How do I lock my EBT card immediately? Need urgent help!
Hey everyone, I think someone might have stolen my wallet earlier today at the grocery store. My EBT card was in there and I'm really worried someone will use all my CalFresh benefits before I can get a replacement. How do I lock or freeze my EBT card RIGHT NOW?? Can I do it online or do I have to call someone? I have a family of 4 and we absolutely cannot lose these benefits this month. Please help ASAP!!
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ApolloJackson
Call the EBT Customer Service number on the back of your card immediately at 1-877-328-9677. They have a 24-hour automated system where you can report your card lost/stolen and lock it. You'll need your card number (if you have it somewhere) or your social security number to verify your identity. They'll deactivate the old card and mail you a new one within 3-5 business days. Don't wait on this - call right now!
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Grace Patel
•Thank you!!! But I don't have the card number since the card is gone and I don't remember the number... Will my social security number be enough? I'm so stressed right now 😫
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Isabella Russo
u gotta call that number on the back! happened 2 me last year and they froze it right away. the new card comes pretty fast
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Grace Patel
•Thanks! Did you lose any benefits when this happened to you? I'm worried someone already spent some
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Rajiv Kumar
You need to report it immediately. Call the EBT Customer Service number (1-877-328-9677) or go to the BenefitsCal website and report it there. Your social security number will work for identification. The system will deactivate your current card and issue a new one. If someone has already used benefits from your card before you report it stolen, unfortunately those benefits typically can't be replaced. That's why it's important to act quickly. Make sure you also file a police report if the card was stolen - you'll need this documentation if you need to appeal for any replacement benefits.
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Grace Patel
•Thank you for this detailed info! I'll call right now and file a police report tomorrow. I didn't know I could also do it on BenefitsCal - I might try that too if I can't get through on the phone.
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Aria Washington
Same thing happened to me but with my CalWORKs card and it was a nightmare to fix!! Make sure you check your balance before and after so you know if any money was taken. Good luck!!
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Rajiv Kumar
•Just to clarify, CalFresh and CalWORKs both use the same EBT card system, but they're separate programs. CalFresh benefits can only be used for food purchases while CalWORKs cash benefits can be withdrawn from ATMs. The reporting process is the same though - call the EBT customer service line.
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Liam O'Reilly
When you call that EBT number, be prepared to wait FOREVER. Last time I had to call about my CalFresh benefits, I was on hold for over 2 hours and then got disconnected! So frustrating when you're dealing with something urgent like a stolen card. I started using Claimyr when I need to contact benefits offices - it holds your place in line and calls you back when a worker is available. Saved me hours of waiting. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 or go to claimyr.com. Especially helpful for urgent situations like yours.
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Chloe Delgado
•does this really work? ive spent HOURS on hold with the EBT people before
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Liam O'Reilly
•Yes, it works great for me! I was skeptical at first too, but now I use it whenever I need to contact my county office. It's especially useful for the EBT customer service line during busy times.
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Ava Harris
Once you get your new card, make sure to create a secure PIN that's not easy to guess. Don't use birthdates or simple sequences. And never share your PIN with anyone! I also take a photo of both sides of my card (hide the full card number but keep the phone number visible) so I have the contact info if this happens again. Sorry you're dealing with this - it's really stressful when benefits are at risk.
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Grace Patel
•That's a great idea to take photos of the card info! I'll definitely do that with my new card. Thanks for the PIN advice too.
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Grace Patel
UPDATE: I called the number and got through! They locked my card and are sending a new one. The representative checked and thankfully no one used my benefits yet. They said I should get the new card in 3-5 business days. Thank you all for the quick help, I was panicking!
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Isabella Russo
awsum! glad u got it handled!!
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ApolloJackson
Great news! When you get your new card, remember to activate it right away through the automated system. Also, for future reference, you can check your EBT balance and transaction history anytime by calling the number on your card or through the ConnectEBT mobile app. The app is really helpful for monitoring your account regularly.
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