This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my EBT card suddenly stopped working at the grocery store checkout yesterday and I had no idea why. Based on what everyone's shared here, it sounds like I probably hit the 4-attempt limit without realizing it. I'm going to try the online reset at ebt.ca.gov first before calling or going to the office. It's really eye-opening to learn that this is such a common issue but there's basically no clear communication from the system about what's happening. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - it's making me feel less alone in dealing with this frustrating situation!

This is such an important thread! I'm relatively new to receiving CalFresh benefits and had no idea that EBT cards could get locked after incorrect PIN attempts without any notification. I've been lucky so far but reading everyone's experiences here is really eye-opening. It's frustrating that there's no automated system to let people know their card is locked - instead you're left thinking you're doing something wrong when really it's a technical issue that needs to be resolved. I'm bookmarking the EBT website (ebt.ca.gov) and customer service number (877-328-9677) from @GalacticGuru's comment in case I ever run into this problem. Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories and solutions - it really shows how important it is for community members to support each other when the official systems fall short on communication!

Quick update for anyone else who might face this situation - I just went through this exact process last week in Fresno! Got to the Shields office at 7:45am and was about 6th in line. Whole process took about 1 hour 15 minutes from when I got there to walking out with my new card. Staff was really helpful and the new card worked immediately at the grocery store. Just make sure to bring your ID and any paperwork you have with your case info. The PIN setup only takes like 2 minutes at the kiosk they have there. Don't stress too much @Andre Lefebvre - you'll get it sorted tomorrow!

If you're really desperate and can't make it to the office tomorrow for some reason, there's actually one more emergency option - some of the larger grocery stores in Fresno (like the WinCo on Shaw or Food 4 Less on Blackstone) have customer service desks that can help you get emergency food assistance while you wait for your replacement card. You'd need to call 211 first to get set up, but they can sometimes provide a temporary voucher for essential groceries. It's not ideal and has limitations, but it's better than going hungry if the office visit doesn't work out. But honestly, based on what everyone's saying, going to the welfare office in person sounds like your best bet for getting sorted quickly!

Based on everything you've shared, here's what I recommend: 1. Request a copy of the overpayment notice and calculation sheet showing exactly when the overpayment occurred 2. Ask for a copy of your case record to confirm you're listed as a separate household 3. File for a state hearing immediately (you can do this online through BenefitsCal) 4. Gather evidence showing when you moved out (lease, utility bills, etc.) 5. Request a conference with a supervisor before your hearing date CalFresh regulations at MPP Section 63-801.3 specify who can be held liable for overpayments, and they generally cannot collect from people who were not part of the household during the period of overpayment. Many counties misapply these rules or rely on outdated information in their systems.

This is definitely worth fighting! I work as a benefits advocate and see this type of error frequently. The county systems sometimes automatically link family members even when they shouldn't be connected. One thing to check - did you use the same Social Security number or any shared information when you applied? Sometimes the system creates inappropriate links based on shared data like phone numbers or addresses (even previous addresses). Also, make sure to document every interaction you have with the county from now on. Get names, dates, and case numbers. If they can't provide a clear explanation of why you're liable for her debt, that's a red flag that this is likely an administrative error that needs to be corrected through the appeals process. You absolutely have the right to receive your full benefit amount if you're not actually responsible for that overpayment!

So glad you got through to someone who could help! This is exactly why I always tell people to keep pushing when they get denied - there are so many mistakes made during the initial review process. The fact that you weren't asked about childcare expenses on your original application is a red flag that the caseworker didn't do their job properly. Those deductions can make or break eligibility for families like yours. Fingers crossed your appeal goes through quickly and you get approved with backpay!

This is such an important thread for anyone dealing with CalFresh denials! I'm a case manager at a local food assistance nonprofit and I see this exact situation ALL the time. The biggest issue is that many caseworkers don't ask the right questions during the initial application review. They're required to ask about dependent care expenses, medical costs, and shelter expenses that can be deducted, but it often gets missed in the rush to process applications. For anyone reading this - ALWAYS mention childcare costs, even if you think they won't count. Also, if you get denied, don't just reapply right away - appeal first because you keep your place in line and they have to do a more thorough review. And definitely keep all your documentation organized (pay stubs, childcare receipts, medical bills) because you'll need them for the appeal process.

UPDATE: I've been using the card lock feature for about a week now, and it's super easy! I just unlock it right before checking out at the store and lock it again right after. Gives me such peace of mind! Also found out you can see all your transaction history in the app which helps me budget better. Thanks everyone for the additional security tips!

Just received my Golden State Advantage card yesterday and this thread has been SO helpful! I had no idea about all these security features. Already downloaded the EBT Edge app and set up the card lock - took me a few tries to get the verification code to work but persistence paid off. Quick question though - does anyone know if there's a way to temporarily unlock the card for a specific amount of time? Like if I'm doing a big grocery shopping trip and don't want to keep unlocking/locking between different stores? Also really appreciate the tip about updating automatic payments - completely forgot I had my card linked to Walmart grocery pickup!