CalFresh EBT app constantly crashing - can't check balance or view purchase history
Is anyone else having issues with the EBT app lately? For the past 3 days, I can't get it to load properly on my phone. It either freezes on the login screen or crashes right after I put in my password. I need to check my remaining balance and see my purchase history since I'm trying to budget the rest of the month. I've tried uninstalling and reinstalling the app but still having the same problem. My internet connection is fine because everything else works. Getting really frustrated because I can't plan my grocery shopping without knowing how much I have left. Anyone know what's going on or how to fix this?
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Dana Doyle
mines doing the same thing!!! thought it was just my crappy phone. been trying since tuesday and it just sits there loading forever or kicks me out. so annoying
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Darcy Moore
•At least I'm not alone! Did you try calling the number on the back of your EBT card? I'm thinking about doing that tomorrow if it's still not working.
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Liam Duke
This happens whenever they're doing system updates. The EBT app usually has maintenance periods around the beginning of the month when benefits are being distributed. You can always call the number on the back of your card to check your balance through the automated system. It should be back up within 24-48 hours based on previous outages. If you need immediate access, some grocery store receipts will also show your remaining balance if you make a small purchase.
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Darcy Moore
•Thank you! I forgot about checking the receipt. And I'll try the number on the back of the card too. Wish they would send a notification or something when they do updates instead of leaving us wondering what's going on.
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Manny Lark
I havnt had any issues with mine 🤷♀️ Maybe try clearing your cache? Or check if your phone needs an update? Sometimes older phones stop supporting certain apps after awhile.
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Rita Jacobs
•I doubt it's a phone issue if multiple people are having the same problem at the same time. Sounds like a server-side problem to me.
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Khalid Howes
The CalFresh EBT app is notorious for these issues. I've been on benefits for 3 years and it seems like every few months there's some kind of outage. The whole system needs an overhaul! They expect us to manage our benefits responsibly but don't provide reliable tools. I called the county office about this last year and they basically said they have no control over the app because it's maintained by a third-party vendor. TYPICAL government inefficiency! 😡
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Ben Cooper
•While I understand your frustration, it's important to note that the EBT app isn't directly managed by CalFresh/the county offices. It's actually maintained by Conduent, the contractor that handles EBT processing for California. The good news is there are other ways to check your balance besides the app - calling the EBT customer service line (1-877-328-9677) will give you your balance through automated system, and you can also check online at www.ebt.ca.gov if the app isn't working.
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Naila Gordon
This happened to me last month too! I ended up having to call them to check my balance but kept getting stuck in the automated system. Finally I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to a actual person right away. You might want to check out their video demo: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 They helped me get through to a rep who confirmed it was a system-wide issue that was being fixed. Saved me hours of redial frustration!
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Darcy Moore
•Thanks for the tip! I hate those automated phone systems so much. They just go in circles. I'll check out that link if I can't get through tomorrow.
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Liam Duke
UPDATE: I just checked the California EBT system status page, and they've posted a notice about temporary service disruptions for app users due to security updates. The website says it should be resolved by tomorrow afternoon. In the meantime, the phone system and website are supposed to be working normally for balance checks.
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Darcy Moore
•Thank you for the update! Where did you find this status page? I'd like to bookmark it for future reference.
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Liam Duke
•You can find system status updates at www.ebt.ca.gov/status (they don't publicize this link very well). It's worth checking whenever you experience issues with the app or card services.
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Dana Doyle
my app is working again just checked!!!! try yours
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Darcy Moore
•OMG it's working for me too! Finally! Thanks everyone for the help and suggestions. I'll definitely be using that status page in the future and saving the phone number too just in case.
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Rita Jacobs
Am i the only one who still uses the paper benefit reports they mail out? lol I know I'm old school but I never trusted these apps with my benefit info
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Manny Lark
•Wait they still send paper statements?? I haven't gotten one in like 2 years. Did you have to request that specially or something?
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Rita Jacobs
•You have to specifically request paper statements by calling your county office. I did it when I first got CalFresh in 2023 because my phone was too old for the app.
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NeonNomad
I'm glad to see the app is working again for everyone! For future reference, I've found it helpful to have multiple backup methods ready when the app goes down. Besides the phone number (1-877-328-9677) and the website, you can also check your balance at most ATMs using your EBT card - just select "balance inquiry" instead of making a withdrawal. Some people don't realize this option exists but it's really convenient when you're already out shopping and need a quick balance check.
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