Anyone else notice how these EBT thefts keep happening right before holidays and rent due dates??? My cousin works for the county and she says they see TONS of "theft" reports at the end of every month. I'm not saying the OP is lying but they investigate these claims REALLY carefully now. If they think ur being dishonest they can terminate ur benefits completely so be 100% truthful about everything

Quick update on the current replacement process: I just confirmed with our local CalFresh office that the rules changed in mid-2025. Now when benefits are stolen electronically (not from a lost/stolen physical card), they can replace up to two months of benefits per federal fiscal year. The process requires: - Police report (required) - EBT-28 form completed in full - Proof of identity - Statement explaining how you believe the theft occurred If your case is still with your previous county, they handle the replacement. If the transfer completed, then your new county handles it. The 10-day processing requirement only starts once ALL documentation is received, so submit everything as quickly as possible.

NOBODY MENTIONED THIS YET - if she's really out of food right now, check if your county has emergency food banks! My benefits got delayed for 2 months during recertification (still mad about it!) and the food bank saved me. They usually don't even ask for much paperwork for emergency situations. Google "[your county] emergency food assistance" and you should find options while waiting for her card!!!!!

Just to follow up with specific information for Alameda County: Alameda County Social Services Agency: 510-263-2420 or 1-888-999-4772 For same-day EBT card replacement, yes, Alameda County offices can issue cards on-site at their Oakland and Hayward self-sufficiency centers during business hours (M-F, 8:30am-5pm). Your daughter would need to bring photo ID. For the Authorized Representative form, here's the direct link: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/SAR80.pdf And the Alameda County Community Food Bank has a helpline at 1-800-870-FOOD (3663) or 510-635-3663 for immediate food assistance.

update????? did your benefits show up?

My friend had the same problem but she had to contact her worker because her benefits NEVER transferred. Turns out they had some kind of system glitch that affected people who got their cards the same week as the quarterly maintenance or something. Just mentioning this in case anyone else reading has waited more than 7 days - don't just assume it'll eventually work itself out!

If someone has already given out their card information, they should: 1. Immediately call EBT customer service (1-877-328-9677) 2. Report the card as compromised 3. Request an immediate hold on the account 4. Ask for a new card to be issued 5. File a benefit theft claim if any funds were taken 6. Get a case number for the report 7. File a police report for identity theft For all CalFresh recipients: Set up EBT text alerts so you get notified instantly of any transactions. This allows you to catch unauthorized use immediately.

UPDATE: Just checked and my benefits are still there! 😅 The new card should arrive in 7-10 business days. The EBT customer service rep was super helpful and said they've had a lot of these scam calls lately. She also suggested I set up text alerts for any transactions so I can catch anything suspicious right away. Thanks everyone for the quick advice - really saved me from possibly losing my food money for the month!

I think what you might be hearing about is the BenefitsCal system upgrade that happened in some counties? It's not called "3.0" but it did improve the online application process. That might be what people are confusing with benefit amount changes.

Thanks everyone for clearing this up! I feel kinda dumb now, but also relieved I didn't miss something important. I'm definitely going to look into those deductions mentioned because I never submitted my utility bills or updated my rent after it went up. Will try using that Claimyr thing to actually reach someone since calling directly never works. Really appreciate all the responses!