CalFresh BenefitsCal login issues - can't access CalWIN account for days

yep its ben down for me too since tuesday!! super annoying bc i need to upload my pay stubs for verification!! called the number but just got the automated msg saying high call volume blah blah. tried at 2am thinking maybe less traffic but still nothing.

Glad it's not just me, though that's still frustrating! Did the automated message say anything about when it might be fixed? I'm worried about missing my recertification deadline.

The BenefitsCal portal has been experiencing technical issues this week due to system updates. According to the CalFresh official Twitter account, they're aware of the login problems and are working to resolve them. In the meantime, you can still submit recertification documents by: \n\n1. Faxing them to your county office \n2. Dropping them off in person \n3. Mailing them (with delivery confirmation) \n\nMake sure to include your case number and a note explaining that you couldn't upload through the portal due to technical issues. Get a receipt or confirmation if you drop off in person. This will protect you from any potential discontinuance due to the system issues.

Thank you so much for this information! I didn't think to check Twitter. I'll try to drop off my documents in person tomorrow. Do you know if most county offices are open on Saturdays? I work during normal business hours.

I had the same issue trying to check on my CalFresh renewal status. After trying for days, I was finally able to get through to someone at my county office using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this service that helps you skip the phone queues and get a callback from a caseworker. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8\n\nThe worker told me they're having database synchronization issues that they're trying to fix by Monday. She was able to verify my documents were received even though I couldn't upload them through BenefitsCal. Might be worth trying if you need immediate confirmation about your recertification.

does this claimyr thing actually work??? i've been trying to reach someone at calfresh for 2 WEEKS about my missing benefits! sounds too good to be true tbh...

its not just calwin ebt website is glitchy 2. tried checking my balance yesterday and couldn't get in. this happens like every other month i swear! and always when i need to do something important lol

EXACTLY!!!! Why does the system ALWAYS crash right before reporting deadlines?!?! It's like they WANT us to miss deadlines so they can cut benefits! I've been dealing with this garbage for 3 years now. The CalWIN system is FROM THE STONE AGE! And then they act like it's OUR fault when we can't submit things on time because THEIR systems don't work. I'm so TIRED of this!!!

Just an update - I just tried logging in (around 7:30am) and was able to get through! System seems really slow but at least it's working now. Might want to try again before they get more traffic later in the day. I noticed they added a banner at the top saying

Just tried again and it worked for me too! Thank you for the update. The system is definitely slow but at least I can access my documents now. Hopefully it stays up long enough for me to complete my recertification.

Quick note: For anyone still having trouble, even if the BenefitsCal portal is working, you might experience issues specifically with the CalWIN connection. BenefitsCal connects to three different systems (CalWIN, C4Yourself, and YourBenefitsNow) depending on your county. \n\nIf you're having persistent issues, you can also use the BenefitsCal mobile app which sometimes works when the website doesn't. And remember that technical issues affecting your ability to submit required documentation is considered \

wait there's a BenefitsCal app?? I had no idea! Is it available for both iPhone and Android? Going to download it right now since the website is still super slow for me. Thanks for the tip!

its working now but SO SLOW omg took me like 20 mins just to upload one document. better than nothing i guess 🙄

Same here! I finally got my recertification submitted but it was painfully slow. Better than missing the deadline though. Fingers crossed they process everything on time despite the system issues.

I've been having the exact same problem! Started having login issues on Wednesday and just managed to get in this morning around 8am. The system is still really sluggish but at least functional. For anyone still struggling - I found that using an incognito/private browser window sometimes helps when the regular browser won't load. Also, if you're getting the blank screen after entering your password, try waiting about 30-60 seconds before clicking anything else - sometimes it's just taking forever to process. Really glad to see it's not just me dealing with this nightmare right before deadlines!

I'm so glad I found this thread! I've been dealing with the exact same login issues since Tuesday and was starting to panic about my recertification deadline. It's reassuring to know it's a system-wide problem and not something I did wrong. I tried the incognito browser suggestion from @Abigail Patel and it helped a bit - still slow but at least I can get past the login screen now. Also really appreciate @Sean Flanagan's info about the alternative submission methods. I ended up dropping off my documents in person yesterday just to be safe, and the county office worker confirmed they're getting tons of calls about the BenefitsCal issues. She said to keep any receipts or confirmation numbers as proof we tried to submit on time. Fingers crossed they get this fully resolved soon because the stress of not being able to access your benefits info when you need it most is just awful!

Just wanted to add that I've been monitoring the BenefitsCal system status page (benefits.ca.gov/status) and they finally posted an official notice about the ongoing technical difficulties. They're saying full system restoration is expected by Monday evening, but essential services should be available throughout the weekend with possible intermittent slowdowns. For anyone still having trouble, they've also set up a dedicated phone line specifically for technical support issues - it's different from the regular CalFresh line so hopefully shorter wait times. The number is on their status page. Also confirming what others said about the mobile app - it's been more reliable for me than the website, though you still need to be patient with loading times. Hang in there everyone, we'll get through this bureaucratic nightmare together!

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions in this thread! As someone new to navigating CalFresh, I was completely panicking when I couldn't log into BenefitsCal yesterday for my initial application follow-up. Reading through all your comments made me realize this was a system-wide issue and not me doing something wrong. I tried the incognito browser tip and the mobile app suggestion, and while it's still slow, I was finally able to check my application status this morning. It's honestly overwhelming how complicated these systems can be when you're already stressed about food security, but seeing how this community supports each other with practical tips and reassurance gives me hope. I'll definitely bookmark that status page @Sadie Benitez mentioned and keep all the alternative submission methods in mind for future deadlines. Thank you all for making this process a little less scary for newcomers like me!