BenefitsCal login nightmare - says my password AND email don't exist for CalFresh account
I'm about to lose my mind with the BenefitsCal website! I've been managing my CalFresh benefits there with no issues for months. Suddenly today, it's telling me my password is incorrect. Fine, I get it, maybe I typed it wrong. But when I tried to reset my password, the system says my EMAIL doesn't even exist in their database?? How is that possible when I've been getting notifications from them at this same email for over a year? My recertification is due in 3 weeks and I need to submit documents. Anyone else having similar login problems or is it just me? This is so frustrating - I can't even create a new account because my SSN is already in the system. What am I supposed to do now?
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Omar Zaki
Same thing happened to me last week! I kept trying different passwords I've used before and nothing worked. When I called the county office, they told me there was a system update that messed up some accounts. Have you tried calling your county worker directly? I finally got through after being on hold for nearly 2 hours and they had to manually reset something on their end.
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Freya Thomsen
•2 HOURS?! I don't have that kind of time with my work schedule. Did they say how long the system issues would last? I'm really worried about missing my recertification deadline.
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AstroAce
try clearing ur browser cache and cookies first, sometimes that fixes weird login issues. worked for me once when the site kept glitching
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Freya Thomsen
•Thanks, I just tried that. Still getting the same error messages. It's like my entire account has been erased or something.
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Chloe Martin
This is unfortunately a known issue with the BenefitsCal portal after their January 2025 system update. The technical team is still resolving account migration problems. Here's what you need to do: 1. Don't create a new account - this will cause more complications 2. Call your county office directly and ask for the "BenefitsCal account recovery team" 3. Provide your case number, name, and the email you previously used 4. Request them to manually verify your identity and relink your email 5. Ask them to note your recertification deadline in your case file to avoid discontinuance Also, while your online access is limited, you can still submit recertification documents by mail, fax, or in person at your county office. Make sure to keep proof of submission (receipt, fax confirmation, etc.).
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Freya Thomsen
•Thank you so much for this detailed info! I tried calling the county office this morning but couldn't get through the automated system. Is there a direct number for this account recovery team?
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Diego Rojas
OMG the same thing is happening to me right now!!! So frustrating!!! They should at least warn people before these "updates" that mess everything up! Now I'm worried about getting my benefits next month...
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Anastasia Sokolov
•I experienced this exact issue! It's incredibly frustrating, especially when you're trying to meet deadlines. For what it's worth, your benefits won't stop immediately - they have to send you a Notice of Action before discontinuing services. Document all your attempts to access the system (screenshots, dates/times of calls, etc.) in case you need to show you tried to comply with recertification requirements.
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Sean O'Donnell
I've called the county CalFresh office about 8 times since yesterday morning and can't get through to anyone. Just automated systems and eventually disconnections after being on hold. This is ridiculous when my benefits might be at risk!
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Zara Ahmed
•If you're having trouble getting through to your CalFresh worker, you might want to try Claimyr. It's a service that basically waits on hold for you and calls you when a real person is on the line. I was skeptical at first but used it last month when I had a similar account issue and it saved me hours of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. It was honestly the only way I could keep my CalFresh benefits while working full-time since I couldn't sit on hold for hours during business hours.
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Freya Thomsen
UPDATE: Finally got through to someone after trying different options in the phone menu (said I was a new applicant instead of existing recipient). The worker confirmed there's a system-wide issue affecting "thousands of accounts" after their update. She manually verified my identity and submitted a ticket to their IT department. Said I should be able to log in within 48 hours, but she also noted in my file that I tried to submit my recertification so I won't be penalized for the delay. For anyone else dealing with this - keep trying different options in the phone menu until you reach a human!
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AstroAce
good 2 hear u got it fixed! the county really needs to get better tech people, seems like every update breaks something lol
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Freya Thomsen
•Thanks! And yeah, this happens way too often. At least the worker was helpful once I finally reached someone.
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Anastasia Sokolov
This sounds so stressful! While you're waiting for your online access to be restored, another option is to download the recertification forms from the county website (not BenefitsCal), fill them out by hand, and submit them at your local office. I had to do this last year during another system outage. Make sure to get a receipt and take pictures of everything you submit for your records. Just sharing in case the 48 hours turns into longer - you'll still meet your deadline!
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Freya Thomsen
•That's a great backup plan, thank you! I actually didn't know you could still submit paper forms. Will definitely do this if my online access isn't fixed by Thursday.
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Omar Zaki
That Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually sounds interesting. Has anyone else used it? I'm having similar login problems now too, and I don't have time to wait on hold for hours with my job.
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Diego Rojas
I'm still locked out of my account!!! It's been 3 days and nothing's fixed! Called again today and they said the ticket is "in process" whatever that means... This is SO ANNOYING!!!
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Chloe Martin
•If it's been more than 48 hours since your ticket was submitted, ask to speak with a supervisor specifically. The regular call center staff often don't have the authority to escalate technical issues. The supervisor can connect directly with the IT department for a status update. Also, document the call reference number every time you contact them - this creates a paper trail showing your efforts to resolve the issue, which is important if your benefits are affected.
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Sophia Carson
I just went through this exact same nightmare last month! The system update definitely caused widespread login issues. One thing that helped me was going to your county's CalFresh office in person with your ID and case number - they can pull up your account on their internal system and help you submit documents directly, even when the online portal is broken. The staff there told me they've been dealing with tons of people having the same problem. Also, if you have your old paper notices or emails from CalFresh, bring those as proof of your existing case. Don't panic about the recertification deadline - as long as you make contact and show you're trying to comply, they usually won't cut off your benefits immediately. Document everything though (dates you called, reference numbers, etc.) just in case!
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