CalFresh EBT benefits not loading at midnight - PIN changed but still can't access funds

The same thing happened to me last month! The system sometimes glitches and benefits that should drop at midnight don't actually load until like 6-7am. If you called the EBT hotline, did it say your benefits were deposited already? Sometimes there's a difference between when they're technically deposited and when they're actually available to use.

Benefits should be available at midnight on your scheduled issuance date based on your case number. However, there are several reasons this might not happen: 1) System maintenance - sometimes CalFresh does updates overnight 2) If you recently did recertification or there were changes to your case 3) Banking system delays (rare but happens) 4) Your actual issuance date might be different than you think (check your last notice) I'd recommend checking your balance through the EBT mobile app or website if you can't get through on the phone. Benefits are usually there by 6am even if there's a delay.

Im having the exact same issue!!!! i stayed up to do grocrey shopping and nothin on my card. I got the text saying benefits were deposited but when i try to use the card DECLINED. Changed my pin thinking maybe that was it but nope still nothing. This is so annoying especially since the balance shows on the app but cant access it at the store??

I worked for the county for years and this happens sometimes. There's often a processing delay between when benefits are officially issued and when they're actually available to use. The system says it's midnight, but banking processes can take a few hours to complete. If you received a deposit confirmation, your benefits ARE there, just not accessible yet. Try again around 6am.

This happened to me too but I found out it was because I had missed submitting some verification documents they requested and my benefits were on hold. Worth checking if they sent you any notices recently asking for more info?

If you need to speak with a CalFresh worker about this issue but having trouble getting through on the phone lines, try Claimyr.com. I used it last month when my benefits were delayed and couldn't get past the automated system. They got me through to a live CalFresh worker in about 10 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Seriously saved me when I was panicking about my delayed benefits.

This is exactly why I don't rely on midnight deposits anymore. Too stressful! I always assume benefits will be there by noon the next day instead. Have you tried checking your balance through the ConnectEBT app instead of just at the store? Sometimes that gives you more accurate info than the merchant terminals.

Just wanted to follow up - did your benefits show up this morning? Or did you figure out it was something else?

Glad you figured it out! This is such a common mix-up - I've done the same thing before with different benefit dates. It's so easy to get confused when you're receiving multiple types of assistance. At least now you know your benefits will be there tomorrow morning! Hope your grocery shopping goes smoothly then. 😊

Welcome to the community! As someone who's been on CalFresh for a while, I can tell you that keeping track of different benefit dates is definitely tricky at first. A good tip is to set calendar reminders on your phone for each program - I have separate alerts for CalFresh, CalWorks, and Medi-Cal renewals. Also, don't feel bad about calling the EBT hotline if you're ever unsure - that's what it's there for! The automated system can actually give you your exact deposit date and current balance without having to wait for a person. You'll get the hang of it! 😊