CalWORKs EBT fraud - all my Cash Aid stolen in one day! Does the county replace stolen benefits?

You need to report the theft to both EBT customer service AND your county office. I went through this last year and learned the hard way there's a specific process. First call the EBT card customer service (877-328-9677) to report the card stolen and get a new card. Then you need to file a "benefit theft report" with your county CalWORKs office. They should have a form for this. The county usually investigates and can replace benefits if they determine fraud happened. BUT it can take 2-3 weeks - they don't replace it immediately. Also you need to file a police report too!

The EBT customer service should have issued you a new card right away! They can cancel the old one and rush you a new one. But yea what @helpfulperson789 said is right about the reporting process. California actually has a law (AB 39) that specifically addresses this issue. Counties CAN replace stolen cash benefits but you have to formally request the replacement. Here's what to do: 1. Call EBT customer service to cancel card 2. File police report 3. Get the benefit theft form from your county office (EBT 2259) 4. Submit form with police report 5. Follow up with your county worker There is a time limit for reporting - you only have 90 days from the date of the theft to request replacement.

omg this is happening SO MUCH lately!!! my cousin in riverside got all her benefits stolen last month too. they took everything right when benefits posted! make sure u change ur PIN number regularly, they have these skimmer thingys they put on ATM machines to steal ur info

Just a heads-up that this process can be frustrating. I work with a lot of CalWORKs clients dealing with benefit theft. The county will want to see: 1. Proof you weren't in New York (cell phone records can help) 2. The police report number 3. Your completed EBT 2259 Benefit Theft Report form There's also a step most people miss - you need to contact both EBT customer service *and* request a formal EBT transaction history report. This report is important evidence for your case. For immediate needs while waiting for replacement, ask your worker about emergency assistance options. They can sometimes issue emergency funds while your case is being investigated.

Have you tried using Claimyr to get through to your county office? When my benefits were stolen last year, I couldn't get through for days until I used their service. You call through them and they get you past the hold times - I got connected to a real person in like 10 minutes instead of waiting for hours or getting disconnected. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE With benefit theft, time is really important. The sooner you get that EBT 2259 form filed, the better your chances of getting your money back quickly.

there stealing all r money becuz the EBT cards dont have the chip in them like regular debit cards!!! its so easy 4 scammers to copy the cards. my freind said the county dosent even investagate half the time they just deny u and say its ur fault

Did u get a text saying ur EBT was locked? Lots of scams going around where they text pretending to be EBT customer service and trick u into giving ur card info. Never click links from txt messages! Always call the number on the back of ur card.

One thing to note: if you're really in an emergency situation while waiting for the benefit theft investigation, ask about the immediate need payment option. The county can issue up to $200 in emergency funds if you're facing eviction, utility shut-off, or have no food. This is separate from the benefit replacement process. Also, document EVERYTHING. Every call, every person you speak with, date and time. This will help if you need to escalate your case or file for a state hearing if your claim is denied.

UPDATE: I just spoke with an EBT customer service supervisor who confirmed that benefit replacement for EBT theft is taking about 15-20 days right now due to high volume of cases. So definitely ask about emergency assistance while you wait.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT fraud is unfortunately becoming more common. Here's what worked for me when my benefits were stolen: 1. Call EBT customer service immediately (1-877-328-9677) to report fraud and get a replacement card 2. File a police report - this is required for the county investigation 3. Contact your county CalWORKs office and request form EBT 2259 (Benefit Theft Report) 4. Submit the completed form along with your police report number The replacement process typically takes 2-3 weeks, but don't give up! In the meantime, ask your county about emergency assistance - they can sometimes provide immediate help for families with children who have no other resources. Also, when you call the county, explain that you have children and are facing immediate hardship. Sometimes this helps prioritize your case. Keep calling every few days for updates - persistence really does help move things along. Stay strong - you will get through this!