Someone stole benefits from my EBT card - urgent help reporting CalFresh theft!

You need to report this immediately! Call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card (1-877-328-9677) right away. They'll deactivate your card and can start the fraud investigation process. When you call, make sure you have the date and amount of the unauthorized transaction. They should send you a new card, but getting the benefits back can take some time while they investigate.

This happened to me last September! Someone took $350 out of my account at some store I've never been to. I called EBT customer service and they were actually pretty helpful. After I reported it, they sent me a form to fill out and return within 10 days. It took about 3 weeks, but I did get my benefits back eventually. Make sure you check your transaction history on the EBT app or website so you know exactly which transactions weren't yours.

No, I didn't have to file a police report. Just the affidavit form they sent me. But every county might handle it differently.

Omg this is why I always take most of my benefits off my card right after they load!!! I transfer almost everything to my other account and just leave enough for a few days. Too many scammers out there stealing from hardworking people!!

I know exactly what you need to do, as I help clients with EBT theft cases regularly. Here are the exact steps: 1. Call EBT Customer Service (1-877-328-9677) to report the theft and get your card deactivated 2. They'll mail you a "Claim of Stolen Benefits" form (sometimes called EBT 2259) 3. Fill out the form completely - list every unauthorized transaction 4. Submit it to your county CalFresh office WITHIN 90 DAYS of the theft 5. The county has 10 days to process your claim and make a determination By federal law, counties MUST replace stolen electronic benefits if properly reported. Make sure to keep copies of all your paperwork. Also, once you get your new card, create a new PIN that's not easy to guess (not your birthday or address).

You can submit it any way your county accepts documents - mail, fax, email, in-person, or through the BenefitsCal portal if your county uses that system. I recommend using a method that gives you confirmation of receipt like certified mail, fax confirmation page, or upload confirmation from BenefitsCal. That way you have proof you submitted it within the required timeframe.

this happened to my friend and it took FOREVER to get benefits back!!! they say 10 days but shes been waiting since febuary and still nothing. the system is so broken smh

If your getting nowhere with the EBT customer service try Claimyr to reach an actual CalFresh worker at your county. I was going in circles with the EBT people after my card was skimmed but once I got through to my actual caseworker she processed my claim within 48 hours. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Saved me hours of hold time when I really needed help.

While you're waiting for your benefits to be restored, please also contact your local food bank. They can provide emergency food assistance to help get you through until your CalFresh benefits are replaced. Every county has emergency food assistance available specifically for situations like this. You don't need to let your children go hungry while waiting for the bureaucracy to work.

I'm curious how someone could steal from your EBT card if you still have it? Was your card skimmed maybe? There's been a lot of reports about skimming devices being placed on ATMs and card readers. Thieves can copy your card information and PIN that way. Make sure when you get your new card, you always check the card reader for anything suspicious before inserting your card.

UPDATE: As of March 2025, California has enhanced protection for EBT theft victims. Under the new rules, counties must process theft claims within 10 calendar days (not business days), and replacement benefits should be issued within 5 days of approval. You're entitled to get back any benefits stolen within the 90 days prior to your report. The county should issue emergency replacement benefits if the theft causes immediate food insecurity. Make sure to specifically mention food insecurity for your children when filing your claim.