get it back!!!! They keep saying "we're investigating" but it's been THREE MONTHS!!! And our "wonderful" government doesn't even care that families are going hungry while they take their sweet time "investigating" whether we're lying about the theft. Because obviously WE'RE the criminals here, not the actual thieves. 🤬🤬🤬

im going through this right now too and its so frustrating!!! my worker finally called me back after 3 weeks and said they have to "verify the transaction patterns" or something?? like they're trying to see if it looks suspicious. she said something about an affidavit but i dont remember filling that out. did u have to sign an affidavit thing?

I want to clarify something important - CalFresh and EBT theft replacement are handled through somewhat different processes. The EBT-2259 form goes to a special fraud investigation unit, not your regular eligibility worker. That might be why your regular worker isn't responding. You should specifically call the EBT Customer Service line at 1-877-328-9677 and ask for the status of your theft claim. They can often provide more information than your regular worker. Also, I recommend checking your mail carefully - sometimes they send requests for additional information that can delay your claim if you don't respond quickly.

Just a thought but have u checked ur benefit account online? Sometimes they post notices there that they never mail u. My friend had her claim denied cuz she didnt respond to something they only posted online!

i just remembered when my mom had her benefits stolen last year they told her if u report theft they automatically send u a new card with a new number even if u already got a replacement from the bank. did u get a new card with a different number? cuz if not maybe thats part of the problem

I checked the latest CalFresh policy guidelines for 2025, and there's a new process for expediting theft claims when there are children in the household. File form CF 303 "Expedited Hardship Review" with your county office. This can move your claim to priority status. Regarding your original claim, the standard process now includes: 1. Initial review (10 business days) 2. Investigation phase (up to 30 calendar days) 3. Determination and replacement (up to 10 additional days) However, with the hardship review, they can replace up to 50% of your benefits immediately while continuing to investigate the rest of your claim. I also recommend contacting your county's CalFresh Outreach Coordinator rather than your assigned worker. They often have more authority to address urgent situations.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - having your benefits stolen is stressful enough without the system making it even harder to get help. I just went through something similar a few months ago and wanted to share what finally worked for me. The key thing that made a difference was getting really specific about who I was talking to. Instead of just calling my regular worker, I started asking to be transferred directly to the "EBT Fraud Investigation Unit" when I called the main county number. They have people who specifically handle theft claims and they know the process way better than regular eligibility workers. Also, when you do get someone on the phone, ask them to put notes in your case file about the call - date, time, what was discussed, and when they'll follow up. Then reference those notes in your next call. It forces them to actually document what's happening instead of just giving you the runaround. One more thing - if you haven't already, start documenting everything yourself. Write down every call you make, every person you talk to, every promise they make. If this drags on much longer, you might need that documentation for a hearing or complaint. Hang in there! The system is broken but your benefits WILL get replaced eventually. In the meantime, definitely reach out to local food banks and see if any churches or community centers are doing food distributions.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and it's absolutely maddening! My EBT was skimmed three weeks ago and I'm getting nowhere with my county office. Reading through all these responses has been really eye-opening though - I had no idea there were so many different numbers to call and forms to request. For what it's worth, I found that calling RIGHT when they open (usually 8 AM) gives you the best chance of getting through without waiting on hold forever. Also, if you have a smartphone, you can use the "Call Back" feature some counties offer where they hold your place in line and call you back instead of making you wait on hold. One thing that helped me was reaching out to my local Assembly member's office. They have constituent services staff who can sometimes make inquiries on your behalf when you're not getting responses from the county. It doesn't always work but it's another avenue to try. Stay strong and keep pushing! The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these government agencies. Document everything and don't let them wear you down.