CalFresh EBT card password not working - says my info is wrong after entering zip code

yea its been weird for me too. couldnt check my balance last nite. maybe system maintenance?

I swear CalFresh does system updates WITHOUT TELLING US!!! This happened to me in December too - couldn't access my account for 24 hours then suddenly worked again. No announcement, no warning, nothing on their website. But heaven forbid WE miss a deadline for our SAR7 or something - then they cut our benefits in a heartbeat! 😠

This sounds like it might be more than just routine maintenance. The EBT system should still recognize your zip code even during updates. A few things to try: 1. Double-check you're calling the right number (877-328-9677 for California EBT) 2. Try entering your zip+4 code if you know it 3. If you've moved recently but haven't updated your address with the county, the system might be using your old zip code 4. Try entering with no pauses between digits If none of that works, you'll need to contact your county CalFresh office directly. Sometimes they can reset things on their end.

I work as an eligibility worker, and I can tell you there was a system update scheduled for last night into this morning. However, it shouldn't be affecting the EBT card system this way. The zip code error usually means one of three things: 1. The zip code doesn't match what's in their system 2. Your case might be in "pending review" status 3. There's a technical issue with your specific account I'd recommend contacting your county office directly. Ask them to verify your address and check if there are any holds or alerts on your case.

After spending 3 hours trying to reach my county worker about a similar issue last month (kept getting disconnected!), I finally found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through. It holds your place in line and calls you back when a real person is available. Saved me so much frustration! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a demo video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Might be worth trying if you can't get through to your county office the normal way.

This happened to me last year! Turns out my caseworker had accidentally put in the wrong zip code during my last recertification. I had to go into the office in person to get it fixed because the phone system wouldn't recognize me. Once they fixed it in the system, I could access everything again the next day. Do you have online access through BenefitsCal? Sometimes you can update your contact info there without calling.

just tried again and mines working now. maybe try again later today?

one time my card got blocked cuz i put in the wrong pin too many times didnt even realize lol. maybe thats what happened?

Just as a follow up - I checked with our department and there was indeed a system update last night that affected some EBT card services. Most issues should be resolved by this evening. If you're still having problems tomorrow, definitely contact your county office.

I had a similar issue a few months ago where the system kept rejecting my zip code even though I knew it was correct. What finally worked for me was trying different variations - sometimes the system wants just the 5-digit zip, sometimes it wants the zip+4, and sometimes it's sensitive to how fast you enter the numbers. Try pausing between each digit when you enter it, or try entering it really slowly. Also, if you have any letters in your address (like "1234 Main St Apt A"), make sure your zip code in the system matches exactly how it appears on your official correspondence from CalFresh. Sometimes they abbreviate things differently than what you'd expect. Hope this helps!

I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now! Called the EBT line three times today and keep getting that "information doesn't match" message when I enter my zip code. It's so frustrating because I know I'm entering it correctly - I've been using the same zip for years. Reading through these comments it sounds like there was a system update that caused problems, so hopefully it gets fixed soon. I need to check my balance before I go grocery shopping tomorrow. Has anyone tried using the mobile app instead of calling? Wondering if that works better during these technical issues.

I'm having the exact same problem! Been trying to reset my EBT password since yesterday and keep getting that zip code error. It's so stressful when you need to access your benefits and the system won't cooperate. Based on what everyone's saying here about the system update, I'm hoping it gets resolved soon. In the meantime, I'm going to try some of the suggestions like entering the zip code really slowly and maybe trying the zip+4 format. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least I know I'm not going crazy and it's not just me!