CalWORKs

County EBT theft drops more than 80% after chip card issued

East County News Service
 
Jan. 23, 2026 (San Diego County) -- More attention to security needs and new chips are making a difference in the safety of electronic benefits cards, also known as EBT cards.
 
San Diego County officials report that enhanced security measures and new chips have led to an 84 percent reduction in EBT card thefts affecting the county’s CalFresh, CalWORKs and General Relief recipients. 
 
Nearly a year ago, the California Department of Social Services issued new EBT cards with chips similar to those in many credit cards. The card expiration date, card security code and all personal information also were moved to the back side of the card. Prior to the shift to improve security, California EBT cardholder information was traditionally printed on the front of the card.

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COUNTY PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS TO CONTINUE; RENEWALS, STATUS REPORTS DEFERRED

By Tracy DeFore, County of San Diego Communications Office
 
Photo courtesy: County of San Diego
 
Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, CalFresh and General Relief benefit payments for current customers will continue uninterrupted through April, May and June and certain paperwork is deferred until further notice.
 
The County began sending texts and calls Wednesday to San Diegans who receive the benefits to let them know about the change and confirm that benefits will continue through June.

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DIAPER BILLS AIM TO HELP PARENTS AFFORD DIAPERS

 

East County News Service

August 31, 2016 (Sacramento) - Two bills now on the Governor’s desk aim to help California parents afford diapers for young children.


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