CalFresh EBT website constantly in maintenance mode - anyone else locked out?

its happening 2 me 2!! been trying since tuesday and still nothing. so annoying!!!

Thanks for confirming I'm not the only one! Do you know if there's another way to check our balances? I tried the automated phone line but it kept hanging up.

The system has been experiencing intermittent outages this month due to a scheduled upgrade. According to the official CalFresh website, they're migrating to a new platform that should be more reliable once completed. In the meantime, there are three alternatives to check your balance:\n\n1. Call the EBT customer service number (on the back of your card) during non-peak hours (try early morning 6-7am or late evening after 8pm)\n2. Check your balance at any store that accepts EBT - most grocery checkout terminals can print a balance receipt\n3. Call your county office directly - though wait times might be long\n\nThe maintenance should be completed by the 15th according to their last update.

Thank you so much for this detailed info! I'll try calling during non-peak hours tomorrow. I tried the grocery store thing today but the cashier said their EBT system was down too. Hoping this gets resolved soon.

YEP its been down for ME TOO! I think they're doing system updates or something. When I finally got through to someone yesterday they said it would be back up by tomorrow but WHO KNOWS if that's true. This happens like every 3 months I swear.

Wait, you actually reached someone? How?? I've been trying for days with no luck!

I've been dealing with this issue too. Called my county office and after waiting 45 minutes, got disconnected. Called back and waited another hour just to be told they can't help with EBT website issues and I should call the EBT customer service instead. It's like being trapped in a circle of never-ending hold music! Meanwhile my kids are asking what's for dinner and I can't even check if I have enough benefits to buy groceries. The system is BROKEN.

I know how frustrating this can be! After dealing with similar issues for months, I started using Claimyr to get through to actual CalFresh workers. It holds your place in line and calls you back when a rep is available. Saved me hours of waiting on hold. I just went to claimyr.com and watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8) to see how it works. Might be worth a try if you're still struggling to get through tomorrow.

This happens every few months with the EBT system. Last time it was down for almost a week! What worked for me was checking my balance at the ATM - some Bank of America ATMs let you check EBT balances without making a withdrawal. Also, if you received a notice that your benefits were deposited, they should still be there even if you can't see them online. The deposits themselves usually aren't affected by the website maintenance.

I didn't know about the Bank of America ATMs - that's super helpful! I'll try that tomorrow morning. And you're right, I did get a text that my benefits were deposited, so hopefully they're actually there. Just wish I could see my balance before shopping.

LOL now they say site will be down until the 17th!! just got a text. how r we supposed to budget when we cant even check our accounts???

the 17th?? thats ridiculous! i have my recertification due next week what if i cant submit it??

Important update: I just received information that while the website is down for maintenance, recertifications and SAR7s can still be submitted through the BenefitsCal portal or through your county office directly. The EBT card system and benefit deposits are on a separate system from the website, so your benefits should still be accessible with your card even if you can't check the balance online. \n\nAlso, the scheduled maintenance end date has indeed been extended to the 17th according to the latest CalFresh notification.

Thank you for this update! I was able to check my balance at a store today and my benefits were there. I appreciate everyone's help with this frustrating situation.

Has anyone tried the EBT Mobile app instead of the website? Sometimes it works even when the main site is down. Also, I've found that calling right when they open at 6am is the only way to get through without hours of waiting. Good luck everyone!

tried the app too, same maintenance message. this whole system needs a complete overhaul!! 😡

I'm having the exact same problem! Been trying to access my EBT account for 4 days straight and keep getting that maintenance page. What's really frustrating is that there's no clear communication about when it will be fixed - first they said a few days, then the 15th, now the 17th? My family depends on these benefits and not being able to check our balance makes meal planning impossible. I tried calling the customer service line multiple times but either get disconnected or wait over an hour just to be told they can't help with website issues. This system really needs better communication and backup options for when the main site goes down. At least we're all in this together!