Anyone else locked out of BenefitsCal/DPSS login for CalFresh? System keeps rejecting my password

same here!! been locked out for 3 days now. tried resetting password but never get the email. so frustrating when u need to check ur EBT balance

Did you try calling your county office? I'm about to try again but not looking forward to being on hold forever. My kids need to eat.

This happened to me last month! Turns out they did some kind of \

Thanks for the tip! I'll try the text message option. Did you have any issues with your benefits while you were locked out? I'm worried they'll think I'm not responding to something important.

The BenefitsCal system has been experiencing technical difficulties since their latest update. Here's what you need to know:\n\n1. Password resets: Use the \

thanks for the phone # didnt know you could check balance that way! gonna try now

You're welcome! The phone system will ask for your 16-digit EBT card number and PIN, so have those ready.

There was an official notice about the BenefitsCal system maintenance last week, but they only posted it on the website itself (not very helpful since people can't log in to see it!). The system should be fully functional again by tomorrow according to their schedule. \n\nRegarding your SAR7 concern - if you submitted it before the deadline, you should be fine. As backup, you can also call the EBT customer service line directly at 877-328-9677 to check if your benefits were loaded. You don't need to log into BenefitsCal for that - just need your EBT card number and PIN.\n\nIf you're worried about whether they received your SAR7, you can request a receipt next time you submit one. I always ask for proof of submission, either a stamped copy if in person or confirmation number if online/fax.

Thank you for explaining! I did drop off my SAR7 in person but didn't get a receipt - lesson learned for next time. I'll try the EBT line to check my balance. At least that's something!

lol DPSS and their systems are ALWAYS down!!! happened to me 3 times already this year. and every time i call they act like its the first time theyve heard about it. system is a JOKE. i swear they do it on purpose right before benefits load to see who they can cut off 🤬

I don't think they do it intentionally, but the timing is definitely suspicious sometimes. I've learned to submit my SAR7 at least a week early and take a picture of it as proof. Their system is definitely outdated though.

did u get back in yet? im still locked out going on day 4 now 😩

Finally got in this morning! The text message reset worked but I had to try 3 different times. And weirdly, my benefits did get loaded correctly even though I couldn't check online. So relieved!

Pro tip from someone who's dealt with CalFresh for years: ALWAYS take screenshots of your submissions, get receipts for everything, and save confirmation emails. The system is so glitchy that you need to have proof of everything you do. I've had workers tell me they never received documents I submitted online. Since I started keeping records of everything, magically those problems disappeared! 🙄

good advice!! my worker tried to tell me i never sent my paystubs but i had the confirmation # and suddenly they

Update for everyone following this thread: According to the CalFresh Information Line, the BenefitsCal login issues have been resolved as of this morning. If you're still having problems, you should try clearing your browser cache or using a different browser entirely. Some people have reported success using Chrome when Firefox wasn't working or vice versa. \n\nAlso, for anyone concerned about their SAR7 processing during this outage, benefits are still being processed normally even if you can't log in to check. The internal systems they use to process eligibility are separate from the customer portal.

Thank you for the update! I finally got in using Chrome (was using Safari before). My benefits did load correctly today. Such a relief! Will definitely be more prepared next time with screenshots and receipts as others suggested.

I've been dealing with CalFresh for about 6 months now and this is such helpful information! I had no idea about the EBT customer service line at 877-328-9677 - that's going to be a lifesaver for checking balances when the website is down. Also really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences with keeping documentation. As a new recipient, I've been pretty trusting that the system just works, but clearly I need to start taking screenshots and getting receipts for everything. This community is so valuable for learning these practical tips that they definitely don't tell you about during the application process!