CalWORKs EBT theft in Fresno - all my Cash Aid gone before rent due!

I'm so sorry this happened to you. The same thing happened to me last year and it's terrifying. You need to do three things immediately: 1. File a police report TODAY - they need the report number to process your claim 2. Contact your CalWORKs worker through BenefitsCal or call them directly to report the benefit theft 3. Fill out the EBT-2259 form for Cash Aid theft (different from the food benefits theft form) It took about 21 days for me to get my money back, but I've heard Fresno County can be faster sometimes. Make sure you document everything - when you called, who you spoke with, all transaction details.

omg girl that happened to me 2!!!!! i think theres someone putting card skimmers on ATMs around here. my friend said she saw something weird on the ATM by the manchester center but didnt kno what it was. did u use that 1?

The county workers won't do ANYTHING to help you. I got my CalFresh stolen last month and my worker said "well you must have given someone your PIN" which is COMPLETE BS! I'm still waiting for my money back and it's been 6 weeks. They claim benefit theft is "under investigation" but they're just hoping we'll give up. They don't care that we can't pay rent or feed our kids - the system is BROKEN. Go to the office in person and don't leave until you get answers. That's the ONLY way to get help.

I work with a community resource center in Fresno and unfortunately we're seeing a lot of these cases right now. There's apparently a skimming ring operating in the area. Here's what you need to know: - Fresno County has a designated EBT theft unit now because of increased cases - Cash Aid theft claims CAN be expedited if you're facing eviction - You need to request an expedited replacement specifically - The EBT-2259 form is available at the county office or your worker can email it - Request emergency assistance while your claim is processed Also, change your PIN immediately even though the money is already gone, and consider setting up transaction alerts for the future.

have u try claimyr to get thru to ur worker? i was havin same issue gettin disconnected and my sister told me bout it. u go to claimyr.com and they call for u and get thru the phone system then call u back when they got a real person. i used it when my benefits got messed up and they got me thru in like 20 mins when i was on hold for hourssss before. theres a video that shows how it works here https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE

you need to act quick cus they only give you 90 days to report the theft and if you wait too long you wont get nothing. also for the police report you can do it online for fresno now you dont gotta go in person which saves time. when they ask the dollar value make sure you put the exact amount that was stolen

While you're waiting for your Cash Aid to be restored, please also check with these emergency resources: 1. Fresno EOC has an emergency rental assistance program that can sometimes help when benefits are stolen 2. Call 211 and ask specifically about their "CalWORKs benefit theft emergency assistance" program which was just funded this year 3. You may qualify for expedited CalFresh if you don't already receive it 4. Ask your worker about the Housing Support Program (HSP) through CalWORKs which can provide temporary assistance Keep all documentation from your landlord about your rent due date and any late notices - you'll need these for the claim.

My friend got her money back in 10 days but she went to the office every single day and asked for a supervisor each time. Be the squeaky wheel! Also CHECK YOUR CARD FOR TAMPERING. Sometimes they put tiny plastic overlays on the card reader part that are hard to see. I inspect every ATM now before I use it.

UPDATE: Finally got through to my worker! I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it actually worked - got through in about 30 minutes instead of being on hold forever. My worker is expediting my claim because I have my rent due notice. She said there's been a huge increase in EBT theft in Fresno lately. She's also referring me to the Housing Support Program for emergency assistance while my claim is processed. THANK YOU everyone for the advice! I'm still stressed but at least I know what to do now. Will update when I hear about my claim.

So glad you got through to your worker and are making progress! This is exactly why we need to share information in this community - your experience will help others who face the same situation. One more tip while you're waiting: document EVERYTHING with photos and timestamps. Take pictures of your rent due notice, screenshot all your communications with your worker, and keep a log of every phone call you make. If there are any delays or issues with your claim, this documentation will be crucial. Also, once you get your benefits restored, consider asking your worker about setting up direct deposit for future payments if it's available in your county. Some people have found it's safer than using the EBT card for cash benefits, though I know not all counties offer it yet. Hoping you get your money back quickly! Keep us posted on how the Housing Support Program works out too.