Money disappeared from my EBT card overnight - is this theft? How to get my CalFresh benefits back

This is most likely EBT fraud - someone may have skimmed your card or hacked your account. You need to take these steps immediately: 1. Call the EBT Customer Service number (877-328-9677) right away to report the unauthorized transaction and have your card deactivated 2. Request a new card to be issued 3. File a police report - this is often required for benefit replacement 4. Call your county CalFresh office and let them know what happened. They'll need to start the process for benefit replacement California does have a benefit replacement policy for stolen EBT benefits, but you must report it within 10 days of discovering the theft. Document everything - dates, times, transaction details from your EBT account history.

omg same thing happened to my sister last month!!! someone took like $400 from her card at some store she never even been to in san bernardino. she got the money back but it took like 3 weeks tho. make sure u report it FAST

This happened to me too! Check if there are any weird transactions from out-of-state or stores you've never been to. That's how I realized someone had stolen my card info even though I still had the physical card. These thieves are getting really sophisticated with skimmers.

After you call EBT customer service, you need to fill out a "EBT ARU Adjustment Request Form" for unauthorized transactions. Most people miss this step! Your county office has these forms - they'll review your case within 10 business days. By law, CalFresh has to replace stolen benefits if you file within 10 days of discovery and follow their procedures. But if this happens repeatedly, they might flag your account for investigation. Also, change your PIN immediately and don't share it with anyone - even family members. Set a reminder to check your balance twice a week. A lot of people don't realize their benefits were stolen until weeks later when it's too late to report.

Totally sucks this happened to you! The EBT customer service line is IMPOSSIBLE to get through on sometimes. I spent 3 hours trying to report my stolen benefits last year and kept getting disconnected. Try calling right when they open at 8am if you can. And don't wait - every day you delay makes it harder to get your benefits back!

Also, once you get this resolved, consider setting up EBT text alerts for all transactions. You'll get a text message every time your card is used, so you can immediately spot fraudulent charges. Just go to www.ebt.ca.gov and set it up under your account preferences. I've had my benefits stolen twice, and the text alerts helped me catch it immediately the second time.

another thing u shud do is never use ur EBT card at those atms that look sketchy or at gas stations. those r the ones that get tampered with the most!!! my caseworker told me only use the atms inside grocery stores if possible

Just to clarify some misinformation I'm seeing: CalFresh benefits CAN be replaced if stolen electronically, thanks to a 2021 policy change in California. However, there are strict requirements: - You must report within 10 days of discovery - You need to fill out the proper form (EBT 2259 - Statement of Stolen Benefits) - You must have the police report number (in most counties) - They will look at your transaction history and investigate - Replacement is limited to 2 months of benefits maximum They're usually quite good about replacing stolen benefits, but the investigation process takes time. While waiting, ask your county worker about emergency food resources in your area. Many counties can provide emergency CalFresh benefits in situations like this.

As a follow up to my earlier comment - be sure to document EVERYTHING. Write down the names of everyone you speak with, reference/case numbers, and dates/times. This will help if there are delays in replacing your benefits. Also, reach out to 211 for immediate food assistance while you wait for your benefits to be replaced - they can connect you with local food banks and emergency assistance programs.