Can't reset password for EBTedge app - locked out of CalFresh account with security questions I never set up
I just downloaded the EBTedge app to check my CalFresh balance but I'm completely stuck! It says I already have a username (which is weird because I've never used the app before), but I don't know the password. When I try to reset it, the app asks for answers to 3 security questions that I DEFINITELY never set up! How am I supposed to know answers to questions I never created?? I really need to check my balance before grocery shopping tomorrow. Has anyone else had this issue with EBTedge? Is there another way to reset the password or bypass these security questions? Or should I just call the county office directly?
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Marcelle Drum
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.
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Collins Angel
•OMG that worked!!!! I tried my DOB and SSN digits like you said and it let me reset the password! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I had no idea the county sets up accounts for us automatically. Wish they'd told me that when I applied.
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Tate Jensen
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
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Adaline Wong
•Same!!! I spent 3 days trying to reach someone at my county office for a password reset. They kept transferring me to different departments and then I'd get disconnected. So frustrating!! The EBT system seems designed to make it impossible to access our own benefits sometimes.
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Gabriel Ruiz
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.
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Misterclamation Skyblue
•That's good advice about calling the number on the back of the card. You can also register for a new account on the BenefitsCal website instead of using EBTedge. BenefitsCal lets you manage your CalFresh benefits, check balances, submit SAR7 forms, and handle recertification all in one place. It has better security features too. Just go to benefitscal.com and click 'Register New Account' - you'll need your Client ID or case number though.
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Peyton Clarke
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.
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Marcelle Drum
•You're right about the confusion. California has been slowly consolidating the different systems, but it's taking time. BenefitsCal is eventually supposed to replace the older systems (CalWIN, C4Yourself, YourBenefitsNow), but not all counties have fully transitioned. EBTedge is specifically for managing your EBT card and transactions, while BenefitsCal is for managing your case, eligibility, and submitting documents. I recommend using BenefitsCal for most things since it's the newest system.
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Collins Angel
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!
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Tate Jensen
•wait u can check ur balance by TEXT?? how did i not know this!? thx for sharing!!
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