Does a locked EBT card in the mobile app prevent benefits from being deposited? (CalFresh/EBT Edge app issue)
I'm having a weird issue with my EBT card and the EBT Edge app. I accidentally locked my card through the app last week because I thought I lost it (found it later in my other jacket pocket 🤦♀️). My CalFresh benefits are supposed to be deposited tomorrow, but I'm worried that having the card locked in the app might prevent the deposit from going through. Does anyone know if locking the card just prevents purchases or if it also blocks new deposits? I can't afford to miss this month's benefits and the county office is closed today. Should I unlock it now or will benefits still deposit regardless?
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Zara Mirza
The lock feature in the EBT Edge app only stops purchases from being made with your card, it doesn't prevent benefits from being deposited into your account. Your CalFresh benefits will still be added to your account on your regular issuance date, even if the card is locked. The lock is just a security feature to prevent unauthorized transactions if your card is lost or stolen. You can keep it locked until you're ready to use it!
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Sean Kelly
AuthorOh thank goodness! That's such a relief to hear. I was panicking thinking I might not get my benefits this month. I've got two kids to feed and we really depend on those CalFresh benefits. Thank you for the quick answer!
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Luca Russo
when i locked my card last yr i still got my calfresh deposted but couldnt use it till i unlocked it in the app. just remmber to unlock before u go shopping lol
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Nia Harris
Same here. The money goes in no matter what. The lock is just like putting your card in a safe - the money's still there but you can't spend it until you unlock.
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GalaxyGazer
I work for a community assistance organization that helps people with benefit issues, and I can confirm what others have said. Locking your EBT card in the Edge app is just like putting a security freeze on a credit card - it prevents purchases but doesn't affect deposits. Your benefits will be deposited on schedule. One thing to be aware of: sometimes people have trouble unlocking their cards in the app due to technical glitches. If that happens, you may need to call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card. They can unlock it manually over the phone. I'd suggest testing the unlock function before you need to use your card, just to make sure everything works correctly.
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Sean Kelly
AuthorThat's a great tip about testing the unlock function ahead of time! I just tried unlocking it and it worked fine, so I locked it again for now since I won't be shopping until the weekend. Thanks for the detailed info!
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Mateo Sanchez
I had this EXACT same situation in February and let me tell you, it was a NIGHTMARE but NOT because of the lock! The benefits deposited fine with the card locked, but when I tried to unlock it, the app kept crashing!!! I ended up having to call the EBT customer service line and was on hold for OVER TWO HOURS before I gave up. Called again the next day, same thing. Literally couldn't buy groceries for 3 days even though the money was there!!!
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Aisha Mahmood
If you ever need to reach CalFresh or EBT customer service quickly, you might want to try this service I found called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They call the service line for you and then call you back when they reach a representative. Saved me hours of hold time when I had a similar issue with my EBT card not working. You can see how it works in their video: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. I was skeptical at first but when I was desperate to fix my benefits before the weekend, it actually worked.
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Mateo Sanchez
OMG where was this when I needed it?! Bookmarking this for next time because there WILL be a next time with how often the EBT system has issues. Thanks for sharing!
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Ethan Moore
Just to clarify some technical aspects about the EBT Edge app and CalFresh benefits: 1. Benefit deposits and card security are handled by separate systems. Locking your card only affects the ability to make purchases. 2. CalFresh benefits are deposited automatically on your scheduled date (usually the same day each month based on the last digit of your case number). 3. The lock feature is client-controlled security that you can toggle on/off as needed. 4. If you ever have trouble with the app, you can always call the EBT customer service number (1-877-328-9677) to unlock your card. Hope this helps ease your concerns about your upcoming deposit!
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Luca Russo
is there a way to change which day my calfresh comes in? mine comes on the 14th but id rather have it earlier in the month
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Ethan Moore
Unfortunately, you can't choose or change your CalFresh benefit date. The issuance date is automatically assigned based on the last digit of your case number (not your EBT card number). This system is set by the state to distribute benefit issuance throughout the month. The only way your date would change is if you closed your case and reapplied later, which would give you a new case number - but that's definitely not recommended just to change your issuance date!
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Nia Harris
This is one thing the EBT Edge app actually does right! I've had sooooo many problems with that glitchy app, but the card lock feature works pretty well. Your benefits will deposit just fine. I lock mine whenever I'm not actively shopping just for extra security.
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Sean Kelly
AuthorThat's a smart idea to keep it locked when not using it! I might start doing that too. I've heard about people having their benefits stolen, so better safe than sorry.
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Mateo Sanchez
Anyone else notice that sometimes the EBT Edge app shows the wrong balance after benefits are deposited? Last month my CalFresh went in but the app still showed my old balance for like 12 hours. I panicked thinking I didn't get my benefits, but when I checked later it was updated. Their system is so unreliable!
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Luca Russo
yep happens to me 2!! sometimes i just call the number on back of card to check real balance if im not sure
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Ben Cooper
I just want to add my experience from last month - I had my card locked for almost a week because I thought someone might have seen my PIN at the grocery store. My benefits still deposited right on schedule (the 3rd of the month for me). The deposit system is completely separate from the card lock feature, so you're totally fine! One small tip: I noticed that sometimes after unlocking the card, it takes a few minutes for the unlock to actually take effect at store terminals. So if you unlock it right before shopping and it gets declined, wait like 5-10 minutes and try again before panicking. Saved me an embarrassing moment at checkout!
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