CalFresh EBT card suddenly not working at ATMs - just got benefits loaded yesterday

yep same here!! tried using mine at 3 different stores today and keeps giving error messages. something must be going on with the whole system

This happens sometimes when there's a system-wide update or maintenance. A few things to try: 1. Call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card to check your balance and see if there are known issues 2. Make sure you're using the correct PIN 3. Try using the card directly at the store register instead of the ATM 4. Check if your benefits are actually loaded - sometimes the deposit date can be delayed by a day If none of this works, contact your county office. They can tell you if there's a system outage or if there's an issue specific to your case.

I had this EXACT problem last month!! Turns out there was some fraud protection thing that got triggered on my account because I tried using my card at a new store that I don't normally shop at. Had to call the county to get it sorted out but kept getting disconnected or stuck on hold FOREVER. So frustrating when you just need to feed your family!!!

did u try actually buying something at the store? sometimes the atm part doesn't work but the card still works for purchases

I've had this issue before and calling the EBT customer service number rarely helps. I'd recommend trying to reach your county worker directly. I had luck using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me jump the phone queue and actually reach a real person at the CalFresh office. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Saved me hours of frustration when my card wasn't working due to a system flag.

Sometimes there's a delay between when benefits are supposed to load and when they actually become available to use. The CalFresh calendar said my benefits would load on the 10th, but they weren't actually available until the 11th last month. Have you checked your balance through the BenefitsCal portal or app? That might give you more info than the ATM.

There's actually a known issue with EBT card systems today across several counties. I just spoke with a CalFresh representative about half an hour ago for an unrelated issue, and they mentioned they're experiencing technical difficulties with ATM transactions specifically. They recommended: 1. Try using the card directly for purchases rather than at ATMs 2. If possible, wait until later today when they expect the system to be back up 3. In urgent situations, contact your county office and ask about emergency assistance options They said they're working to resolve it as quickly as possible.

did u check ur balance online first? sometimes it says u got benefits but they aint really there yet

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at the county office using that Claimyr service someone suggested here (actually worked!). There is indeed a system-wide issue with EBT cards at ATMs today in several counties. The rep said it should be resolved by end of day. In the meantime, she suggested using the card directly at checkout which I tried and IT WORKED! So if anyone else is having this problem, skip the ATM and just use your card at the register. Thanks everyone for your help!

So glad you got it sorted out! This is exactly why I love this community - people actually help each other figure things out. I'm definitely bookmarking that Claimyr service for future reference. These system outages are so stressful when you're trying to feed your family and have no idea what's going on. Really wish CalFresh would send out notifications when there are known issues like this!