How to Request Help for Benefits Damaged or Lost in an Emergency
Learn how to report and recover public benefits like CalFresh or EBT lost in emergencies. Step-by-step process to request replacement or disaster-related aid.
Emergencies such as wildfires, floods, earthquakes, or house fires can disrupt lives in seconds and that includes the loss or damage of essential public benefits like EBT cards, CalFresh food, Medi-Cal documents, or cash aid. If you’ve lost access to your benefits due to a disaster, help is available.
This guide explains how to request help for lost or damaged benefits, how to report the incident, and what to expect during the recovery process.
What Types of Benefits Can Be Replaced or Recovered?
In the event of a disaster, you may be able to request replacement or emergency assistance for the following:
- CalFresh (Food Stamps)
- EBT Card (Electronic Benefits Transfer)
- Medi-Cal or healthcare-related cards/documents
- CalWORKs (Cash aid)
- Housing or disability service documents
- Temporary Disaster Assistance
Common Scenarios Where Help is Needed
- Your EBT card was destroyed or lost during a flood or fire
- Food purchased with CalFresh was spoiled due to a power outage
- You lost access to health benefits documents during an evacuation
- You’re a new victim of a declared state or federal disaster
- Your benefits portal access is blocked due to emergency-related disconnection
Step-by-Step: How to Request Help
Step 1: Contact Your Local County Office
Report your situation as soon as possible. You can call or visit your local county social services office.
- Visit: https://benefitscal.com
- Click on “Find County Office”
- Call the number listed and explain the situation
You may need to verify your identity with your name, case number, date of birth, or SSN (if applicable).
Step 2: File a Loss Report for Food or EBT Card
If you lost food purchased with CalFresh, you can submit a food loss replacement request within 10 days of the incident.
If you lost your EBT card, request a card replacement immediately by calling:
📞 EBT Customer Service: 1-877-328-9677 (Available 24/7)
Step 3: Complete Required Forms
The county office may ask you to fill out:
- Form CF 303: CalFresh Disaster Replacement Request
- EBT 2259: EBT Card Replacement Request
- Statement of Loss – written explanation of what was lost/damaged
Forms can often be submitted online through your BenefitsCal account or in person.
Step 4: Provide Documentation (If Available)
You may be asked to submit:
- Photos of damage (if possible)
- Proof of address (if you had to relocate)
- Declaration of food spoilage
- Identity verification
If documents were also destroyed in the disaster, explain this during the report.
Step 5: Receive Your Replacement or Emergency Aid
If approved, the county office will:
- Reissue EBT cards typically within 5–7 business days
- Provide emergency CalFresh replacement benefits
- Offer Disaster CalFresh (D-CalFresh) if your area qualifies
- Assist with Medi-Cal or CalWORKs replacement forms
Additional Emergency Assistance Programs
If your area is officially declared a disaster zone by FEMA or the Governor of California, you may also qualify for:
- Disaster CalFresh (D-CalFresh)
- Temporary Shelter Support
- Emergency Health Services
- One-time cash aid
These are usually announced by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and require a short-term application.
How to Stay Updated in Future Emergencies
- Sign up for county alerts or text messages through your BenefitsCal profile
- Keep a backup of your benefits documents in cloud storage or email
- Download the BenefitsCal mobile app to manage benefits on the go
- Update your contact information regularly for emergency notifications
FAQs
1. How long do I have to report lost CalFresh food?
You must file a food loss report within 10 days of the disaster or emergency.
2. What if I lost all my documents in the fire or flood?
Notify your county office and explain the situation. You may still receive help without documents if your identity can be verified another way.
3. Can I track my replacement EBT card delivery?
Yes. Call 1-877-328-9677 or check your BenefitsCal dashboard for updates.
4. Do I need to reapply for benefits after a disaster?
No, but you may need to renew or update your information depending on the program and situation.
5. Are disaster benefits taxable or counted as income?
No. Emergency disaster benefits like replacement CalFresh or D-CalFresh are not taxable and usually do not affect income eligibility for other programs.
Conclusion
Emergencies can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. Whether it’s a wildfire, earthquake, or flood, California offers reliable systems to help you recover lost benefits and continue receiving the support you need.
If you or your family have experienced a benefit disruption due to an emergency, act quickly by contacting your county office or using the BenefitsCal platform.
For more details and updates, visit www.benefitscal.com and take advantage of available support programs.
