Had Cash Aid and CalFresh benefits stolen - when will CalWORKs EBT theft replacement come through?

I had this happen last year - CalFresh got replaced in about 3 days but the Cash Aid took longer, almost 2 weeks. Did you get a reference number for your theft report? The county should have given you a paper with a claim tracking number on it. If they didn't, call and ask for it. That number will help you track the status. Make sure you submitted ALL the documentation: - Police report (with case number) - The EBT theft/benefit replacement form (can't remember the exact form number) - ID verification - Signed affidavit stating when/where theft occurred Missing any of these can delay your replacement. Also, did the worker say anything about emergency assistance while you wait? You might qualify since you have children.

they NEVER give the full amt back! when my card got skimmed last summer they only replaced like 60% of my cash aid saying the rest wasnt 'verified' as stolen or some bs. the foodstamps came back faster tho, like 5 days

Benefit theft is a major problem with CalWORKs now! The county should replace your CalFresh benefits within 10 calendar days if you reported it within 10 days of discovery. Cash Aid (CalWORKs) replacements technically have up to 30 days to process, but it's usually faster. Since you have children and rent coming due, ask specifically for an "immediate need" payment while your claim processes. You'll need to talk directly to your eligibility worker - not just anyone at the front desk. One tip - if you're struggling to get through on the phone lines to follow up (which is common), try using Claimyr.com. It's a service that gets you through the phone queues to talk to a real person much faster. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/jzISHxCPLwE. I used it last month when I couldn't get through about my SAR7 issue and it saved me hours of frustration.

my cashier frend at county office told me they check the survalence videos when u claim theft to make sure it rly wasnt u using the card. if they cant see who took ur $ clearly they sometimes deny replacing the full amount. make sure u tell them EXACTLY where n when it was used so they know what video to check

I went through this exact nightmare in January. The system is so broken! Every county handles it differently, but in my case: - CalFresh was replaced in 7 days - Cash Aid took TWENTY-THREE DAYS even though they're supposed to process it faster - Had to call repeatedly (like 20+ times) to check status - Eventually had to go in person and basically refuse to leave until they processed it Honestly, the whole theft replacement process is designed to make you give up. They put you through so many hoops hoping you'll just stop pursuing it. DON'T GIVE UP! Keep calling, keep showing up, and document EVERYTHING. Write down every person you talk to, date/time, what they said. Also, if you have children, mention that when you call - they're supposed to prioritize cases with kids.

Sorry this happened to u! This is why I always transfer ALL my benefits off my EBT card the second they hit my account. You can set up direct deposit for Cash Aid to a regular bank account and just leave the CalFresh on the card since that can only be used for food anyway. Learned this the hard way after getting skimmed twice last year.

I work at a nonprofit that helps CalWORKs recipients with benefit issues. Here's what I can tell you: 1. CalFresh (food stamps) replacement is much faster - typically 3-10 days by law. 2. Cash Aid replacement can take up to 30 days but is often processed in 10-14 days. 3. For your immediate situation: Go in person to your county office tomorrow and request an "immediate need" payment. Bring your kids if possible (sad but true - it helps them see the urgency). Explain that you have no food and rent is due. 4. If they deny your immediate need request, ask to speak with a supervisor immediately. 5. Keep documentation of all your receipts and any expenses you have to cover during this time. If you're still having trouble after trying these steps, many counties have an Ombudsperson specifically for EBT theft cases who can help expedite things.

It sounds like you did all the right steps so far! Based on recent cases I've heard about: - CalFresh replacement: Usually 3-10 days - Cash Aid replacement: Usually 10-14 days, but can take up to 30 days Since the theft just happened last week, give them a few more days before panicking. But definitely follow up! The squeaky wheel gets the grease with CalWORKs issues. ALSO - one important thing to know: There's a limit to how many theft claims they'll approve in a 12-month period. I believe it's usually 2 theft replacements max per year for Cash Aid, so be extra careful with your new card when it arrives.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! I've been through CalWORKs benefit theft twice and it's absolutely terrifying when you have kids to feed and bills due. From my experience, here's the realistic timeline: - CalFresh: 5-7 days (they're pretty good about this) - Cash Aid: 10-21 days (despite what they tell you about "processing it") DEFINITELY go ask about emergency assistance/immediate need payment ASAP! They can give you a portion of your benefits (usually around $200-400) while your claim processes, but you have to specifically ask for it and emphasize that you have children with immediate needs. Pro tip: When you call to follow up (and you'll need to call A LOT), always ask for the claim status AND ask if there's anything additional they need from you. Sometimes they're waiting for one tiny piece of paperwork but won't tell you unless you ask directly. Also, once you get your replacement benefits, seriously consider setting up direct deposit for the Cash Aid portion. I did this after my second theft and it's been a game changer - no more worrying about someone stealing my card. Keep pushing and don't let them brush you off. Your kids need to eat and you deserve to get your stolen benefits back quickly!