CalWORKs EBT theft - someone took my Cash Aid without having my card?!

omg this happened to my cousin last month!!! they stole like $700 from her and she had her card too. turns out someone put a skimmer on the ATM she used at the grocery store. you gotta file a police report AND go to your county office asap to fill out the benefit theft form. make sure u tell them u need emergency assistance while they investigate!!

This is sadly becoming more common with CalWORKs EBT cards. What likely happened is your card was "skimmed" - criminals attach devices to ATMs or card readers that copy your card information and capture your PIN. Here's what you need to do immediately: 1. File a police report 2. Go to your county welfare office and complete a "Benefit Theft Report" (they might call it different names in different counties) 3. Request emergency assistance while they investigate 4. Ask for a replacement card with a new number 5. Change your PIN Under California regulations, they can replace stolen Cash Aid, but you must report it within 90 days of the theft. The investigation can take 30-90 days. Make sure you emphasize your immediate need for emergency funds for your children's basic needs.

I had this happen and I had my card the whole time!!! Same thing, they told me file a police report. I did that and took the report number to my worker and it took FOREVER for them to replace it. Like 2 months. They made me feel like I was lying about it too.

I work with CalWORKs recipients facing this issue, and it's unfortunately becoming more common. The state has procedures for replacing stolen benefits, but there are specific steps: 1. File the police report immediately 2. Complete the CW 2215 form (Stolen Electronic Benefits Transfer Cash Benefits Report) 3. Submit both to your county office ASAP California regulations allow for benefit replacement in cases of electronic theft, even when you physically possessed your card. However, the investigation process can be lengthy. Ask your worker about emergency assistance options like immediate need payments while your claim is being processed. Important: Never use your PIN at point-of-sale terminals if you can avoid it. Select "credit" instead of "debit" when possible, as this doesn't require your PIN entry and reduces skimming risk.

If you're having trouble reaching your worker (which is super common), try using Claimyr. I was in a similar situation with stolen benefits and couldn't get through to anyone at my county office. Used claimyr.com and got a callback from a real worker in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE My worker was able to expedite my emergency assistance while they investigated the theft. The key is getting to an actual person who can help instead of just the automated system.

make SURE u change ur pin right away!!! and check ur card for any weird plastic parts that seem kinda loose. my caseworker said theyr putting these tiny camera things above atms now to watch u enter ur pin. its crazy!!

One more important thing: while you're waiting for the stolen funds to be replaced, ask your worker specifically about these emergency options: 1. Immediate Need payment - you may qualify for expedited assistance 2. Homeless Assistance payment - even if you're not homeless, this can sometimes be used when you're at risk of losing housing 3. Special food assistance through your local food bank partners Also, make sure you explain that you have children in the home. Having minor children can expedite certain emergency assistance options. Document everything in writing (emails, case notes) and keep copies of all forms you submit. This helps if you need to escalate your case later.

they need to fix these stupid ebt cards!! my friend said they should just let us use venmo or cashapp for benefits instead of these cards that get hacked all the time. system is so broken

After reviewing the replies, I want to clarify something important: When you go to your county office, specifically ask for a supervisor if your regular worker isn't available. Explain that this is an emergency situation involving benefit theft and minor children. Use those exact words. Also, when completing the CW 2215 form, make sure to include: - Exact date and time you discovered the theft - Last legitimate transaction you made - Any details about places you've used your card recently These details help strengthen your case and potentially speed up the investigation. The county is required to provide emergency assistance while investigating theft claims when there are minor children in the home. Be persistent about this point.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! This exact same thing happened to me about 6 months ago - $540 stolen from an ATM I'd never used while my card was in my wallet. It's terrifying and so frustrating! Here's what worked for me: I went to the county office the very next morning with my police report number (you don't need the full report, just the case number). I asked to speak to a supervisor immediately and explained it was an emergency with minor children involved. They were able to give me a partial emergency payment that same day while they started the investigation. The whole process took about 6 weeks to get fully resolved, but having that emergency assistance really helped with groceries and bills. Make sure you emphasize that you have kids and need immediate help - they have different rules when children are involved. Also, get a new card with a completely new number right away. They can do this at the office while you're there filing the theft report. Don't just change your PIN on the same card - get a brand new card number entirely. Stay strong - they will replace your stolen benefits, it just takes time. But don't let them brush you off about emergency assistance while you wait!

I'm so sorry this happened to you - EBT theft is unfortunately becoming way too common and it's absolutely terrifying when you have kids depending on that money. I went through something similar last year and want to share what I learned: First, you're doing the right thing filing the police report. When you go to the county office tomorrow, bring that police report number and ask specifically for the CW 2215 form that others mentioned. Don't leave without filing this form - it's crucial for getting your benefits replaced. Here's something that really helped me: when I explained to the supervisor that I had children at home and no other resources for food/rent, they were able to provide what's called an "Immediate Need" payment while the investigation was pending. It wasn't the full amount stolen, but it was enough to cover groceries and part of my rent. They have special provisions when minor children are involved. Also, definitely get a completely new EBT card with a new number - not just a PIN change. The skimmers can copy your entire card number, so changing the PIN won't help if they have all your card info. One last tip: if you have trouble getting through to your worker or getting help at the office, document everything. Write down names, dates, what you were told. If you don't get emergency assistance, ask them to put in writing why you were denied - sometimes this motivates them to actually help. You will get through this! The stolen benefits can be replaced, it just takes patience and persistence.