CalFresh P-EBT pin creation line constantly busy - anyone else struggling to get through?

same here cant get thru at all. tried difrent times been 3 days now. so frustrating!!!

This happens at the beginning of every P-EBT issuance period when thousands of people are trying to activate cards simultaneously. The system gets completely overwhelmed. Here's what works best: 1. Try calling between 7-8am or after 7pm when call volume is lower 2. If you get the busy signal, wait 5-10 minutes before trying again (calling repeatedly puts you in a sort of overflow queue) 3. Make sure you have the card number, your child's date of birth, and your zip code ready 4. If it disconnects after you enter information, that usually means there's an error in what you entered The P-EBT customer service line is separate from the regular CalFresh EBT line. For P-EBT specifically, you need to call the number on the back of that card only.

I had this EXACT same problem last week!!! It's absolutely maddening how they expect people to activate these cards when nobody can get through on their system. I called for THREE DAYS STRAIGHT and couldn't get through. Finally got through on the fourth day at 7:15am. The whole system is a JOKE! Why don't they have online activation like regular banks do?? It's 2025 for crying out loud!

I work with families applying for benefits, and this is a common issue with P-EBT card activation. A few things to know: 1. P-EBT is administered differently than regular CalFresh EBT 2. The funds don't expire for 274 days, so even if activation takes a few days, you won't lose benefits 3. Once activated, you can manage the account through the ConnectEBT app If you continue to have problems after trying off-peak hours for several days, you might need to contact your county office directly. Sometimes they need to reset something on their end.

I went through this last month with my kids' P-EBT cards. Called for days with no luck. Finally I tried Claimyr.com which got me through to a representative in about 10 minutes. They have this system that waits on hold for you and calls you back when they get a real person. Saved me hours of frustration. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Just to be clear - you're trying to activate a Pandemic EBT card, right? Not regular CalFresh? Because they use different systems and phone numbers.

i just went thru this whole thing last month lol. kept getting busy signals for like 2 days. then i tried at exactly 7:00 am right when they opened and got right thru! the lady told me they get thousands of calls all day and especially during lunch hours it's impossible. try super early!

Has anyone else noticed how they ALWAYS mess something up with these benefit programs? First they take forever to mail the cards, then no one can get through to activate them, then there's always some issue with the balance not showing right. It's like they deliberately make it difficult to actually USE the benefits they approve us for!

Just wanted to update everyone - I called the P-EBT customer service department to ask about the high call volume issues. They confirmed they're experiencing an unprecedented number of calls due to the new summer P-EBT issuance that just went out to about 400,000 households in California. They're adding additional staff to handle calls but recommend: 1. Calling between 7-8am or 6-7pm 2. Having all info ready (card number, child DOB, zip) 3. Making sure you're calling the specific P-EBT number, not the regular EBT line They also mentioned that the new card PIN setup can be done through the ConnectEBT app for P-EBT cards issued after March 2025. If you received your card recently, check if your card number starts with 5077 18XX (these newer cards can use the app for activation).

UPDATE: Success! I tried calling at 7:01am this morning and got through immediately! The whole process took less than 5 minutes once I had someone on the line. My benefits are now active and I can see them in the ConnectEBT app. For anyone still struggling, definitely try right when they open at 7am. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice!