EBT card frozen after using Edge app - now locked out of account, can't access CalFresh benefits!

same thing happened 2 me last month! the freezing feature in edge app is glitchy af and customer service is useless. have u tried calling the EBT customer service number on back of card? they might be able 2 help even on weekend

This is unfortunately a common issue with the Edge app's card freeze feature when used with EBT cards. The problem is that EBT accounts have separate security systems from regular bank accounts. When you freeze through the app, it sometimes creates a conflict between the two systems. Here's what you should try: 1. Call the EBT Customer Service number (not through the automated system). Press 0 repeatedly at each prompt until you get a representative. 2. Tell them specifically that you need an "emergency card unlock" due to a third-party app freeze issue. 3. They should be able to verify your identity and remove the freeze immediately. The good news is that the EBT customer service line is actually available 24/7, unlike the county offices. Your benefits are still there, it's just an access issue.

I went through something similar but with the BenefitsCal app instead of Edge. It's so frustrating how these systems don't talk to each other! The county keeps pushing us to use all these different apps and online services, but then when they break down, we're just stuck without food. And they wonder why people get so stressed about benefits... BTW - did you know you can request an emergency replacement card at some county offices? They have a dropbox system even when closed. Might be worth checking if your local office has this option if the phone thing doesn't work out.

have you tried the connectEBT website instead of the app? sometimes when the app is glitching you can still log in through the website and manage your card there. go to www.connectebt.com and try your same login

Honestly, I gave up trying to deal with CalFresh phone systems after spending HOURS on hold and getting disconnected repeatedly. I started using this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual human at the CalFresh office without the wait. Just go to claimyr.com and they'll call the office for you and call you back when they have a real person on the line. Saved me from having to take a day off work just to deal with my benefits issues. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Even though the county office is closed until Monday, the state EBT customer service should still be available, and Claimyr works with them too.

I work with a community organization that helps people navigate benefit issues, and we see this specific EBT/Edge app freeze problem frequently. Here's what you need to know: 1. The EBT Cardholder Customer Service line (866-328-9677) is indeed 24/7, even on weekends. 2. To bypass the automated system, here's the exact sequence: When you call, immediately press 2 for English (or your language), then press 0 three times in a row. This usually forces a transfer to a live agent. 3. Tell them you need a "temporary card system override" for a third-party app freeze. This specific terminology will help them understand exactly what you need. 4. Have your full card number, your date of birth, and the last four of your SSN ready for verification. 5. They should be able to remove the freeze immediately, and you'll be able to use your card right away. If for some reason this doesn't work, as a last resort, some major retailers like Walmart and Target will sometimes allow a one-time courtesy purchase with manager approval if you can show your ID and physical EBT card, even if the card is frozen. This varies by store and manager discretion, but worth trying in an emergency.

This is such a relief to read the update that you got it resolved! I went through almost the exact same thing last year and it was absolutely terrifying not being able to feed my family. The stress of dealing with these system glitches when you're already struggling financially is just brutal. One thing I learned from my experience - I now keep a screenshot of my EBT balance and card status before using ANY app, even the official ones. That way if something goes wrong, I have proof that my benefits were accessible before I tried to use the app. It's helped me when calling customer service because I can tell them exactly when the problem started. Also want to echo what others said about avoiding third-party banking apps for EBT management. I know they make it seem convenient, but these cards work differently than regular bank cards and the systems don't always play nice together. Stick with ConnectEBT or calling the official number directly. So glad your kids didn't have to go hungry this weekend! The system really needs to be more user-friendly for situations like this.

Wow, reading through this thread as someone new to CalFresh - this is exactly the kind of info I wish I had known before! I just got approved last month and have been using different apps to manage my benefits without realizing they could cause these kinds of conflicts. Thank you especially to @Mason Kaczka for that detailed breakdown of how to get through to customer service - I'm screenshotting that phone sequence! And @Nina Chan that screenshot tip is brilliant, definitely doing that going forward. It's honestly scary how easy it is to get locked out of something as essential as food benefits. Makes me wonder if there should be some kind of warning in these third-party apps about potential EBT compatibility issues? Seems like this happens way too often based on everyone's responses. Glad you got it sorted out @Sebastian Scott! Stories like this make me so grateful for communities like this where people actually help each other navigate these complicated systems.