Best app to check EBT balance and track CalFresh spending? Recommendations needed!

I use the ConnectEBT app. it's pretty basic but gets the job done. you can check your balance and see recent transactions. sometimes it's a bit slow to update tho

There are a few options available. The official ConnectEBT mobile app (by Conduent) is what most people use - it's free and shows your current balance and transaction history. You can download it from your app store. The BenefitsCal app also lets you manage your case and check some basic EBT information, though it's not specifically for transaction tracking. If you want more detailed budgeting features, some people use third-party budgeting apps like Mint or YNAB and manually track their EBT spending there. Just be careful with third-party apps requesting your EBT card information for security reasons.

I tried those apps but honestly, I just take a pic of my receipt every time I shop and write the remaining balance in my notes app. The government apps are GARBAGE and never work when you need them. Half the time they're "down for maintenance" right when I'm in the checkout line. The whole system is designed to be frustrating. They probably WANT us to lose track so we don't use all our benefits!!

The ConnectEBT app is definitely the official one for California's EBT system. I've found it helpful for basic balance checking, but it does have limitations. One tip: if you're having trouble reaching someone at the county office about EBT card issues (like if your card is lost or your benefits aren't showing up correctly), I recently discovered Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to an actual CalFresh worker instead of waiting on hold forever. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 and their website is claimyr.com. I used it last month when my balance wasn't updating correctly and actually got through to someone who fixed it.

I've been on CalFresh for 2 years and honestly just check my balance before I go shopping by calling the number on the back of the EBT card (877-328-9677). It's not fancy but it's reliable. I tried the ConnectEBT app but it kept giving me login errors. I think it depends on what phone you have too. For tracking my spending, I just save my receipts in an envelope each month so I can see where the money went. Old school but it works for me!

Does anybody know if the app shows u when ur benefits get deposited each month?? I never know when mine are coming it's supposed to be the 10th but sometimes it's the 9th or even the 8th!!

Thanks everybody for the advice! I downloaded the ConnectEBT app and it's working okay so far. Had to try a couple times to create an account but finally got in. I like that I can see my last few transactions. Definitely better than calling that number every time! I might still track things in my regular budget app too just to be more organized about what I'm buying.