Can't login to providers app with CalWIN credentials - Fresno County CalFresh help needed
I'm pulling my hair out trying to manage my CalFresh benefits in Fresno County. I've been trying to login to the providers app using my MyBenefits CalWIN username and password (the same ones I use for checking my food stamps online), but keep getting an "invalid username and password" error. Does the providers app even work with CalWIN accounts for food stamps in Fresno? I've tried resetting my password twice and still nothing works. Anyone from Fresno County figure this out? My recertification is coming up soon and I wanted to upload some documents through the app instead of driving to the office.
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Anastasia Popov
The providers app doesn't use the same login as MyBenefits CalWIN. It's a totally different system even though they're both for benefits. You need to create a BenefitsCal account and use those credentials instead. CalFresh in Fresno County moved to BenefitsCal system last year.
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NeonNinja
•Wait seriously? Nobody told me about this change! So do I need to register for a whole new account on BenefitsCal? Will my CalFresh case information transfer over automatically?
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Sean Murphy
Fresno County social services worker here. The previous comment is correct - you need to use BenefitsCal (benefitscal.com) rather than MyBenefits CalWIN for the providers app. Fresno County transitioned to the BenefitsCal system in late 2024 for all CalFresh, CalWORKs, and Medi-Cal programs. You'll need to create a new account on BenefitsCal and link your existing case. The good news is that all your case information has already been transferred to the new system. When you register, use your case number and other identifying information to connect to your existing benefits. If you need detailed instructions, I can provide step-by-step guidance.
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NeonNinja
•Thank you! I had no idea about this change. Would have been nice if they sent out notices or something. I'll try creating a BenefitsCal account tonight. Will my upcoming recertification still be due on the same date? And can I still use my current EBT card?
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Zara Khan
OMG I got the SAME error message last week!!! Nobody told me either that CalWIN was changing to BenefitsCal. So frustrating!! i created a new account but had trouble linking my case and ended up spending FOUR HOURS on hold trying to reach someone at the Fresno office. Never did get through. Finally went in person and the line was out the door.
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Luca Ferrari
•I had a similar nightmare trying to reach Fresno County about linking my case. Waited on hold for hours and got disconnected twice. Finally tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through - they have a service that holds your place in line and calls you back when a worker picks up. Saved me from wasting an entire day on hold. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Worth it for me since I couldn't take time off work to go to the office.
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Nia Davis
the benefitscal website is better then the old calwin one anyway. u can actualy upload docments there and theres a mesage center 2. but yah they shuda told pepole it was changing
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Mateo Martinez
•I've been using BenefitsCal for a few months now and honestly it's WAY better than the old CalWIN system. The document upload actually WORKS (unlike CalWIN where it would just spin forever) and you get confirmation emails when things are received. The providers app syncs with BenefitsCal pretty well. Just make sure you're using the same email address for both.
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QuantumQueen
Let me clarify something important that others haven't mentioned yet. Your EBT card is completely different from your online account system. The switch from CalWIN to BenefitsCal only affects how you manage your case online and submit documents. Your existing EBT card will continue to work exactly as before, and your benefits will load onto the same card on the same schedule. Your recertification date also remains unchanged. The only difference is how you complete that recertification - you'll now do it through BenefitsCal instead of CalWIN. When you create your BenefitsCal account, make sure to have your case number and personal information ready. If you have trouble linking your existing case, contact the Fresno County office at 1-855-832-8082 or visit fresnocountyca.gov/calfresh for county-specific guidance.
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NeonNinja
•Thank you so much for explaining! That makes me feel better knowing my EBT card will still work. I found my case number and created a BenefitsCal account - it worked! I can see all my CalFresh information there now. The providers app is now working too with my new login. Really appreciate everyone's help!
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Aisha Rahman
Am I the only one who thinks its RIDICULOUS that they switch entire systems without properly notifying recipients??? Some of us depend on these benefits to FEED OUR FAMILIES and they just change everything without clear instructions!!! I had the same problem and missed uploading my quarterly report because of this!!! Had to get emergency food from a food bank while they reactivated my benefits!!!
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Sean Murphy
•You're absolutely right to be frustrated. The county did send out notices about the system change, but they were often included with other paperwork and many people missed them. For anyone who had benefits discontinued due to the system change, you can request a 'good cause' restoration of benefits by contacting your eligibility worker and explaining that the system transition prevented you from reporting on time. In most cases, they should restore benefits retroactively without requiring a new application.
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