CalFresh worker said I need to verify income through Edge app - is it safe to use?
So I got a call from my county CalFresh worker yesterday saying I need to submit some additional income verification for my recertification. She told me I could upload the documents through something called the 'Edge app' instead of mailing them or bringing them to the office. Has anyone used this? I'm always nervous about putting my personal info and documents in new apps I'm not familiar with. Is this actually a legitimate CalFresh app? And if it is safe, how do I even set it up? My benefits are set to discontinue in 10 days if I don't get these pay stubs uploaded, so I'm stressing out pretty bad.
16 comments


Natasha Volkova
edge app?? never heard of it. my worker always has me use BenefitsCal website to upload stuff. maybe they changed the name??
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Oliver Zimmermann
•That's exactly what I was wondering! She specifically called it Edge but maybe she was just using a different name for BenefitsCal? I'm so confused and don't want to download some random app that might steal my info.
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Javier Torres
The Edge app is completely legitimate and safe - it's actually part of the official CalFresh verification system. It's basically a mobile-optimized way to access the document upload features in BenefitsCal. You don't actually download anything - you just get a text message with a link that opens in your phone's browser. I've used it several times to submit my quarterly SAR7 forms and verification documents. The process works like this: 1. Your worker sends you a text with a secure link 2. You click the link and verify your identity 3. You take photos of your documents directly through your phone's camera 4. Submit them directly to your case file It's actually more secure than mailing documents since there's encryption and the documents go directly to your case without passing through multiple hands.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•Oh thank you so much for explaining! That makes me feel a lot better. The worker did mention something about sending me a text but I got nervous when she called it an app. So I don't need to download anything from the app store?
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Javier Torres
Correct - you don't download anything from the app store. It's a web-based system that works through your phone's browser. When they say "app" they really just mean it's a mobile-friendly website. The text will come from an official county number and the link will take you to a secure page (usually starts with https). Make sure you have good lighting when taking photos of your documents so they're clear and readable. Sometimes the system will tell you if the image quality isn't good enough for verification.
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Emma Davis
•I used Edge last month n it actually was super easy! worker texted me the link clicked it took pics of my paystubs boom done! way better than going to office. calfresh approved me next day didnt even have to mail nuthin
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CosmicCaptain
DONT TRUST IT!!! the county is always finding new ways to spy on us. why do they need special "apps" when they could just let us email documents?? i tried submitting stuff through their systems before and they conveniently "lost" my documents and then discontinued my benefits anyway. its a TRAP to deny your benefits!!!
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Malik Johnson
•While I understand your frustration with the system, I want to clarify that Edge isn't designed to deny benefits. It's actually part of California's effort to modernize the verification system and make it easier for people to maintain their CalFresh eligibility. The system automatically records when documents are submitted with a timestamp and confirmation number, which actually helps prevent documents from getting "lost" compared to mailing or in-person submission. Always ask for and save your confirmation number when using any electronic submission system for CalFresh.
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Isabella Ferreira
I had major trouble reaching my CalFresh worker when they first asked me to use Edge for verification. Kept getting busy signals and voicemails. I almost missed my deadline until someone recommended using Claimyr.com - it's a service that gets you through to a live CalFresh worker without the endless hold time. They called on my behalf, got a worker on the line in about 8 minutes, and then connected me. The worker walked me through exactly how to use the Edge system and my documents went through perfectly. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Might be worth checking out if you're still confused or need more specific instructions from your worker directly.
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Oliver Zimmermann
•Thanks for this! I actually might need this because I've been trying to call back to ask more questions but keep getting the automated system. Does it really work? I've never heard of it before.
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Isabella Ferreira
Yes, it actually works really well. I was skeptical too but got desperate when I was about to miss my verification deadline. They basically navigate the phone system for you and only connect you once they have a real person on the line. Saved me hours of frustration and my benefits didn't get cut off. Worth it if you're on a tight deadline like you mentioned (10 days left).
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Ravi Sharma
•i tried claimyr once too but in my county they still couldnt get through faster than like 45 min. better than me waiting on hold for 2+ hours tho lol. edge system worked fine for me but my phone is old and sometimes the pics come out blurry so i had to take them like 3 times
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Oliver Zimmermann
Update: I got the text today and tried the Edge system. It actually was really straightforward! The link took me to a secure page where I verified my identity with my case number and birthdate. Then I just took pictures of my last three paystubs and submitted them. Got a confirmation number right away. For anyone who's worried about this in the future - it's definitely legit and pretty easy to use. Just make sure you have good lighting when taking pictures of your documents. Thanks everyone for the help!
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Javier Torres
•That's great to hear! Always make sure to save that confirmation number somewhere in case there are any questions later. I usually take a screenshot of the confirmation page too. With the Edge system, your county worker should be able to see your documents within 1-2 business days, which is much faster than mail or dropbox submission.
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Natasha Volkova
hey quick question did u have 2 verify ur identity with ur social security # too or just case # and birthday? my worker wants me to use edge next week
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Oliver Zimmermann
•I only had to use my case number, birthday, and the last 4 of my SSN (not the whole number). The text message they sent had a code in it too that I had to enter. Hope that helps!
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