CalWORKs EBT card stolen today - how long for benefit replacement after theft report?

I went through this exact situation last year. For CalFresh benefits, you should get them back within 10 business days after filing the theft report. For Cash Aid, it unfortunately can take up to 30 days because they have to do a more thorough investigation. Make sure you completed the EBT-2259 form specifically (Stolen Cash/CalFresh Benefits form) and got a case number for the theft report. If you're in a dire situation, ask about emergency replacement benefits - some counties will issue a small emergency payment while they investigate. Also, check with local food banks right away to help get through this tough time.

same thing happend to me back in november!!! i got calfresh back in like a week but my cash aid took forever like 3 weeks smh. make sure u ask about emergency assistance they can sometimes give u somethin while u wait. sucks this is happening to u

I see a lot of misinformation here about the EBT theft replacement process. Here are the facts: - CalFresh benefits must be replaced within 10 calendar days (not business days) of your report if you properly completed the EBT-2259 form - Cash Aid has a different process and timeline. By law, they must complete the investigation within 30 days, but most counties process them much faster - You must have reported the theft within 4 days of discovering it to be eligible for replacement - Make sure you got a copy of your signed theft report - this is crucial If you're facing immediate hardship, specifically request an "immediate need" payment from your CalWORKs worker. This is different from regular emergency assistance and is designed for situations exactly like yours. They can issue up to 30% of your monthly grant while investigating. Also, many people don't know this, but you can request expedited replacement of just a portion of your benefits if you can verify only certain transactions were fraudulent.

Everyone's giving good advice but I wonder if the thief was someone you know?? The county might ask you this. If it's a random person they usually process it faster than if it's someone in your household or something. Just my experience. When my sister's boyfriend stole her card they took FOREVER and kept asking her all these questions like she was lying about it. But when my neighbor had hers stolen at the bus stop they replaced it pretty quick. Just something to think about.

I had my benefits stolen last December and it was a NIGHTMARE trying to get through to someone who could actually help me with the investigation. I spent HOURS calling the county number just to get disconnected or told to call back later. I was about to give up when someone told me about Claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to a live person at the county without the endless waiting. I was skeptical but tried their video demo (https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE) and it actually worked! Got through to someone in minutes who helped expedite my case. My CalFresh was replaced in 5 days and Cash Aid took about 2 weeks. Definitely worth checking out if you're having trouble getting updates on your case.

This happened to me too!! It's the WORST feeling. I got my CalFresh back after 8 days but Cash Aid took 19 days. Make sure you keep checking your balance every day because they didn't even notify me when they put it back!!! Good luck hun

Update: Finally got through to my worker (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it actually worked). She said CalFresh should be back within 7 days and for Cash Aid they're expediting it because I have kids, so hopefully within 10-14 days. She also approved a small immediate need payment that I can pick up tomorrow! Not the full amount but enough to help with some bills until everything gets sorted. Thanks everyone for the advice!

So glad to hear you got some help! This is exactly why I always tell people to ask specifically about immediate need payments - most workers don't mention it unless you know to ask. For future protection, definitely set up those text alerts for your EBT card transactions. I get a text every time my card is used and it's saved me twice when I caught unauthorized charges within minutes. Also, never carry your EBT card and your PIN written down together - I learned that the hard way. Keep your PIN memorized and maybe write it down somewhere safe at home. Hope your benefits get fully restored quickly!