EBT Edge app freezing card issue - can't unfreeze after finding lost card

This happened 2 me last month!! The app is totally bugged. U have to call the EBT customer service number on the back of ur card, not the county office. They can unfreeze it right away.

I've had similar issues with the EBT Edge app, though not specifically with the freeze feature. From my experience dealing with various EBT card problems, I would recommend these steps: 1. Call the EBT Customer Service number (not your county office) - it's on the back of your card, typically 1-877-328-9677 for California 2. Have your card number, PIN, and possibly your SSN ready for verification 3. Explain specifically that you froze the card via the app but can't unfreeze it They can usually resolve this in minutes. The app has been particularly glitchy after the last few updates. Many counties are still working on improving the digital features of CalFresh administration, but they're not quite there yet with all the functionality.

mite b quicker 2 just ask 4 replacement card jus sayin

The EBT Edge app has been experiencing significant technical issues with the card freeze/unfreeze feature since the 2025 February update. This is a known issue that the California Department of Social Services is working to resolve. In the meantime, you need to call the EBT Customer Service line directly at 1-877-328-9677. They're available 24/7 and can manually unfreeze your card immediately after verifying your identity. Important: Do NOT request a replacement card unless absolutely necessary - that will cancel your current card completely and you'd have to wait for a new one to arrive by mail, which typically takes 7-10 business days. Also worth noting - if you ever can't reach someone at the EBT customer service line (though they're generally quite responsive), you can try contacting your county CalFresh office. The BenefitsCal website should have their direct number listed under your account information.

I work with CalFresh recipients regularly and can confirm the app has been glitchy lately. Beyond what others have said about calling the EBT customer service, I'd recommend writing down your card number somewhere secure in case this happens again. That way, even if your card is truly lost, you can still access customer service without having the physical card. Also, if you ever do struggle to reach someone at the EBT customer service line (especially during month-end when call volumes are highest), check out Claimyr.com. They can help you reach a CalFresh representative more quickly when you're dealing with these kinds of issues. They have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Many of my clients have used it when they were stuck with urgent benefit access problems.

This is why I don't trust those apps!!!! The government can't even get their regular website to work right half the time, and now they expect us to trust an app with our FOOD MONEY??? I've had nothing but problems with BenefitsCal and the EBT stuff. One time they even "lost" my recertification documents that I uploaded through their system and then tried to cut off my benefits!!!! Thank God I took screenshots of the confirmation page. The whole system is designed to make it harder for us to access our benefits, I swear. Now they've got you locked out of your own money!!

Update: The California Department of Social Services just announced they're releasing a fix for the EBT Edge app freeze/unfreeze function on March 15, 2025. In the meantime, they advise all users experiencing this issue to call the EBT Customer Service line directly. Just wanted to share this info in case others are facing the same problem!

Had the exact same problem last week! So frustrating when you need your benefits urgently. The EBT customer service line (1-877-328-9677) is definitely the way to go - they had me unfrozen in about 5 minutes once I got through to someone. Just make sure you have your card number, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your SSN ready. They told me the app freeze feature has been buggy since the February update and they're getting lots of calls about it. Glad to hear from the other comments that a fix is coming soon!

This is such a common issue lately! I'm a case worker and I've been hearing about this app freezing bug from multiple clients over the past few weeks. The EBT Edge app's freeze/unfreeze feature has definitely been unreliable since the February update. For future reference, if you ever can't get through to the EBT customer service line right away, you can also try calling early in the morning (around 7-8 AM) when call volumes are typically lower. Also, some counties have local EBT coordinators who can help with these technical issues - worth asking your caseworker if that's available in your area. Really glad to see from the comments that you got it resolved quickly! It's frustrating when technology fails us when we need it most, especially with something as essential as food benefits.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's dealt with similar EBT app issues! I've learned to screenshot everything when using any of the CalFresh/EBT digital features - confirmation screens, error messages, everything. It's saved me so much hassle when calling customer service because I can tell them exactly what error I'm getting. Also, if you're ever in this situation again and need groceries urgently while waiting for tech issues to be resolved, some food banks and community pantries can provide emergency food assistance even if you're already receiving CalFresh. Just a backup option to keep in mind! Really glad everyone was able to help you get this sorted out quickly.