CalWORKs EBT card theft TWICE in 3 months - anyone else had repeated benefit theft?

This happened to me TWICE last year too! Someone was skimming cards at the ATM I used near the laundromat. The county told me to file a police report in addition to the EBT theft claim. That helps speed up the investigation. Also, immediately request a new card with a new PIN and make sure when you make a new PIN, don't use anything obvious like birthdays or 1234. You should get your November money back soon - it takes about 90 days for them to investigate and credit your account. For this new theft, go to the CalWORKs office in person and tell them you need emergency assistance since this is your second theft. They might be able to issue you emergency benefits while they investigate.

omg ME TOO!! but 3 times in 4 months!!1! they took all my calfresh AND calworks money! the county worker said theres a ring of thieves targeting benefit cards in our area. i got a new card but they still somehow got my money. so frustrating!!

You need to request immediate emergency assistance. Under CalWORKs regulations, they can issue you emergency funds while your theft claim is being investigated - especially with children in the home. This is called "immediate need" payment. When you file your second theft claim, specifically ask for this. I recommend calling your county worker directly - not the general EBT line - and explain that this is your second theft and you cannot feed your children or pay rent without immediate assistance. Also, request a restricted card that can ONLY be used at POS terminals (no ATM access) to prevent future theft. If you can't reach your worker, I had luck using Claimyr.com - they got me through to an actual person at my county office within 20 minutes when I couldn't get through for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE

THEY DONT EVEN CARE ABOUT THEFT!!! i had my benefits stolen FOUR TIMES and they just keep saying "investigation in process" for MONTHS!!! it's been 6 months and still no money back from my first theft. the system is rigged against us. they prob taking the money themselves. meanwhile my kids gotta eat and i had to borrow money from everyone i know just to keep the lights on. the whole EBT system is trash and not secure AT ALL.

Have u checked if someone has ur card info? Maybe somebody in ur house or who visits? My cousin had this happen and it turns out her boyfriend was taking pictures of her card when she wasn't looking. Also check if ur mail is secure cuz they could be getting replacement cards.

Here are some immediate steps to protect yourself while waiting for your claims to process: 1. Get a new EBT card immediately and create a completely unique PIN 2. Change your BenefitsCal online password 3. Whenever you get benefits, immediately transfer them to a separate bank account or withdraw all the money at once (at a bank teller, not ATM) 4. When you go to the CalWORKs office, ask about their "Expedited Replacement" policy for theft victims 5. Always check your balance before AND after using your card 6. Never let anyone take your card out of your sight at stores 7. Cover the keypad when entering your PIN Most counties are now taking benefit theft more seriously because it's becoming so common. Make sure to use the specific term "electronic benefit theft" in all your communications.

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!