Can I freeze/unfreeze EBT card through phone when ebtEDGE app isn't working?

Yes, you absolutely can call the number on the back of your EBT card to freeze and unfreeze it! The phone system actually works better than the app sometimes. When you call, just follow the prompts - you'll need your card number, zip code, and probably your PIN. There should be an option specifically for card security features or something similar. I've done this a few times when the ebtEDGE app was acting up during maintenance periods.

Thank you so much!!! I'll try that right now. Do you know if there's a waiting period between freezing and unfreezing? Just wondering if I can unfreeze it for shopping tonight and then refreeze it after I get home.

app NEVER works rite. call the # but get redy to wait for 18 hrs. ebt system such a JOKE!!!! i tryed to do the same thing last month n gave up n just went to the office. good luck

Oh no, seriously? I can't wait that long - my kids are hungry NOW and I don't have a car to get to the office until tomorrow. Has anyone had better luck with the wait times recently??

I went through this exact same situation in January! The ebtEDGE app is terrible - crashes constantly and password resets often don't work properly. You can definitely call the number on the back to freeze/unfreeze, but here's what you need to know:\n\n1. The automated system will let you freeze/unfreeze without talking to a person\n2. There's no waiting period between freezing and unfreezing\n3. You can do it as many times as needed\n4. Have your full card number, PIN, and zip code ready\n\nJust be aware that if you need to talk to an actual person for any other issues, the wait times can be really long. The freeze/unfreeze feature should work through the automated system though!

Thank you so much for the detailed info! I just tried it and got the automated system with no problem. Was able to unfreeze my card in about 2 minutes. Will refreeze after shopping. Such a relief!

My sister had this problem too but it turns out she was entering wrong zipcode in the app! Make sure ur using the zipcode that's registered with ur CalFresh account not ur current address if u moved recently

That's a good point, but I've triple-checked and I'm definitely using the right zip code. I even confirmed it with my last SAR7 form. The app just keeps saying

If you're having trouble reaching someone about your EBT card issues, you might want to try Claimyr. I was in a similar situation last month and couldn't get through the regular EBT customer service for days. Claimyr helped me bypass the wait times completely. They have a system that holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration! Check their video demo at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 or visit claimyr.com. Helped with my CalFresh account access issues when nothing else worked.

does it ACTUALLY work tho?? feel like everyhing with ebt is a scam to make us wait forever

It worked for me three times now. Last time I needed to update my address on my CalFresh account and couldn't get through for days. With Claimyr I was talking to someone in about 45 minutes instead of waiting on hold all day. Not saying it's perfect but definitely better than the alternative.

just wondering but why not just get a replacement card? if u found it but don't trust where it was someone coulda copied the numbers. When u request new card the old one gets canceled automatically so safer that way. Just go on BenefitsCal and request replacement?

Yeah that's probably the smartest move long-term. I just need groceries tonight and can't wait for a new card to arrive. I'll freeze it again after shopping and then request a replacement tomorrow. Thanks for looking out!

To answer your earlier question - there's no waiting period between freezing and unfreezing. You can toggle it as many times as needed. The automated system through the phone number works 24/7, so you can freeze it right after shopping for security. Just a reminder though - freezing only prevents new purchases, so if someone has your card info, they could still potentially use it for online orders that don't require the physical card. Replacing it like the other commenter suggested is definitely the safest option when you can wait for the new card.

That's really good to know about online orders! I didn't realize freezing wouldn't protect against that. Will definitely replace the card tomorrow. For now I've unfrozen it, will do shopping, then freeze again and get a replacement first thing tomorrow. Thank you all for the help!

Just an FYI for anyone reading this thread - the ebtEDGE app is scheduled for maintenance this weekend (5/3-5/4) according to the CalFresh website, so that might be contributing to the login issues. Always good to write down your card number somewhere secure so you can still access the phone system even when the app is down.\n\nAlso, if your card was potentially compromised, make sure to check your benefit transaction history once you can access the system again. If you see any unauthorized purchases, report them immediately to the EBT Customer Service line and your county office - you may be eligible for benefit replacement.

Thank you for this info! I didn't know about the maintenance - that explains a lot. I'll definitely check my transaction history carefully. Really appreciate everyone's help!

omg thank u!! i was having the same problem and thought it was just me lol

Glad to see this got resolved! Just wanted to add that if anyone else runs into similar issues with the ebtEDGE app, you can also try clearing the app's cache/data or uninstalling and reinstalling it. Sometimes the app gets corrupted data that causes login issues even with the correct password. The phone system is definitely more reliable though - I always keep the customer service number saved in my contacts as a backup. Also smart thinking on replacing the card ASAP when you're unsure about security!

Welcome to the community @Mateo Martinez! You're definitely not alone with the ebtEDGE app issues - it's honestly one of the most complained about apps in the CalFresh system. The random logouts and PIN rejection are super common problems. Here's a pro tip: when the app acts up, try switching between WiFi and mobile data - sometimes it's a connectivity issue rather than the app itself. Also, if you ever need to freeze/unfreeze your card quickly like Connor did, the phone system is available 24/7 at 1-877-328-9677 (that's the number on the back of most EBT cards). The automated system usually works even when the app is completely down. Keep that number handy - you'll probably need it again! And don't hesitate to ask questions here, this community is really helpful with navigating all the CalFresh quirks.

Hey everyone! I'm pretty new to this community but had to jump in because I just went through this exact same nightmare last month. The ebtEDGE app completely locked me out for almost a week - kept saying my password was invalid even after multiple resets. Turns out it was a known issue they were having with their authentication system. The phone system saved my life! @Connor Gallagher you made the right call using the automated line. One thing I learned though - if you're planning to freeze/unfreeze multiple times like you did, it might help to write down the exact menu prompts the first time through. The system sometimes changes the order of options and it can be confusing when you're stressed about needing food for the kids. Also wanted to echo what @Oliver Schulz said about getting a replacement card - definitely the safest move when you're not sure about security. I requested mine through BenefitsCal online and it arrived in about 4 business days. Much faster than I expected! Hope everything worked out with your grocery run tonight!

This thread is so helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my ebtEDGE app has been completely unusable for the past three days. Every time I try to log in, it either crashes or tells me my credentials are wrong (they're not!). I was starting to panic because I thought I'd have to go all the way to the county office just to check my balance or manage my card. Reading about the phone system option is a game-changer! I had no idea you could freeze/unfreeze through the automated line. @Paolo Longo your step-by-step breakdown was incredibly helpful - knowing I need my full card number, PIN, and zip code ready makes me feel prepared to try this. And @Natasha Orlova thanks for mentioning the scheduled maintenance - that probably explains why so many of us are having issues right now! One quick question for anyone who's used the phone system recently: does the automated system also let you check your current balance, or is that something you'd need to speak to a person for? Would love to avoid the long wait times if possible but definitely need to know how much I have available before grocery shopping. Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences - it's so reassuring to know I'm not the only one struggling with this app!