Can't reset password for EBTedge app - locked out of CalFresh account with security questions I never set up

This is actually a common issue with the EBTedge app. Most likely, your county worker created the initial account when they set up your CalFresh benefits. The security questions would have been set with generic answers. Try using your DOB in MM/DD/YYYY format for the first question, the last 4 digits of your SSN for the second, and your zip code for the third. That's the standard practice in many counties. If that doesn't work, you can always check your balance by calling the number on the back of your EBT card - it's available 24/7.

i had this happen 2 me but none of those standard answers worked. ended up having 2 call the county. took FOREVERRR to get through. the whole system is so broken smh

This happened to me last month!!! So annoying! I ended up just calling the EBT customer service number on the back of my card. They can at least tell you your balance over the phone. The app is convenient when it works but the setup is SO CONFUSING.

The whole CalFresh online system is SO CONFUSING. I've been on benefits for 2 years and still get confused between EBTedge, BenefitsCal, MyBenefits CalWIN, and whatever else they come up with. Why do we need 5 different websites/apps?? Each county seems to use different systems too. I'm in Sacramento County and they told me to use BenefitsCal but my sister in Alameda uses something different. Makes no sense.

Update: I was able to reset my password using the suggestions here (tried standard security answers). For anyone else with this problem - I also discovered you can check your CalFresh balance by texting BALANCE to 42265. It's super fast! Also trying to set up BenefitsCal now since it seems more useful than just the EBTedge app. Thanks everyone for all your help!

Hello

I'm so glad this thread exists! I've been dealing with the exact same problem for weeks. The EBTedge app kept saying I had an existing account but I had no idea what the password was. I tried calling the customer service number multiple times but kept getting busy signals or really long hold times. The text balance option (42265) is a game changer - I had no idea that existed either! Going to try the standard security question answers tomorrow and hopefully get into my account. This whole system really needs better communication about how these accounts get set up automatically. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

Another option that worked for me when I couldn't get into EBTedge was using the Providers app (if your county supports it). It's mainly for stores but it has a balance check feature that sometimes works when EBTedge is being glitchy. Also, if you have a smartphone, you can download the ebtEDGE Mobile app (different from the regular EBTedge app) - it sometimes has different login requirements. But honestly, that text option to 42265 that Collins mentioned is probably the easiest solution for quick balance checks. The whole EBT system really needs to be more user-friendly!

Wow, this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm a new CalFresh recipient and had no idea about any of these workarounds. I've been struggling with the same EBTedge password issue for days and was getting so frustrated. The fact that counties automatically create accounts without telling us is mind-blowing - they really should include this information in the welcome packet or something! I'm definitely going to try the standard security question answers (DOB, last 4 SSN, zip code) that Marcelle suggested, and if that doesn't work, the text balance option to 42265 sounds perfect for my immediate needs. It's honestly ridiculous that we need a whole community forum just to figure out how to access our own benefits, but I'm so grateful this information is here. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions!

This is such a useful thread! I'm also new to CalFresh and ran into the exact same EBTedge password issue last week. I had no clue that counties automatically set up accounts for us - they definitely should mention this during the application process! I ended up calling the EBT customer service line and waiting on hold for almost 2 hours, which was really frustrating when I just needed to check my balance quickly. The text option to 42265 that Collins shared is a total game-changer - I just tried it and got my balance instantly! For anyone else dealing with this, I also found that some grocery stores can check your EBT balance at customer service if you bring your card. Not ideal for privacy, but it's another backup option if the apps and phone systems aren't working. Thanks to everyone who shared their solutions here - this community is so helpful for navigating all these confusing systems!