EBT card not working after PIN change - CalFresh benefits accessible but locked out?

I had this exact same problem last month! The system glitches sometimes when you change your PIN through the automated system. What you need to do is call the EBT customer service line (not the county office) at 1-877-328-9677. They can unlock your card over the phone. Make sure you have your card number ready when you call. Sometimes there's a 24-hour processing period for PIN changes, but they can still help you if you're locked out completely.

this happens ALL THE TIME with the stupid ebt system!! i changed my pin like 5 times last year and half the time it would mess up. so frustrating when ur at the checkout with a cart full of food and cant pay!! they really need to fix this garbage system

You might be entering the wrong PIN. When you changed it, did you make sure to enter the new one twice when it asked you to confirm? A lot of people mess up at that step. Also, are you sure you're using the right card? I know it sounds silly but I once spent an hour trying to figure out why my PIN wasn't working only to realize I grabbed my regular debit card instead of my EBT card (they look similar in my wallet).

I work with CalFresh clients and see this problem frequently, especially at the beginning of the month when their systems are overloaded. Here's what you need to know: 1. The EBT PIN system has a separate database from the benefits system, which is why you can see your balance but not access it. 2. After 4 incorrect PIN attempts, your card automatically locks for security reasons. 3. To unlock it, you MUST call the EBT customer service line, not your county office. They're the only ones with access to the PIN system. 4. You'll need: your card number, your social security number, and your date of birth to verify identity. 5. They can unlock it immediately over the phone and let you set a new PIN. If you're stuck on hold forever, check out Claimyr.com - they can hold your place in line and call you back when a representative is available. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. I've had clients use it with good results when the wait times are unbearable.

omg i hate when the pin thing happens!! but also did anyone else get that message about changing pins?? is this a scam thing going around or legit? i never got told i had to change mine before

I think there might be a broader system issue happening. My card worked fine yesterday morning but was declined last night even though I haven't changed my PIN recently. When I checked my balance on the app it showed my benefits were there but I couldn't use them. Maybe it's not just about your PIN change but some EBT system maintenance they're doing? Has anyone heard about scheduled maintenance?

What helped when I was dealing with this issue last year was writing down the steps I took with the automated system when changing my PIN. The customer service rep told me that sometimes the system records the wrong PIN if you press the keys too quickly or if there's a bad connection. For future reference: 1. When changing your PIN, pause briefly after each digit you enter 2. When it asks you to confirm, enter the exact same number again (some people get confused and think they need to enter their old PIN to confirm) 3. Wait for the complete confirmation message before hanging up 4. Try not to use your PIN for at least 2 hours after changing it to give the system time to update I've never had an issue since following these steps.

Just curious - did you change your PIN because of an actual official notice or was it a text message telling you to change it? There have been some EBT scams going around recently where people get texts saying they need to update security info but it's actually fraudsters. If you called the number from a text rather than the official number on your card, you might want to report it.

UPDATE: Finally got through after 3+ hours on hold! The rep said there was an error in their system that caused some PIN changes to not process correctly, but my benefits were never at risk. They unlocked my card and helped me set a new PIN. Just wanted to update in case anyone else runs into this issue. She also mentioned they've been getting tons of calls about this same problem this week, so it seems like a bigger system issue.

THE WORST PART is how they lock you out after only 3 tries!!! my old bank gave you like 5 chances before locking a card. 3 is way too few especially when their system is glitching. and then u have to waste half ur day on hold to fix THEIR MISTAKE. its like they WANT to make it hard for us to actually use our benefits!!