STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
INSTRUCTIONS TO REPORT ELECTRONIC THEFT OF CASH AID
If you think you are a victim of electronic theft of your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cash aid benefits,
call the toll-free California EBT Customer Service number.
a
EBT Customer Service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: 1-877-328-9677
You may get your EBT cash aid benefits replaced if:
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You had your EBT card with you when cash aid benefits were stolen from your EBT account.
•
You called the California EBT Customer Service Helpline and reported your lost cash benefits
to an EBT Customer Service Representative. Customer Service will give you a dispute claim
number. Write this number on the Report of Electronic Theft of Cash Aid form EBT 2259.
•
You file a police report about your stolen cash aid benefits.
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You completely fill out the EBT 2259 and give it to your county worker.
•
You write the police report number on the EBT 2259 or tell the county worker why you could
not file a police report.
Instructions for filing a police report:
•
Contact your local city or county police department. DO NOT CALL 911. Look for a
non-emergency phone number for the police department.
•
You may be able to file a police report by phone, in person, or on the police department’s
website. Check your local police department for how to file a report.
•
The police report will have a file number. Keep a copy of this number. You need to write it on
the EBT 2259.
•
You can waive the police report filing if you have good cause. Please call your county worker
and explain your good cause for not filing a police report, so a good cause review can be made.
•
Report of EBT electronic theft and any future claims may be referred for investigation.
EBT cash aid benefits cannot be replaced if:
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You do not turn in a completed EBT 2259 within 90 calendar days from the date of the electronic
theft transaction.
•
Your EBT card has been lost or stolen and/or you gave your Personal Identification Number
(PIN) and/or your EBT card number to anyone.
Please call your county worker or go to your local county welfare office if you have questions or need
help filling out the EBT 2259.
EBT 2259 (11/13) INSTRUCTIONS
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