also change ur pin number as soon as u get ur new card!!! and NEVER use the same pin for anything else. my worker told me lots of ppl use the same pin for everything and thats how they get hacked sometimes

Just wanted to update everyone - I went through something similar last month and finally got my money back yesterday. Here's what worked: 1) Filed police report right away 2) Submitted the EBT 2259 form to my CalWORKs office 3) Called EVERY SINGLE DAY to check status 4) Asked to speak to a supervisor when they kept giving me the runaround 5) Contacted my county supervisor's office (found contact info on county website) who helped expedite things. Total time: 16 days from theft to replacement. Not great but better than some horror stories I've heard. Stay persistent!

did u try the atm inside the bank or the one outside?? sometimes the outside ones dont work with ebt but the ones inside do. also they have limits like u cant take out more then like $500 at once

Quick update: I just checked the official California EBT website, and there's a system-wide notification about some ATMs experiencing technical issues this week. They're working on fixing it. In the meantime, definitely try the cash back option at stores. You can usually get up to $200 cash back at most places with a small purchase.

my worker told me one time theres a special code they put in the system for ppl who get theres late all the time. its like a priority code or something? my friend has it and she always gets hers on time now. maybe u should ask for that?

Update: Just checked my account and the money IS there! I guess they did deposit it early because of the holiday. Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm still going to ask about that issuance code thing next time I go in to make sure I don't have to keep dealing with this every month.

I work as a community advocate (not for the county) and help people with CalWORKs issues. This happens too often, unfortunately. Here's what you need to know: 1. Call the county office that handles your case immediately 2. When the automated system answers, press whatever option is for Spanish if available 3. When you reach a person, clearly state you need a Spanish speaker for your SAR7 interview 4. Explain that you had an interview but it was conducted in English, which you don't understand 5. Request a "reasonable accommodation" for language assistance (this exact phrase helps) 6. Ask them to note in your file permanently that you need Spanish services If they tell you that you missed your interview and might lose benefits, explain that you DID answer the call but couldn't participate due to the language barrier. Request what's called "Good Cause" for not completing the interview. Language access is your right! Don't let them discontinue your Cash Aid over this.

Try going in person to the office if you can. Sometimes that's the only way to get problems fixed with CalWORKs. Bring a Spanish-speaking friend or family member if possible. And bring your SAR7 form and any letters they sent you. The workers at the front desk can usually find someone who speaks Spanish to help you. It's better than spending hours on the phone getting nowhere.

if u do go to ur county office bring all ur bank statements and any evidence u have. my friend had this happen and she took pictures of her card to prove she had it the whole time plus her work schedule showing she was at work when the withdrawals happened in another city. the more proof u have the better

I want to update everyone - I just got back from the county office. Filed the EBT Benefit Theft Report and they said I should hear back within 10 business days. The worker was actually really understanding and said they've seen a lot of this lately. She recommended I use the BenefitsCal app to track my benefits and turn on notifications for any transactions. I set up a new PIN for my replacement card that's totally different from anything I've used before. Fingers crossed I get the money back soon. Thanks everyone for your help!