Can CalFresh benefits still load when EBT card is locked in EBTedge app? Anyone had benefits stolen using this app?

Yes, your benefits will still load on your regular issuance date even if your card is locked! The locking feature only prevents purchases from being made with the card - it doesn't affect the benefit deposit schedule. Your county EBT system will still issue your CalFresh benefits on the 7th as scheduled. The lock/freeze feature is actually one of the best security measures available right now. I've been using EBTedge for about 8 months and haven't had any problems with theft since switching. The ability to keep your card locked when you're not actively shopping really reduces the risk of someone accessing your benefits without your knowledge. Just remember to unlock your card before you try to make a purchase, and then lock it again immediately afterward. It's an extra step, but worth the peace of mind!

I had my benefits stolen in January even WITH the EBTedge app!!! Don't trust it completely. Someone still managed to get $200 of my food stamps at a store in another city while my card was in my wallet. The county said they couldnt replace food benefits that were stolen, only cash benefits. Make sure you lock it AND change your PIN regularly!!!

Just to add some clarification about the stolen benefits situation - there IS now a federal policy called the SNAP Theft Replacement law that went into effect in 2024 that requires states to replace stolen SNAP benefits in certain circumstances. Specifically, if your benefits were stolen through card skimming, card cloning, or other fraudulent methods without your card being physically stolen, you can get replacement benefits (up to 2 months' worth per federal fiscal year). You need to report the theft within 30 days, and your county office will investigate. If you're denied, you have the right to appeal. Regarding EBTedge - the app itself is secure, but the actual EBT cards still use outdated magnetic stripe technology that makes them vulnerable to skimmers. The locking feature helps, but it's also good practice to: 1. Change your PIN regularly 2. Check for skimming devices at stores/ATMs 3. Monitor your balance frequently 4. Lock your card except when using it And yes, locking your card won't affect your benefit deposits at all!

If ur having trouble reaching someone at CalFresh to discuss benefit theft or card security issues, I highly recommend trying Claimyr. I was trying for DAYS to get through to my county office about suspected benefit theft, kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. Found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a live person at the CalFresh office in under 10 minutes! They wait on hold for you and call you back when a worker picks up. Totally changed my experience dealing with benefit issues. Check out their demo video if you're curious: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 and their website is claimyr.com Really helped when I needed to report suspicious activity on my account instead of waiting days to get through.

I wanted to adress somthing I see here. I work with a local food bank and help ppl with CalFresh applications and problems. Theres a lot of misunderstandings about EBT theft. 1. SNAP/CalFresh and Cash benefits have DIFFERENT rules for theft replacement. Cash (like CalWORKs) has had replacement for yrs but SNAP was only added recently. 2. If u report SNAP theft within 30 days AND it was from skimming/cloning (not physical card theft), they HAVE TO replace up to 2 months worth per year. 3. The EBTedge app is WAY more secure than the old one but its not perfect. The locking feature only works if u actually use it consistently! 4. YES benefits will load even when card is locked. The locking only affects spending. Also some counties roll out deposit over multiple days based on case numbers, so dont panic if your neighbor gets benefits on the 5th but yours come on the 7th. Thats normal. Hope this helps!

has anyone noticed that the EBTedge app sometimes logs you out randomly?? happened to me twice last month and i panicked thinking my account was hacked lol. but ya the lock feature is good, i use it all the time. btw i heard they're gonna upgrade the actual EBT cards soon to have chips like regular credit cards which should help with the skimming problem

Quick update on the chip card situation since it was mentioned - California is indeed planning to roll out chip-enabled EBT cards, but the timeline has been pushed to late 2025 according to the latest CDSS updates. The chip technology will significantly reduce skimming risk, but until then, the app's lock feature is your best protection. To answer the original poster's question about notifications - EBTedge doesn't have automatic deposit notifications yet, but you can set calendar reminders for your issuance date. Some users have reported success with setting up banking apps like Mint to monitor their EBT account and notify them of balance changes, though this varies by county integration. One final tip: when you unlock your card to shop, consider only unlocking it at the register right before you pay, then immediately locking it again after the transaction is approved. This minimizes the window of vulnerability.