Replacing lost EBT card for the 5th time - Will CalFresh flag my account?

I've been through this!! My card got replaced 6 times in one year because my toddler kept hiding it (found two of them months later behind the washing machine 🤦‍♀️). When I hit #5, they did ask me more questions, but I didn't have any problems getting a replacement. Just had to sign an extra form acknowledging I understand how to protect my card. The worker did mention they watch for patterns that could indicate selling cards, but losing cards because of kids is pretty common apparently.

They gonna think ur selling them cards for cash just sayin

According to CalFresh regulations, there's no official limit on how many replacement EBT cards you can request. However, multiple replacements in a short timeframe can trigger what's called an "unusual card activity review" by the county office. This isn't an automatic penalty, but they may ask more questions to ensure benefits are being used appropriately. When you go in, bring: 1. Your photo ID 2. Proof of current address (especially since you mentioned moving) 3. Be prepared to explain the circumstances honestly I'd also recommend considering ways to secure your card going forward - maybe a special wallet section or locked drawer. This could help demonstrate you're taking steps to address the issue.

I lost mine alot too lol. Just tell them the truth when they ask. They might give u a look but whatever. Not like its illegal to be forgetful!!! Also u can call the EBT number and report it lost instead of going in person, they mail u a new one in like 3-5 days

I've been going through something similar and got so frustrated with the automated phone system when trying to report my lost card. After getting disconnected THREE TIMES, I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual CalFresh worker in about 10 minutes! They basically call and wait on hold for you, then call you when they get a real person. I was skeptical but it worked perfectly - here's their site: claimyr.com and they have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Way better than wasting half your day on hold or having to go to the office in person with kids in tow (which is my personal nightmare).

I work with many CalFresh clients and this situation comes up more frequently than you might think. Here's what typically happens with multiple card replacements: 1. At 4+ replacements within 12 months, some counties will flag the account for review 2. This isn't automatic disqualification, but you may need to complete a signed statement explaining the circumstances 3. If there's a legitimate reason (kids, moving, etc.), there shouldn't be any benefit impact One thing to be aware of: if you have 4+ replacements AND unusual transaction patterns (like using benefits immediately after replacement), that combination is more likely to trigger a formal investigation. But simply needing multiple replacements alone rarely results in adverse action. I'd recommend requesting this one by phone if possible, as the written documentation creates a clear paper trail of your explanation that protects you better than an in-person conversation might.

This ENTIRE SYSTEM is set up to make us feel like criminals for small issues!!!! I had a similar problem and the worker made me feel like I was running some EBT card scam operation when in reality my ex took my card during our breakup. They act like we're guilty until proven innocent even though WE'RE the ones struggling to feed our families while they sit there judging us. The whole "suspicious activity review" thing is just a way to intimidate people and make it harder to get benefits we're ENTITLED TO.

Update on my earlier comment - I forgot to mention that after my 5th replacement, they did recommend I sign up for the BenefitsCal app if you haven't already. It lets you request replacement cards online instead of going in person. Also has a PIN change feature so if you find your old card, you can change the PIN on it immediately so nobody else can use it. That impressed the worker when I was explaining my situation.

my cousin works for the county and she told me they got a whole fraud department just for people who report cards lost/stolen like 10+ times so ur probably fine with just 4-5 times lol

Thank you everyone for the helpful advice! I went to the office yesterday with my ID and new lease. They did have me fill out an extra form explaining the circumstances, but the worker was actually really nice about it. She suggested I keep my EBT card in a separate wallet section or even a different wallet entirely from what my kids can access. Also signed up for the BenefitsCal app so I can manage things better going forward. No benefit interruption! So relieved.

That's such great news! I'm so happy it worked out for you. The worker's suggestion about keeping the EBT card separate from what your kids can get into is really smart - maybe even consider one of those small zippered pouches that you can keep in a secure pocket or hidden part of your bag. Thanks for updating us on how it went, it'll definitely help other people in similar situations know what to expect. Glad your family's benefits are secure!

I'm so glad you shared this experience! As someone who also has young kids who love to "reorganize" everything they can get their hands on, I totally understand how EBT cards can just disappear. It's really reassuring to hear that the county workers are generally understanding about legitimate circumstances like kids and moving situations. Your tip about the separate wallet is something I'm definitely going to implement - maybe even one of those small wristlet wallets that's harder for little hands to dig through. Thanks for being brave enough to ask this question and then following up with how it went. It really helps normalize these kinds of situations that are way more common than we think!