CalFresh EBT card blocked after multiple pin attempts - can't buy groceries!

This happens when you enter your PIN incorrectly too many times. Your card gets locked as a security measure. Don't worry though - you don't need an appointment to fix this. Call the EBT Customer Service number directly at 1-877-328-9677 (it's on the back of your card). They can unlock it for you right away after verifying your identity. This is separate from your county office and is available 24/7.

omg THIS LITERALLY JSUT HAPPENED TO ME last month!!!! the stupid machines at FoodMax kept saying my pin was wrong but I KNOW I was putting in the right one!!! so frustrating!!! I ended up having to leave all my groceries there and my kids were crying and everything

For verification, they usually just need your card number, name, date of birth, and sometimes your address and SSN. Basic identifying information. It's a pretty quick process - they'll unlock it and have you create a new PIN right there on the phone.

I had this happen in January and I found out that sometimes the EBT card itself is just bad - like the magnetic strip stops working. They can send you a new one, but it takes days to arrive. This whole system is designed to make things harder for people who actually need help!!! The government doesn't care if our kids go hungry while we wait for their broken systems to work.

I went through this last year and I discovered this service called Claimyr that was a total game-changer. I was also stuck in the EBT phone queue for almost an hour. But with Claimyr.com, they actually wait on hold for you and call you back when a real person is on the line. I watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8) and it was super simple to use. Got my PIN reset that same day instead of waiting for days. Might be worth checking out if you're still stuck on hold!

i had 2 go to the county office in person cuz nobody picked up the phone. took my whole day off work but they fixed it right there. the lady said they've been having issues with the system lately and alot of cards r getting locked for no reason

Let me clarify some information about EBT card locks, as there's some confusion in this thread: 1. PIN locks: If you enter your PIN incorrectly too many times, your card gets locked. This can be fixed by calling EBT Customer Service (1-877-328-9677). 2. Card deactivation: Sometimes cards get deactivated due to suspected fraud or system issues. This requires contacting your county office. 3. Benefit hold: Sometimes benefits are placed on hold due to verification issues, which is separate from card problems. For your specific situation (PIN lock), the fastest solution is calling EBT Customer Service. If you get stuck in the automated system, try pressing 0 repeatedly or saying "representative" several times. They can unlock your card and have you create a new PIN in minutes. If that doesn't work, then visiting a county office in person is the next best option. Bring your ID and EBT card with you.

dint they give u a temp card at the office? thats wat they did 4 me when i couldnt get in

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at the EBT Customer Service! You guys were right - they just verified my identity (asked for my name, DOB, address, and last 4 of SSN) and unlocked my card right away. They had me set a new PIN and said I can use it immediately. Such a relief! Thank you all for your help. For anyone else reading this with the same problem, definitely call the EBT customer service number directly, not the county office.

This whole thread got me paranoid so I just checked my EBT card to make sure my benefits are still there! Glad you got it fixed. The system can be such a nightmare sometimes. I've learned to always double check my benefits the day they're supposed to be deposited because you never know when some random glitch will cause problems.