Wow, this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm a new CalFresh recipient and had no idea about any of these workarounds. I've been struggling with the same EBTedge password issue for days and was getting so frustrated. The fact that counties automatically create accounts without telling us is mind-blowing - they really should include this information in the welcome packet or something! I'm definitely going to try the standard security question answers (DOB, last 4 SSN, zip code) that Marcelle suggested, and if that doesn't work, the text balance option to 42265 sounds perfect for my immediate needs. It's honestly ridiculous that we need a whole community forum just to figure out how to access our own benefits, but I'm so grateful this information is here. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions!

This is such a useful thread! I'm also new to CalFresh and ran into the exact same EBTedge password issue last week. I had no clue that counties automatically set up accounts for us - they definitely should mention this during the application process! I ended up calling the EBT customer service line and waiting on hold for almost 2 hours, which was really frustrating when I just needed to check my balance quickly. The text option to 42265 that Collins shared is a total game-changer - I just tried it and got my balance instantly! For anyone else dealing with this, I also found that some grocery stores can check your EBT balance at customer service if you bring your card. Not ideal for privacy, but it's another backup option if the apps and phone systems aren't working. Thanks to everyone who shared their solutions here - this community is so helpful for navigating all these confusing systems!

To clarify for everyone - the standard CalFresh issuance schedule for 2025 is as follows, based on the last digit of your case number: • 1st of the month: Cases ending in 1, 2, 3, or L • 2nd of the month: Cases ending in 4, 5, 6, or M • 3rd of the month: Cases ending in 7, 8, 9, or N • 4th of the month: Cases ending in 0 or O So the OP's benefits were correctly loaded on the 1st since their case begins with L. Different counties may have various supplemental programs (like the 'Sun Bucks' mentioned), but the standard CalFresh issuance follows this schedule statewide.

I'm new to CalFresh too and this whole thread was super educational! I just got approved last week and was worried I'd run into similar confusion when my card arrives. The fact that there can be multiple benefit types on one card is something they definitely don't explain well in the approval materials. Really glad you got it sorted out and thanks to everyone who provided such detailed explanations - this is exactly the kind of info that should be included in the welcome packet but never is!

i heard they making everyone use the new chip ebt cards soon bc of all the skimming happening. did u have the old swipe card? my friend said the chip ones r safer

I'm so sorry this happened to you! EBT theft is absolutely devastating, especially when you're trying to budget and plan ahead like you were doing. I went through something similar last year - thieves hit my card at a gas station in Fresno while I was in Long Beach. Here's what worked for me: 1. You did the right thing calling immediately to freeze the card 2. When you file the police report, make sure to get a case number - you'll need it for the CalFresh claim 3. Ask your caseworker about "interim assistance" while waiting for the investigation - some counties can provide temporary emergency benefits 4. Document EVERYTHING with photos of your transaction history and keep all reference numbers The waiting period is brutal, but most people do get their benefits restored. In the meantime, check with local churches and community centers too - many have emergency food programs specifically for situations like this. Stay strong, and don't let anyone make you feel bad for having savings on your card. You were being responsible by planning ahead! 💙

I'm really sorry this happened to you! I know how scary it is when you can't access your benefits, especially with kids to feed. I lost my EBT card about a year ago and here's what I wish someone had told me: Call 877-328-9677 right away to report it lost - they'll freeze your card immediately so no one can use your $340. When you call, definitely mention you have children and ask about expedited shipping. They were able to get my replacement to me in 2 days instead of the usual 5 when I explained it was a family emergency. While you're waiting, check if your county allows temporary authorized representatives - I was able to add my sister so she could buy groceries for us using my benefits until the new card arrived. You'd need to call your local CalFresh office for this option though. Also don't hesitate to reach out to local food banks or churches - many understand the CalFresh situation and can help bridge the gap without making you feel bad about it. Your benefits will absolutely still be there when you get the new card! The money doesn't disappear, just the access temporarily. Hang in there - you've got this and your kids won't go hungry!

I'm so glad to hear you were able to get through to EBT customer service and get your card deactivated! That 2-day expedited shipping is a lifesaver when you have kids to feed. I went through something similar last year and the panic is so real when you realize you can't access your benefits. One small tip for when your new card arrives - make sure you're available to sign for it or have someone trusted who can receive it, because they typically require a signature for replacement EBT cards. Also remember you'll need to set up a new PIN when you activate it. It sounds like you have a solid backup plan with the authorized representative option too. This community really is amazing for support during these stressful situations. Your kids are lucky to have such a proactive parent who knows how to ask for help when needed. Hang in there - Thursday will be here before you know it!

I don't have WIC (no kids) but good to know about the Friday market in Old Oakland! Thanks for clarifying the different program names too.

Hey Jacob! I'm new to CalFresh and just moved to the Bay Area too (from LA). This thread has been SO helpful - I had no idea about Market Match at all! I'm in San Francisco and wondering if anyone knows which farmers markets here participate? I saw mentions of Oakland and Berkeley markets but nothing about SF specifically. Also, does anyone know if the Castro Farmers Market or the one at UN Plaza do the matching program? My caseworker never mentioned any of this when I applied. It's frustrating how these programs seem like such well-kept secrets when they could really help people like us stretch our food budgets!