I'm so glad you got your card frozen and are taking all the right steps! That $3.50 test transaction is definitely solid evidence that your card was compromised. When you file the police report tomorrow, make sure to mention both transactions and emphasize that you've never been to that Shell station - the location data will help prove it wasn't you. One more tip: when you get your replacement card, consider setting up account alerts so you get notified immediately of any transactions. Many people don't realize this is an option, but it can help you catch fraud within minutes instead of days. You've got this! The fact that you acted so quickly and have clear evidence of the test transaction puts you in a really good position for getting your benefits replaced. Keep us posted on how it goes with the police report and your county worker!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - benefit theft is absolutely terrifying and unfortunately way too common right now. The advice everyone's given you is spot on, especially about acting fast with the police report and EBT customer service. One thing I'd add: when you talk to your county worker, ask specifically about "expedited replacement" if you can show immediate hardship (like your rent being due). Some counties can process emergency replacements faster than the standard 30-45 days, especially if you have documentation showing you need the money for housing or essential needs. Also, that test transaction at the Shell station is actually really strong evidence in your favor - make sure to emphasize to both the police and your worker that you've never been to that location. GPS data from transactions can be crucial proof that it wasn't you. You're doing everything right by reporting immediately. Don't let anyone make you feel like you're to blame for this - these thieves are getting more sophisticated and targeting benefit recipients specifically. Stay strong and keep advocating for yourself!

Just wanted to add that when your parents submit their application, they should ask for expedited processing if possible. Since you mentioned you're visiting food pantries and struggling financially, they might qualify for emergency assistance which can speed up the approval process. Also, if your son is already enrolled in any programs like WIC or receives free school meals, bring those documents too - it helps establish his needs and your family's financial situation. The eligibility worker should also inform your parents about other resources like food stamps (CalFresh) that your son might qualify for as part of their household. Every little bit helps when you're trying to make ends meet!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share that I went through a very similar situation last year with my grandmother caring for my daughter. The Non-Needy Caretaker Relative case was a lifesaver for us! A few things that helped our application go smoother: 1) We had my daughter's pediatrician write a letter confirming she receives regular care at my grandmother's address, 2) The preschool provided documentation showing my grandmother as the primary emergency contact and daily pickup person, and 3) We kept a simple log for a month showing which nights she stayed where (even though it was consistent, having it written down helped). The whole process took about 6-8 weeks, but the $587/month we now receive for my daughter has made such a huge difference. Also definitely apply for CalFresh at the same time - my daughter qualified for about $200/month in food benefits as part of my grandmother's household. Don't give up if they ask for additional documentation - it's normal and they're just making sure everything is legitimate. Wishing you and your family the best!

Btw has anyone notice that the CalWORKs worker never seem to know the answers wen u ask them stuff?? Last time I recertified the lady told me I had to bring my kids school records but then when I got there another worker said that wasn't necessary at all and I wasted time getting all that paperwork for nothing 🙄

Hey Camila! I'm new to this community but I'm also in Sacramento County and went through my first annual recertification a few months ago. I was SO nervous too but it ended up being way less scary than I thought! Everyone here has given great advice already. One thing that really helped me was making a checklist of all the documents I needed and gathering everything early. I put everything in a folder organized by category (income, housing, utilities, etc.) so when I had my phone interview I could easily find whatever they asked for. Also wanted to add - if you're still working at Walmart, they should be able to print you a verification of employment letter if the county asks for one. I had to get one from my job and HR was super helpful about it. You got this! The fact that you're asking questions and preparing ahead of time shows you're going to do great. And it sounds like you have plenty of time since your cert doesn't end until April. 😊

Thanks everyone for all your help! I was finally able to reach my worker today and file the paperwork for the stolen benefits. She confirmed I can get my Cash Aid through direct deposit (thanks for the form name @helpful_person!) but CalFresh has to stay on EBT. I'm filling out the direct deposit form today and also filed a police report. Fingers crossed I get the stolen money back soon, but at least I know how to prevent this from happening again!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is unfortunately way too common. I just wanted to add that when you do switch to direct deposit for your Cash Aid, keep your EBT card in a safe place at home as a backup - sometimes there can be delays with direct deposits and having the card as a fallback can be helpful. Also, once you get your replacement benefits, consider splitting them between your bank account (Cash Aid) and keeping just a small amount on the EBT card for emergencies. Stay strong mama, you're doing everything right by being proactive about this!

You mentioned being $87 over the income limit for CalFresh. Just want to check - did they apply all possible deductions? Make sure they counted your housing costs (rent/mortgage, utilities), childcare expenses, and any medical expenses for elderly or disabled household members if applicable. Sometimes eligibility workers miss these deductions, especially if you didn't provide detailed information about your expenses on the application.

I went through something very similar when I was pregnant with my second child! Here's what I learned: You can absolutely apply for CalWORKs now while pregnant - don't wait. The Pregnant Woman Only program starts benefits in your third trimester, and since you're due in 2 months, you should qualify right away. For CalFresh, with those deductions others mentioned ($1850 rent + utilities + $600 childcare), you should definitely appeal that denial or ask for a recalculation. That's over $2400 in monthly deductions which should bring your net income way below the limit for a family of 3. Also, once you're approved for CalWORKs, you'll automatically get CalFresh too since the income limits work differently when you're receiving cash aid. So applying for CalWORKs might actually solve both problems! Make sure to specifically mention you want to apply for the "Pregnant Woman Only CalWORKs program" when you contact them.