CalWORKs EBT theft! Money disappeared from my card this morning - what's the benefit theft reporting process?
I just checked my balance and almost ALL my CalWORKs Cash Aid is GONE from my EBT card!! I got my deposit 2 days ago - $858 for me and my two kids - and this morning when I went to buy groceries my card was declined. Checked the app and there's only $42 left! There's these weird transactions from a store I've never been to 30 miles away from where I live. I'm completely freaking out because rent is due next week and now I have no money! Has this happened to anyone else? What do I do to report this and will CalWORKs replace stolen benefits? My kids need food and I'm seriously panicking right now.
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Yara Haddad
You need to report this as benefit theft immediately! Call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card (877-328-9677) right now to report the card as stolen and have it frozen. Then you need to contact your county CalWORKs office to report the theft and request replacement benefits. Bring any proof you have that you didn't make those purchases (like if you were at work or somewhere else when the transactions happened). This is happening a lot lately with card skimmers.
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Connor Murphy
•Thank you! Just got off the phone with EBT customer service and they froze my card. They're sending me a new one that should arrive in 3-5 days. But the lady didn't say anything about getting my money back? Do I have to go to the CalWORKs office in person or can I call them? I can't miss work tomorrow.
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Keisha Robinson
omg this happend to me last yr!!! took FOREVER to get my $ back but they will replace it. you gotta fill out a form called GEN 1000 i think?? & file police report too. keep calling ur worker till they pick up
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Paolo Conti
•Yes, it's the GEN 1000 form and technically it's a "statement of facts" not a police report, though filing a police report can help your case. But the most important part is reporting it within 10 days of discovering the theft or they might deny the replacement. And make sure you specifically say that you believe this was ELECTRONIC BENEFIT THEFT - those are the magic words. Also, when you get your new card, change your PIN to something totally different than before!
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Amina Sow
This same thing happened to me at the start of the month with my CalFresh too. Went to Target and card declined, checked account and it was drained at some gas station I never been to. Like $740 gone just like that. I'm still waiting on them to decide if they'll replace it. They said it takes up to 30 days to investigate for "fraud" - like I'm the one who committed fraud! Meanwhile my kids are hungry but whatever I guess.
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Connor Murphy
•30 DAYS??? I can't wait that long! Did they give you any emergency assistance while you wait? I'm literally down to nothing now.
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GalaxyGazer
I had a similar problem and it took me DAYS to get through to my worker. I kept getting disconnected or stuck on hold forever. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that holds your place in line and calls you back when a real person is available. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE It saved me hours of hold time and I finally got through to someone who could help process my benefit theft claim. Much better than trying to go in person when you can't miss work.
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Keisha Robinson
•does that really work? i alwyas get hung up on after like an hour on hold its so frustrating!!!!
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Oliver Wagner
Just to clarify some information here: 1. You must report electronic benefit theft within 10 days of discovering it 2. You need to complete form GEN 1000 (Statement of Facts) 3. CalWORKs can replace stolen cash aid, but there are limits 4. You should request an expedited replacement due to immediate need Make sure you mention that you need the money for rent. They might be able to issue emergency benefits while your claim is being processed. I had to provide bank statements showing I didn't withdraw the money myself. If there's a pattern of stores where the theft occurred, note that as well - it helps the investigation.
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Connor Murphy
•Thank you for this info! My worker finally called me back and I have an appointment tomorrow morning. I'm bringing my bank statements and screenshots of the transactions. She said they have 10 days to make a decision after I submit the GEN 1000, but I explained about rent and she's going to see if I qualify for emergency funds. Fingers crossed!!
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Natasha Kuznetsova
Everyone keeps talking about CalWORKs replacing the money but my cousin had this happen and they denied her claim!!! Said she must have given her card to someone else or something. It's not guaranteed they'll replace it. And she waited like 6 weeks for them to even make a decision. The whole system is set up to treat US like criminals. So unfair.
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Yara Haddad
•That's true - they don't automatically approve all claims. But there are some things that increase your chances of approval: 1. Report immediately (within 10 days) 2. Never share your PIN with anyone 3. Have a clear pattern showing the transactions weren't yours (different city, multiple quick withdrawals) 4. Filing a police report (even though not required) helps show you're serious 5. If denied, immediately request a hearing - many denials get overturned Documenting everything is critical. One thing many people don't know is that if you were physically at work/school/appointment when the theft occurred (and can prove it), that's very strong evidence in your favor.
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Amina Sow
Just so u no they will only replace stolen benefits ONCE per year now. They changed the rules in January. So if this happens again in the next 12 months ur out of luck...
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Paolo Conti
•That's not entirely accurate. The once-per-year limit applies to SNAP/CalFresh benefits, not CalWORKs Cash Aid. CalWORKs follows different rules because it's state-administered. They can replace stolen cash aid multiple times, but they will investigate more thoroughly after the first claim. That said, it's extremely important to protect your new card - never use it at gas pumps (go inside to pay), cover the keypad when entering PIN, and check for card skimmers at any ATM you use.
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Connor Murphy
UPDATE: I got a call back from my county office! They're expediting my claim because I have an immediate need (rent due) and they're issuing emergency benefits that should be available by tomorrow. I have to go to the office first thing in the morning to sign the GEN 1000 form and bring any evidence I have. They also suggested filing a police report which I'm going to do online tonight. Thank you everyone for your help! I'll update again once everything is resolved for anyone who might have this problem in the future.
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Yara Haddad
•That's great news! Make sure to change your PIN immediately when you get your new card, and be careful about where you use it. Avoid sketchy ATMs, gas pumps, and always check for card skimmers (little devices attached to the card reader). I'd also recommend withdrawing your cash all at once from inside a bank rather than making multiple ATM transactions. Please let us know how it goes!
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