Different ways to check CalFresh EBT balance besides calling the hotline?

Yes! There are actually several ways to check your EBT balance besides calling: 1. Download the official CalFresh Mobile app (search "EBT CalFresh" in your app store) 2. Create an account on connectebt.com 3. Check your last receipt from any store where you used your EBT card (balance is usually printed at the bottom) 4. Text message alerts (you can sign up through the website) The app is probably the easiest once you set it up. You'll need your card number and PIN to register, but then you can check your balance anytime with just a fingerprint or password.

I always check mine on the website, connectebt.com - its actually easier than u think! just need ur card # and the pin u use at the store. shows all ur transactions too so u can see where the money went

Something nobody mentioned yet - if you have a smartphone but don't want to download another app, you can save the mobile website as a bookmark on your home screen. Works just like an app but doesn't take up storage space. Also, when you're at the grocery store, you can ask the cashier to check your balance before you start shopping. Just hand them your EBT card and ask them to do a balance inquiry. I do this all the time at Walmart and Food4Less.

When I first got CalFresh last year I had THE WORST TIME trying to check my balance on the phone. Kept getting disconnected or the automated system wouldn't recognize my card number for some reason??? Tried calling the county office directly but was on hold FOR HOURS just to ask a simple question about checking my balance. Total nightmare. Finally someone told me about Claimyr.com which got me through to a real person at the county EBT office in like 15 minutes. They helped me setup the online access AND fixed an issue with my account. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 that shows how it works. Seriously saved me so much time and frustration.

Is anyone else having trouble with the EBT app showing different balances than what's actually available??? My app has been showing $243 for the past TWO DAYS but when I tried to use my card at the grocery store yesterday it only had $187!!! I ended up having to put some stuff back which was so embarrasing with people waiting behind me in line 😡 How can they get away with showing wrong information???

i just look at my receipt everytime i buy sumthin lol. the balance is right there at the bottom. why make it complicated??

Just wanted to add one more tip that's been super helpful for me - you can also set up text alerts through the EBT website! Once you register your phone number, you can text your EBT card number to 69274 (MYBAL) and it'll instantly send back your balance. No need to open an app or remember a website. I use this when I'm at the store and want a quick balance check before I start shopping. The text comes back in like 10 seconds and it's always accurate in my experience.

Another option that might help is setting up automatic balance notifications! If you go to connectebt.com and register your account, you can set it up to automatically text or email you your balance every few days or after each transaction. I have mine set to text me every Sunday so I always know where I stand for the week. It's really helpful for budgeting and meal planning. You can also get alerts when your balance gets below a certain amount, like $20, so you're never caught off guard at the store.

One thing I'd add is that if you're shopping at certain stores like Target or Safeway, you can also check your balance at their customer service counter without making a purchase. Just ask them to do a balance inquiry on your EBT card. I've done this a few times when I wanted to check before doing a big shopping trip. Also, if you're really not tech-savvy, you can ask a family member or friend to help you set up the app or website - once it's done, it's super easy to use. The hardest part is just the initial setup!

One more option that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you have an ATM card from your bank, many ATMs (especially at grocery stores) will let you check your EBT balance for free even if you're not making a withdrawal. Just insert your EBT card instead of your bank card and select "balance inquiry." I discovered this by accident at a Vons ATM and it's been super convenient when I'm already at the store. Works at most major grocery chain ATMs like Ralph's, Albertsons, etc. Just make sure it says "EBT accepted" on the ATM first!

Just wanted to share one more method that's been a lifesaver for me - if you shop at stores with self-checkout, you can actually check your EBT balance there too! At most self-checkout machines (Walmart, Target, CVS, etc.), you can select "EBT" as your payment method and then choose "Check Balance" instead of completing a purchase. It gives you your balance right on the screen and you don't have to interact with anyone or wait in line at customer service. Super quick and private! I use this all the time when I'm out running errands and want to see if I can afford to grab something extra.