Best EBT app for CalFresh in California? Confused about options!
Hey everyone, I'm new to CalFresh and just got approved last week! The county worker mentioned something about an app I can use to check my EBT balance and transactions, but I didn't catch the name. Does California have an official EBT app? Or are there multiple options? I'm not super tech-savvy, so hoping for something simple that shows my balance and maybe where I can use my benefits. Any recommendations would be really helpful!
22 comments
Join the conversation
StarStrider
There are actually a few options for tracking your CalFresh EBT balance in California. The most commonly used one is called "ConnectEBT" which is California's official partner app. It lets you check your balance, transaction history, and set up alerts. You can download it from the App Store or Google Play. Another popular option is the "Providers" app which many people find more user-friendly. Both are free to use - just make sure you're downloading the real ones since there are sometimes fake apps out there.
0 coins
Isabella Santos
•Thank you! ConnectEBT sounds like what the worker was talking about. Is that different from the BenefitsCal app? I already created an account there when I applied.
0 coins
Ravi Gupta
My fav is ConnectEBT!! So easy 2 use, just punch in ur card number & pin, shows balance right away. Been using it 4 almost 2 years now. Never had any issues
0 coins
Isabella Santos
•Thanks for the recommendation! Sounds pretty straightforward. Does it show you a map of stores that accept EBT nearby? That would be super helpful.
0 coins
Freya Pedersen
DONT use the freshebt app!!!! I downloaded it last month and it looked official but it was a SCAM app!!!! They stole my benefits after I put in my card info!!!! Had to call the county office 15 times before anyone helped me and my kids had no food for 3 days!!!! ONLY use the official connectebt or the providers app like the other person said!!!!!
0 coins
Omar Hassan
•omg that's terrible! sorry that happened to you :
0 coins
StarStrider
•This is unfortunately becoming more common. To be safe, always download EBT apps directly from the links on the California Department of Social Services website (https://www.cdss.ca.gov/). Never enter your EBT card info into an app you found by just searching the app store.
0 coins
Chloe Anderson
Just to clarify some confusion I'm seeing - BenefitsCal and ConnectEBT are different systems. BenefitsCal is for managing your CalFresh application, submitting verification documents, and checking your case status. ConnectEBT is specifically for monitoring your EBT card balance and transactions once benefits are loaded. You'll need both - BenefitsCal for case management and ConnectEBT for tracking your actual benefit card usage.
0 coins
Isabella Santos
•Oh that makes sense! I was definitely mixing them up. So I need to download ConnectEBT separately to check my balance. Thank you for explaining!
0 coins
Diego Vargas
I tried using the ConnectEBT app but kept getting errors when I set it up. Ended up just calling the number on the back of my card to check my balance. Old school but it works lol. Sometimes the app crashes during high traffic times like when benefits get loaded at the beginning of the month anyway.
0 coins
CosmicCruiser
•I had the same problem with ConnectEBT at first! Turns out you need to make sure your name is entered EXACTLY as it appears on your EBT card - including middle initial if it's there. Also, if you're trying to register right after getting your card, sometimes it takes 24-48 hours before it works in the system. If you're still having trouble, try calling Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they can connect you directly to a CalFresh worker who can help troubleshoot app issues. I used their service when I was having trouble with my account and they got me through to a real person in minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8
0 coins
Omar Hassan
I use the Providers app cause the interface is nicer and it can track multiple benefit cards if u have CalWorks too. My mom's on CalFresh and I help her manage it so I have both our cards on there.
0 coins
Isabella Santos
•That's good to know! I might be helping my elderly aunt with her benefits too, so being able to track multiple cards would be helpful. Does the Providers app show where you can use your EBT for farmers markets?
0 coins
Omar Hassan
•ya it does! has a map feature that shows farmers markets and stores that take ebt. also shows which markets do the market match program where they double ur benefits up to like $10 extra
0 coins
Freya Pedersen
The WHOLE system is SO FRUSTRATING!!! Why can't they just have ONE app that does everything?!?! I have to use BenefitsCal for uploading documents, ConnectEBT for checking my balance, and then the county has their own stupid portal for appointments!!! And NONE of them work properly half the time!! California has all this tech money but can't make a decent app for poor people who need help!!!!
0 coins
Ravi Gupta
•ugh i know right? so annoying having different logins for everything
0 coins
StarStrider
•While it's definitely not ideal, the different systems serve different purposes and are operated by different entities. ConnectEBT is run by a federal contractor (Conduent), BenefitsCal is California's application portal, and each county has their own system. They're working on better integration but it's a slow process due to security concerns around financial benefits. The good news is they're planning to launch a unified portal by late 2025.
0 coins
Isabella Santos
Thank you everyone for all the helpful responses! I just downloaded the ConnectEBT app and got it set up successfully. Had to try twice because I didn't enter my name exactly as it appears on the card the first time (missed my middle initial). The balance is showing correctly now. I'll check out the Providers app too since it sounds like it has that farmers market feature. Really appreciate all the warnings about scam apps - definitely going to be careful!
0 coins
StarStrider
•Glad you got it working! One more tip: make sure to set up the low balance alerts in the ConnectEBT app settings. It'll send you a notification when your balance gets below whatever amount you specify, which is super helpful for budgeting.
0 coins
Isabella Santos
•That's a great tip, thank you! Just set it up to alert me when I get below $25.
0 coins
Aaron Boston
Hey Isabella! Welcome to CalFresh! Just wanted to add that if you're planning to shop at farmers markets, you should also look into the Market Match program that Omar mentioned. Many California farmers markets will match your CalFresh spending dollar-for-dollar on fresh fruits and vegetables, so you can get double the produce for your money. You can find participating markets on the Ecology Center website or ask at your local farmers market. It's an amazing way to stretch your benefits and get really fresh, healthy food!
0 coins
Emma Bianchi
•This is such valuable information, Aaron! I had no idea about the Market Match program. That sounds like an incredible way to get more fresh produce. I'll definitely check out the Ecology Center website you mentioned. As someone just starting with CalFresh, learning about programs like this that can help stretch my benefits is really helpful. Do you know if the match has a weekly or monthly limit, or is it per visit to the market?
0 coins