Obtaining an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card is a vital process that demands a significant investment of time.
Unfortunately, there are instances where individuals may lose or misplace their cards, leading to potential unauthorized access and withdrawals. In such cases, swift action is crucial to protect your benefits.
Prompt Reporting is Key
If you discover that your EBT card is lost or stolen, it is essential to act promptly. Failing to report the theft on time may result in challenges with reimbursement.
For Cash Aid theft, you have a window of 90 days to report it, while CalFresh theft requires reporting within 10 days of the unauthorized withdrawal.
Once the theft is reported, a set of steps must be followed to replace your EBT card. The initial step involves canceling the lost card.
However, obtaining a new card requires an in-person visit to the county, as the EBT Customer Service Hotline does not issue new cards. To facilitate the replacement process, you’ll need to file a claim form labeled ‘EBT 2259’ within 90 days of reporting the theft.
If you reported the incident through the hotline, you can request the claim form from the county. During your hotline call, it’s essential to identify the unauthorized transactions linked to the theft.
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The Importance of the EBT Card
The EBT card holds significant importance for its holders, enabling them to purchase essential items such as food, diapers, and clothing.
Additionally, it allows users to access cash from their accounts, whether or not they make a purchase. However, this accessibility may vary based on individual store policies.
Losing an EBT card can pose challenges, but understanding the necessary steps to report the theft and replace the card is crucial.
Timely reporting and adherence to the replacement process outlined here can help ensure a swift resolution, allowing individuals to continue accessing the benefits provided by the EBT program.
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