CalWORKs denied my Cash Aid theft claim despite evidence - what's my next step?

You need to file for a state hearing ASAP! You only have 90 days from the date on your Notice of Action to request a hearing. When Cash Aid theft claims are denied, it's usually because they think you either gave your card/PIN to someone or they can't verify it was actually theft. For the hearing, bring all your evidence - the police report, your location proof, bank statements, and any communications you've had with the county. Call the number on your denial notice to request the hearing. Make sure to also ask for an "aid paid pending" if you're still on CalWORKs so your regular benefits don't stop while you wait for the hearing.

omg this EXACT thing happened to me last year!!! They denied me too saying I must have given someone my pin but I NEVER did!! I had to file for the hearing thing and it took FOREVER but I eventually got my money back. Make sure you get all your evidence together cuz they will try to say you're lying.

I work as an advocate for CalWORKs recipients, and unfortunately, EBT theft claims are being denied at very high rates right now. Here's what you need to do: 1. File for a state hearing immediately (you must do this within 90 days of receiving the denial) 2. Request your case file through a formal records request - this will show you exactly why they denied your claim 3. Submit a new DS 6807 form with any additional evidence you can gather 4. Contact your county's legal aid office for free representation at your hearing The key for these cases is proving you couldn't have been the person who made the withdrawal. Cell phone location data, work timecards, or security camera footage from where you actually were can all help. The standard of proof is actually quite high for these claims, but with good evidence, many denials are overturned at hearing.

Have you tried contacting your county office directly instead of just BenefitsCal? Sometimes the online system doesn't process these claims properly. I had to call my worker like 5 times before they actually fixed my stolen benefits situation. The phone lines are a nightmare though.

tehcnically they have to look at ur proof but sometimes they just dont. my sister got her money stolen last year and they denied her the first time but she appealed and sent everything again with a letter explaining exactly what happened and she got aproved the second time. dont give up!! the system is designed to make u give up.

Try going in person to the CalWORKs office with ALL your evidence. I've been on Cash Aid for 5 years and learned that getting a real person to look at your documents makes a huge difference. Online and phone systems just don't work right for theft claims! Also, sadly, they deny most people the first time hoping you'll just give up. Ask to speak to a supervisor when you go in - regular workers often don't have authority to overturn theft claim denials.

wait did u report it to tha police the same day it happened?? cuz they denied my friind because she waited 3 days to file the police report and they said that was 2 long!!!

When you file for your state hearing, make sure to specifically request discovery. This means they have to provide you with ALL the documents they used to make their decision. Often you'll find they missed or ignored key evidence. Also, be prepared to explain at the hearing why the withdrawal couldn't have been you - specific details about why you couldn't have been at that location, why you wouldn't withdraw that amount, or patterns that differ from your normal usage. Judges look closely at these details.

I'm so sorry this happened to you - EBT theft is unfortunately really common right now and the denial process is incredibly frustrating. From what I've seen in similar cases, you definitely need to file for a state hearing immediately since you only have 90 days from your denial date. The fact that you reported it the same day and have location evidence showing you weren't at the ATM is really strong proof. Don't let them discourage you - many people get denied initially but win at the hearing level when they can present their evidence properly. Also consider reaching out to your local legal aid society if you can find one - they often help with CalWORKs appeals for free and know exactly how to present these theft cases. Keep fighting for what's rightfully yours!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and your post really resonates with me. It's so frustrating how they make us jump through all these hoops to prove something that should be obvious from the evidence we provide. From what I've learned lurking in this community, it seems like they automatically deny a lot of these claims hoping people will just give up and not appeal. Don't let them wear you down! The advice about filing for the state hearing within 90 days is crucial - I almost missed that deadline myself. Also, when you do file, make sure to request that your regular CalWORKs benefits continue during the appeal process (aid paid pending) so you don't lose everything while fighting this. It's ridiculous that we have to become legal experts just to get back money that was literally stolen from us, but unfortunately that's the system we're dealing with. Stay strong and keep pushing - you have solid evidence and deserve to get your money back!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - EBT theft is becoming way too common and the system makes it so hard to get justice. Based on what everyone else has shared, definitely file for that state hearing ASAP since you only have 90 days. The fact that you reported it immediately and have location proof showing you weren't at the ATM should work in your favor. One thing I'd add is to also check if there were any other suspicious transactions around the same time - sometimes thieves will test the card first or hit multiple ATMs. Also, if you haven't already, try to get a detailed transaction history from the EBT customer service line (1-877-328-9677) showing the exact time/location of the theft versus your normal usage patterns. Having that side-by-side comparison can really help show it wasn't you. Don't give up - from what I'm reading here, a lot of people win these cases at the hearing level even after getting denied initially. The system is definitely designed to discourage appeals, but you have strong evidence and deserve to get your money back!