I see you mentioned you're going to call them. When you do, ask specifically for an "Income Computation Worksheet" - this is a form that shows exactly how they calculated your grant amount. Also request a hearing immediately if there's an error - you only have 90 days from the Notice of Action date to appeal. Let us know what you find out!

That overpayment recovery can be really brutal when you're not expecting it! Just FYI - you have the right to request a lower repayment amount if 10% is causing hardship. They can sometimes reduce it to 5% or even pause collections temporarily if you can show it's creating a financial emergency. Also make sure to keep all the paperwork they send you about the overpayment - if their math is wrong or they can't prove when/why it happened, you can dispute it. Good luck with everything!

did u get a confirmation number when u applied online? make sure u save that! i lost mine and they said they couldnt find my application and i had to start all over again!!

Just wanted to update and see if you've had any luck reaching your county office. If you qualified for expedited processing, you should have heard something by now. If not, I'd recommend going in person to the office if possible. Sometimes that's the fastest way to get answers. Also, make sure to document everything - when you call, who you speak with, what they tell you. This can be helpful if you need to file for a fair hearing later.

UPDATE: Just called using that specific language about "expedited processing due to imminent housing crisis" and finally got somewhere! The supervisor said they'll flag my case for priority review and I should see a resolution within 3-5 business days. They also referred me to a rental assistance program through a local nonprofit that might help in the meantime. Thanks everyone for the advice!

I'm so sorry you're going through this! I had my benefits stolen on May 3rd too ($489) and finally got my refund yesterday after using that expedited processing language. What really helped was calling first thing in the morning (around 8 AM) when the phone lines open - I got through much faster than calling later in the day. Also, I documented every call I made with the date, time, and who I spoke with. When I called for expedited processing, I had all those details ready which seemed to help show I'd been actively following up. Don't give up - it sounds like they're finally processing the May 3rd cases now!

Since you mentioned you're having trouble reaching the county office, make sure you're trying early in the morning right when they open. That's usually the best time to get through. Also, email them through your BenefitsCal account - it creates a documented trail of your attempts to report the theft, which can be important if there are any disputes about when you reported it. For your immediate needs, the county should be able to issue emergency CalFresh benefits within 3 days if you explain your situation. But you MUST get through to them to request this. Be persistent. If your worker isn't responding, ask to speak with a supervisor.

I'm so sorry this happened to you - EBT skimming is unfortunately becoming a huge problem in California. As someone who works with families facing similar situations, here's what you need to know: **Immediate steps:** 1. Good that you canceled your card! While waiting for the new one, you can still use your CalFresh benefits by calling the EBT hotline and doing phone transactions at participating stores. 2. **Police report:** File it in Salinas (where you live) - bring your EBT transaction history, ID, and any documentation you have about the fraudulent charges. 3. **County contact:** Try calling your county office at 8:00 AM sharp when they open. If you can't get through, go to the office in person - they can't ignore you if you're physically there. **Emergency help while waiting:** - Request expedited CalFresh replacement (3-day processing) - Ask about emergency food assistance - Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local food banks and emergency resources in Salinas **Forms you'll need:** - CF 303 for CalFresh replacement - CW 1812 for Cash Aid replacement (remember: only one replacement per year, up to $2000) The Cash Aid replacement law (AB 1613) is newer, so some workers might not be familiar with it. Don't let them tell you it's not possible - cite the law by name if needed. Stay strong - you will get through this! 💪

Sorry this happened to you! For anyone else dealing with this - there's a new law (I think from 2023) that better protects victims of EBT theft. Counties are supposed to replace stolen benefits more quickly now. Make sure when you file your claim you specifically ask about the "EBT theft protection" law and say you need replacement benefits while waiting for the investigation. I'd also recommend contacting your state representative's office - they can sometimes speed things up.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is becoming a huge problem and it's devastating when you're counting on those benefits to survive. A few things that might help: 1. When you go to the CalWORKs office tomorrow, bring documentation of BOTH thefts and emphasize that you have children who need to eat NOW. Use the phrase "immediate need" - they're required to help families with children in emergency situations. 2. Ask specifically for a "restricted use" card that can only be used at stores, not ATMs. This prevents most theft since thieves usually hit ATMs first. 3. Consider opening a basic bank account if you don't have one - even a prepaid card account. Transfer your benefits immediately when they post so they're not sitting on the EBT card. 4. Document EVERYTHING - dates, times, who you spoke with, case numbers. This helps if you need to escalate. The fact that this happened twice in 3 months suggests either card skimming in your area or someone has access to your card info. Check if you've used your card at any gas stations or ATMs recently - those are common skimming locations. You shouldn't have to wait 90 days with no money and 3 kids to feed. Push hard for emergency assistance!