CalFresh EBT card getting declined at Aldi - balance shows correct amount but won't work

omg same thing happened to me last week!!!! my card worked fine at food 4 less but got declined at aldi. so weird.

This is actually becoming more common with the new EBT processing system that California rolled out in 2024. Smaller retailers like Aldi sometimes have connectivity issues with the updated CalFresh backend. When this happens, it's not that your benefits aren't there - it's that the store's system can't properly connect to verify them. Three things you can try: 1. Ask the cashier to manually enter your EBT card number instead of swiping 2. Try a different Aldi location if possible 3. Call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card and report the issue so they can flag that store location for technical support

I had the EXACT SAME PROBLEM at Aldi last month!!! So embarrassing standing there with my kids while the line backed up behind me. The cashier was nice but I still felt like everyone was judging me. I thought it was because I had just gotten my recertification done and maybe something was wrong with my account, but my balance was definitely there!!! I just avoid Aldi now because I can't deal with that stress.

I've noticed this happens specifically on days when benefits are loaded onto cards. The EBT system gets overwhelmed with transactions. Try avoiding shopping at Aldi on the 1st-3rd of the month if possible. Their systems seem to have less bandwidth than bigger stores.

Been dealing with CalFresh/EBT issues for years and recently discovered Claimyr when I needed to talk to someone about my card not working at certain stores. Instead of waiting on hold for hours with the county, Claimyr got me through to a real person in minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 The worker explained that some stores have outdated EBT terminals that need updates to work with California's new system. They added notes to my case and actually called the store manager at my Aldi to help resolve it. Worth checking out if you keep having problems!

EBT/CalFresh worker here. This is a known issue with certain store locations following the March 2025 system update. Here's what's happening behind the scenes: - Your benefits are still there and secure - The store's point-of-sale system isn't properly communicating with the state EBT database - Some Aldi locations haven't completed the required terminal updates If this happens again: 1. Ask for a balance receipt first (this sometimes resets the connection) 2. Request manual card entry 3. If still declined, request the store manager - they can call a special merchant support line We're working to resolve these technical issues, but it may take until summer for all smaller retailers to be fully compatible. Large chains like Walmart, Target, and major grocers have already completed their updates.

does anyone else notice that aldi machines are just kinda janky in general?? like even when i use my regular debit card sometimes it acts weird

UPDATE for everyone: Just saw on the CalFresh website that they're aware of the Aldi issue and expect it to be resolved by May 15th. They recommend using the store locator on the CalFresh app (tap on 'Where to Shop') which now shows which stores have completed their system updates. Stores with a green checkmark have the latest compatible systems.

This is such a relief to read! I thought I was doing something wrong with my card. Just went through this exact situation at the Aldi on Broadway last week - had plenty of benefits but got declined twice while my toddler was having a meltdown in the cart. The cashier looked at me like I was trying to scam them or something. Ended up having to put everything back and drive to Safeway where it worked perfectly fine. At least now I know it's not just me and there's actually a solution coming. Definitely going to check that app to see which locations have the green checkmark before I shop!

I'm so glad I found this thread! I've been having the same exact problem at the Aldi on Market Street for the past month. My card works everywhere else but keeps getting declined there even though I have benefits. It's especially frustrating because Aldi has the best prices and I was doing all my shopping there to stretch my benefits further. The embarrassment factor is real too - I had my elderly mom with me last time and she kept asking loudly "why isn't your food card working??" while everyone stared. Thanks everyone for confirming it's a technical issue and not something wrong with my account. Going to try that balance receipt trick and check the app for locations with the green checkmark!

This is such valuable information from everyone! I had no idea this was a widespread issue. I've been avoiding Aldi for the past two weeks after my card got declined there - thought maybe I had done something wrong with my recertification paperwork. The worst part was having to explain to my 8-year-old why we couldn't buy the groceries we had picked out together. She kept asking if we were "poor now" and I didn't know how to explain that we had the money but the machine was broken. Reading all these responses makes me feel so much better knowing it's a technical problem that's being worked on. Definitely going to download that CalFresh app to check for the green checkmarks before shopping. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is so helpful!

Just wanted to add that I called the EBT customer service line yesterday after reading this thread and they confirmed that Aldi is one of the stores still having issues with the March system update. The rep told me they've received hundreds of calls about this specific problem and that customers shouldn't feel embarrassed - it's definitely not anything we're doing wrong! She also mentioned that if you get declined, you can ask the cashier to try running it as credit instead of debit, which sometimes works as a workaround. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here because I was starting to think I was the only one dealing with this!

I'm so relieved to find this thread! I'm pretty new to using CalFresh (just got approved last month) and had the exact same thing happen at the Aldi near me two weeks ago. I was already feeling anxious about using my EBT card for the first time in public, and then when it got declined I was mortified. The cashier kept trying to swipe it and other customers in line were getting impatient. I ended up just leaving without buying anything and went home feeling like I had done something wrong with my application. Reading everyone's experiences here makes me realize it wasn't my fault at all! Thank you all for sharing - this community has been so welcoming and informative. I'm going to download that CalFresh app to check for the green checkmarks and maybe try that other Aldi location that someone mentioned has the updated system. It's such a relief to know I'm not alone in this!

This whole thread has been such a lifesaver! I've been dealing with the same issue at my local Aldi for about three weeks now. What really gets to me is how the staff sometimes act like it's YOUR fault when the card gets declined - like one cashier actually rolled her eyes and said "maybe you should check your balance" even though I had just checked it on my phone and had over $180 available. It's so frustrating when you're already feeling vulnerable using benefits and then you get treated like you're trying to pull a fast one. I'm definitely going to try that manual entry trick next time, and the credit instead of debit option sounds promising too. Really grateful for everyone sharing their experiences because it makes you realize you're not alone in dealing with this stuff. Can't wait for May 15th when hopefully this will all be resolved!