EBT Connect app kicked me out & won't let me log back in - need to check CalFresh balance ASAP

This actually happened to a lot of people last month when they updated the app. The California EBT Connect app had a major update around April 3rd and it's been causing all kinds of login problems. Try these steps: 1. Delete the app completely 2. Restart your phone (important step many skip) 3. Download the app fresh from your app store 4. When setting up, use your EBT card number (not your username) 5. Create a brand new password If that doesn't work, sometimes the system locks accounts after too many failed attempts. You might need to call your county office directly rather than the EBT customer service line to have them unlock your account.

have u tryd clearing ur cache? my phone does weird stuff wit apps sometimes n that fixes it

Same thing happened to me!! The update totally screwed everything up. I had to call the county to fix it because it kept saying my account didn't exist anymore??? So frustrating. And YES the hold times are RIDICULOUS. I tried calling for THREE DAYS and couldn't get through. I was about to give up when someone told me about this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person at the CalFresh office in like 20 minutes. It was the only way I finally got my account fixed. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Not sure if you're desperate enough to try something new but it saved me when I was in the same situation.

The issues with the EBT Connect app are unfortunately pretty common right now. Another option besides what others suggested is to check your balance by calling the EBT customer service number (877-328-9677) and just using the automated system to check your balance. You'll need your 16-digit EBT card number and PIN. At least that will tell you if your benefits have been loaded while you work on fixing the app issue. If you need to speak with a real person about unlocking your account, calling your county office directly is the best approach, but be prepared for those long wait times that everyone's mentioning.

lol this is y i never update any apps till im forced to. government apps r the WORST for bugs 🐛

This problem has been escalating over the past month as counties transition to the updated benefits systems. Here's some additional information that might help: 1. The EBT Connect app is separate from the BenefitsCal account system - many people get these confused. Make sure you're using your EBT card credentials for the app, not your BenefitsCal login. 2. There's a known issue with the April update where it's not recognizing accounts that have special characters in the password. If your old password had any symbols, that could be the issue. 3. Sometimes, the system requires a PIN reset at the county level if there have been multiple failed login attempts. 4. For immediate access to your balance, you can also check your last receipt from any purchase made with the EBT card - it shows the remaining balance. 5. If calling the county, have your case number ready to expedite the process.

Anyone else notice that ALL government benefit systems seem to break at the same time? Like why do they always do updates right when benefits post? My friend on CalWorks had login issues last week too. I don't trust any of these apps anymore and just use the phone line to check my balance now. Too many problems with the technology.

UPDATE: Finally got it working! Ended up having to call the county (used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and it actually got me through in about 25 minutes). The worker said my account was locked because of too many login attempts with the wrong password. She unlocked it and helped me set up a new password WITHOUT special characters. Reinstalled the app again and now it's working! Thanks everyone for your help. FYI my benefits did post correctly - the problem was just accessing them.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm bookmarking this for future reference since it sounds like these app issues are pretty common. Quick question - when you called using Claimyr, did they charge you anything for the service? I'm always skeptical of third-party services but if it actually works and gets you through faster, it might be worth it for situations like this where you really need access quickly.