Will my frozen EBT card still receive CalFresh deposits after reporting theft?

Yes, your benefits will still be deposited on your regular issuance date even if your card is frozen. The freeze only blocks purchases and withdrawals - it doesn't affect deposits. Just remember to unfreeze it when you actually need to use the card, otherwise your transaction will be declined at the store. Sorry to hear about your benefits being stolen. Make sure you follow up on that theft claim because they should be able to replace those stolen benefits under the new federal regulations for EBT theft.

my card got stolen last yr too!! freezing is just stoppin u from using it not gettin benefits. i keep mine frozen all the time xcept when im at the store. better safe than sorry!!!!

DID YOU REPORT THE THEFT TO POLICE TOO?? My sister just had her benefits stolen and the county told her she needs a police report number or they won't replace anything! The whole system is rigged against us I swear.

Just want to add something I learned - make sure to check your balance frequently! I had benefits stolen last year and didn't notice for weeks because I only check when I shop. By then it was harder to prove when the theft happened.

When my benefits were stolen last year, I spent WEEKS trying to get through to the county office by phone. Just constant busy signals and disconnects. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real person at the EBT theft department in less than 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Honestly saved me from losing my mind with those automated phone systems. My replacement benefits were approved within 10 days after that call.

I work with CalFresh clients and here's what you need to know about your situation: 1) Freezing your card has NO effect on deposits - benefits will arrive on schedule 2) EBT theft claims typically take 10-15 business days to process in California 3) You can track your claim status through the BenefitsCal portal or EBT app 4) Make sure you update your address if you moved recently, as replacement cards might be mailed 5) Set up text/email alerts for any future transactions Also, the $800 theft should be recoverable - federal regulations now mandate replacement of stolen benefits as long as you reported within 90 days.

I had my CalWorks benefits stolen last month and I'm still fighting with the county about it. They keep saying they need more verification that it was actually theft. So frustrating!

Just curious, how did you know your card was stolen? Did you physically lose it or was it skimmed? I'm always paranoid about carrying mine.

To directly answer your original question again: Your monthly CalFresh benefits will definitely still be deposited even with a frozen card. The freeze only affects your ability to use the card, not the county's ability to load benefits onto your account. As others have mentioned, keeping your card frozen when not in use is actually a good security practice moving forward.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! $800 is devastating to lose. I went through something similar about 6 months ago - my card got skimmed at a gas station and I lost $400 before I caught it. The good news is that your benefits will absolutely still deposit on time even with the card frozen. I actually learned to love keeping my card frozen between uses after my theft. One tip that really helped me: take photos of your card transactions right after you make them, especially the receipt showing your remaining balance. It makes it easier to spot unauthorized activity quickly when you check your balance later. Also, if you haven't already, download the ebtEDGE mobile app - the transaction alerts are a lifesaver for catching theft early. Stay strong - the system has gotten much better about replacing stolen benefits since the federal changes. You should see that $800 back within a couple weeks!