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!

As a new community member, I'm amazed by how comprehensive this thread has become! I'm currently dealing with my own P-EBT activation issues and was feeling completely lost until I found this discussion. The fact that @Anastasia Popov's problem was solved and so many others have shared their specific solutions gives me real hope. I had no idea there were so many potential data mismatches - wrong birthdates, name variations, old addresses, typos in birth years - it's like the P-EBT system is a minefield of database errors! I'm definitely going to call that dedicated hotline (1-877-328-9677) first thing at 8 AM tomorrow with all possible variations ready: my kids' birthdates, my maiden name, our old zip code, and different date formats. The tip about keeping a detailed log of attempts is brilliant too. It's honestly ridiculous that accessing food benefits for our children requires becoming database detectives, but this community has turned a frustrating system failure into actionable solutions. Thank you all for sharing your experiences - this thread should be required reading for every P-EBT recipient! Will definitely update once I get through to someone.

As a new community member, I just want to say this thread has been absolutely incredible to read! I'm currently facing my own P-EBT activation struggles and was feeling so frustrated and alone until I found this discussion. The systematic approach everyone has developed here is amazing - from trying different birthdates and name variations to calling at 8 AM and keeping detailed logs of attempts. What really stands out to me is how this community has essentially created the troubleshooting guide that the state should have provided from the beginning. The fact that data mismatches are "extremely common" (as the rep told @Olivia Harris) but families are left to figure this out on their own is honestly unacceptable. We shouldn't need to become database forensics experts just to feed our children! I'm definitely calling that P-EBT hotline (1-877-328-9677) tomorrow at 8 AM with all my variations ready - my kids' birthdates, my maiden name, our previous address, and different date formats. Thank you to everyone who shared their solutions, especially @Anastasia Popov for starting this thread and following up with the resolution. This is exactly the kind of community support that makes navigating these broken systems possible!

I'm new to CalFresh and just got approved too! Reading through all these responses is so helpful - I had no idea about the farmers market option giving you double the value. Quick question for everyone: does anyone know if the incentive program works at smaller independent grocery stores, or is it mainly just the big chains? There's a really nice family-owned produce market near me that accepts regular EBT, but I'm wondering if they'd have the fruit and vegetable incentive set up too. Also super grateful for the tip about Claimyr - I've been trying to reach my caseworker for weeks!

Just wanted to add another tip that's been working great for me - if you have an Aldi near you, they participate in the program and their produce prices are already really low, so the $60 incentive goes even further there! I've been able to get almost two weeks worth of fruits and vegetables for my family of four using the full $60 benefit. Also, pro tip: download your store's app first - some places like Safeway show the CalFresh incentive discount right in the app after you link your card, so you can track how much of your monthly $60 you've used without having to keep all your receipts. The program really is worth it once you figure out how to use it properly!

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! 💙

Just wanted to add another resource that might help - if you have kids in school, check with their school counselor or main office. A lot of schools have emergency funds or connections to local organizations that can help families avoid homelessness. The McKinney-Vento Act actually requires schools to help students who are at risk of becoming homeless, and sometimes they have access to emergency rental assistance that processes really quickly. My sister got help through her kid's elementary school when she was facing eviction and they connected her with a local foundation that paid her rent within 48 hours. Worth a shot while you're waiting on all the other applications to process!

Hey Anna, I just went through this exact situation in Fresno County a few months ago and wanted to share what ended up working for me. While you're pursuing all the CalWorks options (which you absolutely should!), also try contacting 211 and specifically ask about the "Coordinated Entry System" for housing assistance. They have access to a database of emergency funds from different agencies that aren't always well-publicized. When I called, they connected me with three different organizations I'd never heard of, and one of them (a local church coalition) was able to cut a check directly to my landlord within 24 hours. The key is to explain that you have children and are newly approved for benefits - they prioritize families with kids who are actively working with the system. Also, when you talk to your landlord, mention that you're documented with multiple agencies seeking assistance - sometimes they'll accept a partial payment if they know more money is coming through official channels. Don't lose hope, there really are more safety nets than it initially seems like!