Lost EBT card for 3 hours before reporting - can I check my CalFresh balance without card number?
Hey everyone, I'm freaking out a bit. I lost my EBT card yesterday afternoon while shopping and only realized it when I got home. I waited about 3 hours hoping it would turn up somewhere in my house or car before finally calling to cancel it and request a replacement around 7pm. Now I'm worried someone might have found it and used it during those 3 hours. Is there any way to check my CalFresh balance without having the card number? I just want to make sure no one drained my benefits. My kids' school starts next week and I was counting on those funds for groceries. Thanks for any help!
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Luca Esposito
U should be able 2 check ur balance on the BenefitsCal website or app if u have an account set up. Just log in there and it shows ur current balance. If someone did use ur card call the fraud dept asap
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Zara Ahmed
•Thank you! I completely forgot about the BenefitsCal site. Just checked and it looks like my balance is what it should be. Such a relief!
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Nia Thompson
In addition to the BenefitsCal website, you can also call the EBT customer service number (866-328-9677) and use your Social Security Number instead of the card number to check your balance. They'll ask for identity verification, but you don't need the physical card number. This happened to me last year, and thankfully nobody used my benefits during the time it was lost.
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Zara Ahmed
•That's really helpful, thank you! I'll save that number for future reference. Do you know how long it usually takes for the replacement card to arrive?
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Nia Thompson
•The replacement card usually takes 5-7 business days to arrive in the mail. If you're in an emergency situation and need access to your benefits sooner, you can request an in-person emergency replacement at your county office. Some counties can print a card while you wait, but you'll need to bring ID.
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Mateo Rodriguez
wait can someone actually use ur card if they find it??? dont u need the PIN?? thats scary
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GalaxyGuardian
•Yes, they'd need your PIN to use it at most stores, but some smaller retailers don't consistently check PINs for smaller purchases. It's always best to report a lost card immediately. According to CalFresh regulations, if someone does use your benefits without authorization, you might not get those benefits back unless you report the theft within 10 days and file a police report.
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Mateo Rodriguez
•omg i didnt know that!!! im gonna be so much more careful with mine now
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Aisha Abdullah
Ugh, dealing with EBT customer service is THE WORST. Last time I had to call them about a replacement card, I was on hold for 2 HOURS and then got disconnected!! So infuriating. Then when I called back, another 45 minute wait. The whole system is designed to make us give up.
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Ethan Wilson
•Seriously, their phone system is broken af. I gave up trying to call them directly and used this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person in less than 10 minutes. website is claimyr.com and they have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Saved me so much stress when I needed to report my income change.
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Aisha Abdullah
•That actually sounds useful - did it really work? I'm always skeptical of these things but honestly anything would be better than their current system.
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Ethan Wilson
•Yeah it really did work! They basically call and wait in the queue for you, then call you when they reach a real person. Saved me from losing my mind on hold music.
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Yuki Tanaka
OMG this exact same thing happened to me but I waited a WHOLE DAY before reporting it and someone spent like $175 of my benefits!!! I reported it to fraud but they said since I waited so long they couldn't reimburse me. So glad you checked right away and your money is safe. The new card should come pretty quick - mine came in like 4 days.
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Zara Ahmed
•That's terrible! I'm so sorry that happened to you. I was really worried about the same thing happening to me, especially with school starting and everything. I'm definitely going to be more careful with my card from now on.
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GalaxyGuardian
For future reference, here's what you should know about lost EBT cards: 1. Report lost/stolen cards immediately by calling 1-877-328-9677 (available 24/7) 2. Your old card will be deactivated and cannot be used even if found 3. You can check your balance through BenefitsCal, the EBT app, or by calling customer service with your Social Security Number 4. Replacement cards typically arrive within 5-7 business days 5. There's no fee for your first replacement card each year 6. If you've reported the card lost/stolen and unauthorized purchases were made BEFORE reporting, you may not be reimbursed Also, when you get your new card, consider setting up the CalFresh EBT mobile app. It lets you check your balance anytime and will alert you to any transactions, which helps you catch potential fraud quickly.
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Luca Esposito
•This is rly good info thx for posting! I didn't know about the app gonna download it now
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Zara Ahmed
Update: I got my replacement card today, only took 4 business days! And thankfully no one used my benefits during the time my card was lost. Thanks everyone for your help and advice! I've downloaded the EBT app so I can keep better track of things going forward.
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