CalFresh benefits missing on EBT after PIN change - zero balance on Christmas morning

Changing your PIN shouldn't affect your benefits loading - they're two separate systems. Three possible issues here: 1. System glitch that might resolve itself in 24-48 hours 2. Your recertification or SAR7 might have been due and not processed 3. There could have been an income verification issue that triggered a hold First thing - check BenefitsCal to see your benefit status. Does it show as 'issued' for December? If yes, then it's probably just a delay between systems. If it shows any status like 'pending' or 'discontinued', that's your actual problem.

EXACT same thing happened to me in October!!! I changed my pin and then when benefits were supposed to load they weren't there! I was freaking out but then they showed up about 8 hours later. Sometimes the system takes time to update after security changes. Try checking again later today. The county systems and EBT systems don't always talk to each other right away.

this is why i always keep some emergency food around. the system is SO unreliable especially around holidays. never count on ebt working when u need it most :/ hope u get it fixed soon

Another thing to check - did you hit the "wrong PIN" limit? If you enter the wrong PIN too many times (usually 4), your card gets locked for 24 hours. When you changed your PIN, did you try your old one first several times before remembering you changed it? That could explain it. Also, sometimes there's a processing delay when benefits are issued on a weekend or holiday. Since the 24th was Christmas Eve, there might be a system delay. It should still show up, but it might take until the 26th. Worst case, you'll need to talk to a real person at the county office. But they won't be open until the 26th.

have you tried calling the actual ebt customer service number and not the county? sometimes they can tell you things the county workers cant. the ebt card people might be able to see if the money is actually on your account but just not showing up for some reason

When I was having trouble getting through to EBT customer service last month, someone here recommended this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person in like 10 minutes instead of waiting for hours or getting disconnected. I was skeptical but it actually worked - they basically call and wait in the phone queue for you then connect you when a real person answers. Saved me from pulling my hair out. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Might be worth trying since you need this resolved ASAP for Christmas. Even though it's a holiday, the EBT customer service should still be operating.

I experienced something similar last year - benefits not showing up when they should have. It turned out there was a system-wide delay because of the holidays. What I learned is that even though BenefitsCal shows benefits as "issued," there can still be a delay in when they actually appear on your EBT card, especially during holidays. One thing you might try is clearing your EBT Edge app cache (if you're using the app) or try checking your balance at an ATM or grocery store instead of online/app. Sometimes the balance displays differently depending on how you check it. I know it's stressful, especially on Christmas, but hang in there. I bet your benefits will show up by tomorrow at the latest.

UPDATE: Just checked my account again and my benefits are there now!!! It took about 6 hours after my PIN change for everything to update in the system. Maybe check yours again?

glad it worked out!!! merry christmas! this is why i hate dealin w government benefits... always something goin wrong at the worst possible time lol

For future reference for anyone reading this thread: PIN changes on EBT cards can sometimes cause a temporary delay (usually 2-24 hours) in accessing newly deposited benefits. This is a security feature, not a glitch. The delay tends to be longer during holidays and weekends due to reduced processing staff. If you need to change your PIN, try to do it at least 48 hours before you expect new benefits to be deposited, especially around holidays. And always keep an emergency food supply for these kinds of situations!