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!

I'm going through something similar right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I've been dealing with EBT card issues for the past few days and was getting so frustrated trying to figure out what was wrong. Reading everyone's experiences and solutions has given me a much clearer path forward. @Chloe Green - Thank you for sharing those insider tips about calling during off-peak hours! I had no idea that timing made such a huge difference in wait times. And the reminder about selecting "Cash" vs "Food" at the ATM is exactly the kind of detail I needed - I can totally see myself making that mistake when I'm stressed. @Nia Watson - I'm definitely going to check ebtEDGE.com first thing tomorrow morning before trying anything else. Having that extra information about account status could save me a lot of trial and error. It's honestly such a relief to know that so many people have dealt with these same issues and found solutions. The EBT system can be really confusing and intimidating when things go wrong, especially when you're already dealing with financial stress. Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences and creating such a supportive space!

This whole thread has been a lifesaver! I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now - my EBT card worked fine last week and suddenly started getting declined at every ATM I tried. I was starting to panic thinking there was something wrong with my benefits, but reading through everyone's experiences has really helped calm my nerves and given me a solid action plan. @Chloe Green - Your insider tips are pure gold! I had no idea that calling during off-peak hours made such a difference, and the reminder about selecting "Cash" vs "Food" at the ATM is exactly what I needed to hear. I can totally see myself making that mistake when I'm stressed out. @Nia Watson - I'm definitely checking ebtEDGE.com first thing tomorrow before trying anything else. Having that account status info ahead of time sounds like it could save me a lot of frustration. It's so reassuring to know that most of these issues can be resolved with just a phone call to the right person. The EBT system really could be designed to be less confusing, especially when people are already dealing with financial stress. Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions - this community is amazing!

This entire thread has been so helpful! As someone who works at a local food pantry, I wanted to add that many pantries have emergency provisions specifically for situations like lost EBT cards. Don't be embarrassed to call and explain your situation - we've heard it all before and that's exactly what we're here for! Most pantries will let you come more than once during your emergency period too. Also, if you have young children, WIC offices often have emergency food vouchers available even if you're not currently on WIC. And one more thing - screenshot or write down the EBT customer service number (1-877-328-9677) and your case number somewhere safe so you have it ready if this happens again. You never know when you might need it!

Wow, this thread has been incredibly comprehensive! I'm new to CalFresh and honestly had no idea there were so many options available when you lose your EBT card. The emergency pickup option alone could be a lifesaver - I always assumed you just had to wait for mail delivery. The tip about saving your EBT card number in your phone is brilliant, and I never would have thought about community fridges or asking grocery store managers about using just the card number. It's amazing how much this community knows and shares to help each other out. Definitely bookmarking this entire conversation for future reference. Thanks to everyone who contributed - this is way more helpful than any official resource I've found!

Hey Ava! I just wanted to add one more resource that hasn't been mentioned yet - look into your college's Financial Aid office specifically about the "Student Parent Success Initiative" if they have one. I'm a single mom who went back to school last year, and this program was a game-changer for me. While CalFresh definitely won't pay tuition directly, what I found is that having CalFresh benefits actually helped me qualify for need-based aid calculations. The combination of CalFresh + California College Promise Grant covered my enrollment fees completely, and then EOPS helped with textbooks and parking passes. One practical tip: when you call these offices, specifically mention that you're a "student parent" rather than just a student - there are often special funds and programs designated specifically for parents that have less competition than general student aid. Also, ask about payment plans for any remaining costs - most colleges will let you spread expenses over the semester instead of paying everything upfront. The whole system is definitely confusing at first, but don't let that discourage you! I was overwhelmed too, but now I'm in my second year and it's totally worth the initial paperwork hassle. Your kiddo will be so proud to see you graduate!

I'm a college advisor and wanted to chime in with some official clarification since there's been great advice here but also some confusion. CalFresh absolutely does NOT pay tuition - it's strictly food assistance. However, what your college contact likely meant is that CalFresh eligibility can be a pathway to other educational support programs. Since you have a 4-year-old, you should qualify for CalFresh as a student under the dependent child exemption. Once you have CalFresh, you become eligible for several education-related programs: CFET (books/supplies assistance), California College Promise Grant (covers community college enrollment fees), and potentially CalWORKs education programs. Here's my recommended action plan: 1) Apply for/maintain CalFresh first, 2) Apply for California College Promise Grant through your college's financial aid office, 3) Ask specifically about CFET and EOPS programs, 4) Inquire about any "Basic Needs" or "Student Parent" specific programs your campus offers. The terminology around "sponsorship" is confusing because there's no single program that covers everything - it's really about layering multiple support programs together. Don't let the complexity discourage you though - these programs exist specifically to help students like you succeed! Your financial aid office should be able to help coordinate applications for multiple programs at once.

Just to clarify some confusion in this thread: The document you specifically need is called a "Notice of Benefit Determination" from EDD. It clearly states which program you're receiving benefits from (SDI in your case). You can download this directly from your EDD online account under "Claim History" then "Notices and Determination". Print this plus your payment history showing the benefit type. Submit both together to CalFresh with a cover letter explaining these documents prove you are ONLY receiving SDI benefits. If they still give you trouble, request a hearing immediately - they have to prove why they're denying you.

Also wanted to add - if you continue having issues after submitting those EDD documents, you can contact your local legal aid organization for free help. Many have CalFresh specialists who can intervene with the county on your behalf. In my experience, sometimes a call from an advocate gets things moving way faster than when you're dealing with them alone. Hope you get this resolved quickly - no one should have to go hungry over bureaucratic confusion!