CalWORKs EBT card benefits stolen - no PIN for replacement card, what now?
Someone stole my Cash Aid money last week from my EBT card (no idea how they got my PIN!) and I reported it right away. The county issued me a replacement card which I just picked up yesterday, but they didn't give me a new PIN number??? I asked the worker about setting up a PIN and she just said 'it's coming in the mail' but I need my benefits NOW to pay my rent which is already late. Can I set up a new PIN through the BenefitsCal app or website? Or do I seriously have to wait for it to come in the mail? Also, how can I better protect my benefits from being stolen again? I'm so stressed because this was over $1200 and even though they replaced it, I'm afraid of it happening again.
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Sara Unger
You can actually set up your PIN right now by calling the EBT customer service number on the back of your card. You don't have to wait for anything in the mail. Just call the number, follow the prompts, and you'll be able to create a new PIN over the phone. As for protecting your benefits, here are some tips: 1. Never share your PIN with anyone 2. Change your PIN regularly (at least every 3 months) 3. When entering your PIN at stores, cover the keypad with your other hand 4. Check your EBT balance frequently to catch unauthorized transactions early 5. Don't keep all your benefits on the card - once you receive them, consider withdrawing what you need for immediate expenses
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Tyler Murphy
•Thank you so much!! I just called the number and was able to set up my PIN. Such a relief - now I can get my rent money tomorrow. I had no idea I could do that. Do you know if there's any way to get text alerts when money is spent from my account? That might help me catch it faster if someone tries to steal again.
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Butch Sledgehammer
Just to add to what the other person said - besides changing your PIN regularly, I recommend NOT using obvious numbers like your birthday, address, or simple sequences (1234, etc). That's how a lot of theft happens. Also, be careful using ATMs in sketchy locations - some have skimming devices that can copy your card info. I always use ATMs inside actual banks or grocery stores, never the standalone ones in convenience stores or gas stations.
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Tyler Murphy
•That's really good advice. I was using my kid's birthday as my PIN 🤦♀️ Definitely changing to something less obvious now. And I'll be super careful about which ATMs I use from now on.
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Freya Ross
omg this happened to me 2!!! someone took all my cash aid last month even tho I NEVER gave out my pin!!! County office took 2 WEEKS to give me a replacement and by then my landlord had already filed eviction papers! I had to borrow money from my mom to stop it. They really don't care if we become homeless while they take their sweet time. the system is BROKEN!!
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Tyler Murphy
•That's terrible! Did you ever find out how they got your money? I'm still confused how someone got mine because I thought I was being careful. Did the county eventually give you back all the stolen money?
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Leslie Parker
Something no one has mentioned yet - EBT skimming is getting really common. Thieves put tiny card readers and cameras on ATMs and store terminals to steal your info. When I got my replacement card after theft, I started putting a piece of tape over the magnetic stripe when not using it. Might seem paranoid but it works! Also helps to check if the card reader looks loose or has any weird attachments before you swipe.
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Sergio Neal
•Tape over the stripe is smart! Never thought of that lol. My cousin works at the welfare office and she said they getting TONS of skimming reports lately. EBT cards dont have the security chip like regular debit cards do.
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Savanna Franklin
I tried calling the EBT customer service line last time my benefits were stolen and just got stuck in an endless phone menu. Finally I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a real person at the county. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE. Saved me hours of frustration and I got my replacement card processed way faster. Just in case you have trouble in the future!
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Juan Moreno
•I was just about to suggest this! I used Claimyr last month when my CalWORKs case got messed up and they got me through to a worker in like 10 minutes when I'd been trying for days. Worth it for emergency situations when you can't wait on hold all day.
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Amy Fleming
have u chekd if there putting ur cash aid on ur old card maybe? happened to my sister they kept loading $ on her old card for 3 months even tho she had new 1. she didnt notice til she randomly checked the old card balance and BAM there was like $2800 sitting on it!!!! maybe worth checking
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Tyler Murphy
•Oh wow I didn't even think of that possibility! My old card is gone (stolen) but I'll definitely ask the county if they're still loading money on it. That would be awful if the thief is still getting my benefits!
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Alice Pierce
I don't mean to sound rude but honestly this is why I always get my CalWORKs deposited to my bank account instead of the EBT card. The EBT cards are way less secure. You can set up direct deposit by submitting a form at your county office. The banks have much better fraud protection than EBT cards.
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Tyler Murphy
•I didn't even know direct deposit was an option! No one at the county ever mentioned that. Is there a specific form I need to ask for? That sounds much safer.
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Sara Unger
To add to my earlier comment about protecting your benefits: If you want to switch to direct deposit like someone suggested, you need to fill out the "Request for Account Change - Electronic Benefit Transfer" form (also called CW 2206). You can download it on the CDSS website or get it from your county office. And regarding your question about text alerts - yes! You can sign up for EBT text alerts by visiting the EBT website or calling customer service. It will notify you whenever there's activity on your account.
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Tyler Murphy
•Thank you again! I'm going to call about setting up the text alerts today and will ask for that form at my next appointment. Everyone has been so helpful, I feel much better now knowing how to protect myself.
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Hunter Brighton
I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is unfortunately becoming really common. A few additional tips that have helped me stay safe: 1. Never use your EBT card at gas stations or convenience stores - those card readers get compromised a lot 2. If you have to use an ATM, always wiggle the card reader first to make sure it's not loose (sign of a skimmer) 3. Consider keeping a record of your transactions - take photos of receipts and check your balance daily 4. Report suspicious activity immediately, even small amounts Also, once you get your text alerts set up, you'll get notified right away if someone tries to use your card. I caught someone trying to use mine within 5 minutes because of those alerts! The county was able to stop the transaction before any money was taken. Stay strong - you're handling this really well and asking all the right questions to protect yourself going forward.
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