CalWORKs EBT card skimming - are benefits still getting stolen in 2025?

Yes it's still happening! Same thing happened to me in February. Someone got my card info somehow and took all $982 of my Cash Aid from an ATM I've never been to. The county made me file a police report first, then fill out the EBT-2259 form for benefit theft, AND do an in-person interview to sign an affidavit saying I wasn't involved. The whole process took almost 3 weeks before I got my money back. Get to your county office ASAP!

omg its so bad rn, my sister got hers stolen twice in 3 months!!! u gotta check ur balance like everyday, never use the atm at liquor stores, and change ur pin like every month. the county workers act like ur lying when u report it too smh

Unfortunately, benefit theft is still a significant problem with CalWORKs in 2025. Here's what you need to do: 1. File a police report immediately 2. Contact your county office today to file a benefit theft claim (form EBT-2259) 3. Request an emergency replacement while your claim is processed 4. Ask for an expedited interview - by law they must investigate promptly The normal processing time is 10 business days, though it can take longer. For your immediate needs, ask about the Immediate Need program which can provide emergency funds while your claim is investigated. Also, request that they turn off magnetic stripe access to your card and only allow chip transactions. Documentation is critical - keep all receipts showing legitimate purchases, screenshot your EBT transaction history, and get the police report number.

This happened to my cousin last month. Thieves are using those skimmer things they put over the card readers. She said you should always wiggle the card reader before you insert your card and only use ATMs at actual banks never the ones at stores.

I had so much trouble reaching someone when my benefits were stolen last year. I was on hold for HOURS then got disconnected. Finally I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that holds your place in line and calls you back when a worker is available. Saved me from spending my whole day on hold. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE I got through to someone who helped me start the claim process right away. Way better than going to the office and waiting all day.

THE COUNTY DOESN'T CARE!!! They act like we're all committing fraud when we report theft. I had to fight for WEEKS to get my money back and my worker kept saying things like "we need to verify these weren't your transactions" and asking me a million questions. Meanwhile my kids needed food and I couldn't pay my light bill. The whole system is designed to make us suffer.

I work with benefits advocacy and we've seen a huge uptick in EBT theft cases in the past 6 months. Here's what you need to know: 1. California passed new protections in late 2024 requiring faster replacement of stolen benefits 2. You should receive replacement within 10 business days if all documentation is in order 3. You MUST file a police report - many counties won't process claims without one 4. Always request an Immediate Need payment for emergency expenses 5. If possible, set up direct deposit of your Cash Aid to your bank account (form CW 8A) If your county is taking longer than 10 business days, contact your county's Fair Hearing office or reach out to a legal aid organization. The Western Center on Law & Poverty has been tracking these cases and can provide guidance.

my friend told me she puts a sticky note on her ebt card to confuse the skimmer things lol not sure if it works but she hasnt been robbed yet

happened to me too last month. i got the money back but took like 20 days. Call RIGHT NOW, dont wait. the cops didnt do anything btw, just gave me a report number and never followed up

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is unfortunately very common right now. I had my benefits stolen twice last year - once from a skimmer at a corner store ATM and once from what they think was a data breach. Here's what worked for me to speed up the process: When you go to your county office, bring a printed copy of your EBT transaction history (you can get this online or by calling the EBT customer service number). Having those unauthorized transactions highlighted really helped my case worker process everything faster. Also, ask specifically for the "Immediate Need" emergency assistance - they can give you some cash for groceries and urgent bills while your claim is being investigated. One tip that's helped me avoid future theft: I now withdraw my entire Cash Aid balance on the day it posts and keep it in cash at home rather than leaving it on the card. It's not ideal but it's safer than risking another theft. You can also ask your worker about direct deposit to a bank account if you have one. Stay persistent with the county office - call every few days for updates on your claim. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with these situations. Good luck and I hope you get your money back quickly!