EBT PIN reset issue - can't find the option to change my PIN on the phone system

did u try pressing 0? sometimes that gets u to a real person instead of the automated stuff. or maybe the websites better? ive had my card 4ever so cant remember how i set up my pin lol

Thanks for responding! I tried pressing 0 and it just kept repeating the same menu options :( Haven't tried the website yet - didn't know I could do it there!

When you call the EBT customer service number, you need to select option 2 (not option 1 for balance). THEN you'll get the PIN change prompt! I had exactly the same issue last month and spent an hour getting nowhere because I kept selecting option 1 first which takes you to a completely different menu that doesn't include PIN services. Also, make sure you have your card number ready because you'll need to enter that before it lets you change the PIN.

Yes!! this is the right answer. the menu options are super confusing. I thought i was losing my mind when i tried changing my pin last year lol

OMG THANK YOU!!! That worked perfectly. I feel so silly now but they really could make these prompts clearer. My kids will be so happy we can finally use our benefits for dinner tonight. THANK YOU!

Just to add some additional info that might help others: There are actually 3 ways to change your EBT PIN in California:\n\n1. Phone: Call 877-328-9677 and select option 2 (like the previous poster mentioned)\n\n2. Online: Log into your account at www.ebt.ca.gov and look for the PIN change option under \

Thats not entirely accurate. I went to the county office last month and they told me they dont handle PIN changes there anymore since 2023. They just give you the same phone number to call. Such a waste of my time and bus fare!!!!

i had this EXACT problem and wasted 3 days trying to figure it out!!! the whole calfresh system is designed to be as confusing as possible i swear!! like why cant they just have a button that says

If anyone is still struggling to get through on the EBT line, I've had luck using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with CalFresh workers. They have this service that calls and waits on hold for you then calls you when a real person answers. Saved me HOURS of hold time last month when I was dealing with a similar PIN issue plus some verification problems. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

why dont they tell ppl this stuff when they mail the card?? makes no sense

I know right? There was a pamphlet with the card but it just had general info about using EBT, nothing specific about PIN changes or the exact menu options.

One important thing to remember is that when you do get through to change your PIN, choose something you'll remember but that isn't obvious (like not your birth year or 1234). If someone gets hold of your card, they could drain all your benefits if the PIN is too easy to guess. Also, if you ever forget your PIN again in the future, you'll follow the same process - option 2 on the customer service line. Hope this helps!

Thank you for this advice! I definitely picked something more secure this time. My last PIN was my old address number which probably wasn't the smartest choice. Really appreciate everyone's help!

idk if anyone else has this issue but the automated system ALWAYS cuts me off mid-call at least twice before i can finish anything with my calfresh stuff. so frustrating they cant fix this in 2025 lol

omg yes it hangs up on me all the time!!!! thought it was just my phone

Also, just a heads up - if you recently reported your card lost/stolen and got a replacement, sometimes there's a 24-hour waiting period before you can set up the PIN on the new card. The system doesn't tell you this, but it's in the fine print somewhere. If option 2 doesn't work right away, try again tomorrow.

That's good to know! Luckily it worked for me right away, but that could definitely cause confusion for others.