EBT card security features - has anyone tried the Edge app to lock their CalFresh benefits?
Just got a flyer at the county office talking about the EBT Edge app and how you can lock your card when you're not using it. Has anyone actually tried this? My cousin had her benefits stolen last month ($780 gone overnight!!) and I'm nervous about keeping my CalFresh benefits safe. Is this app legit or just another government thing that doesn't actually work? Also, do you have to have a smartphone or can you do it from a computer too? I've got 3 kids depending on these benefits and can't afford to lose anything with grocery prices being so high in 2025.
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Oliver Becker
I've been using the EBT Edge app for about 6 months now and it ABSOLUTELY WORKS!!! After my card got skimmed at a sketchy market last year, I lost $432 and it took FOREVER to get it back. Now I just lock my card after every purchase. Super easy - just open app, slide the toggle to lock, and your benefits are protected. When you're ready to shop, unlock it, then lock again after. You DO need a smartphone though. Can't do it from a computer far as I know.
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Amina Bah
•That sounds perfect! Does it work even if you have bad cell service inside some stores? And can you set it up for multiple cards? I manage my disabled mom's benefits too.
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CosmicCowboy
yea its good i guess. better than nothin. i keep forgetting to lock mine back tho lol
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Natasha Orlova
•I set reminders on my phone to lock it after shopping. Really helps if you're forgetful like me! The extra security is worth the small hassle.
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Javier Cruz
The EBT Edge app is definitely legitimate. It's part of California's effort to reduce EBT theft, which has increased dramatically since 2023. You can lock/unlock your card, check balances, view transaction history, and find authorized retailers. One important thing to note: if you have both CalFresh and CalWORKs benefits on your card, locking it secures both programs simultaneously. And yes, unfortunately it's smartphone-only - they don't offer a web version yet. I recommend setting up all the security features, including PIN protection within the app itself. Also, make sure to activate transaction alerts so you're notified whenever your card is used.
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Amina Bah
•Thank you for all this info! Just downloaded it and setting it up now. I didn't realize it would show transaction history too - that's super helpful!
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Emma Thompson
My caseworker told me about the app last month, but it kept crashing on my old phone. Anybody else have problems with it not working right?
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Malik Jackson
•I had the same issue with my outdated Android. Try uninstalling and reinstalling - worked for me. Also, make sure you're downloading the official "EBT Edge" app, not one of the fake EBT balance checkers.
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Isabella Costa
i dont trust putting government stuff on my phone they track you enough already
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Javier Cruz
•While I understand the privacy concern, the EBT Edge app actually doesn't collect much data beyond what's needed for basic functionality. The security benefits far outweigh the minimal privacy risks. The app can't access other information on your phone, and it uses standard encryption for financial apps.
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Natasha Orlova
Adding to what others have said - if your benefits do get stolen even with using the app, you still need to report it immediately. The app helps prevent theft, but if someone manages to use your card while it's unlocked, you'll need to call the EBT Customer Service number AND your county office. I spent 3 weeks trying to reach someone about stolen benefits last year and kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual person at my county office. They have this service where they wait on hold for you and call when a real person answers. Saved me hours of frustration! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8
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Amina Bah
•Thanks for the tip about Claimyr! Bookmarking that site just in case. Do they help with other CalFresh issues too or just benefit theft?
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CosmicCowboy
my friend said she got a text to verify her ebt card but it was a scam!! they tried to get her to enter all her info on a fake website. be careful about texts sayin they're from calfresh
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Javier Cruz
•This is an extremely important warning. The official EBT Edge app will NEVER send texts asking you to verify information via a link. The California DSS has reported an increase in phishing attempts targeting benefit recipients in 2025. Always go directly to the app or call the number on the back of your EBT card if you receive suspicious messages.
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Oliver Becker
BTW - another tip: when you're in the store and ready to check out, you can quickly unlock the card, check out, then lock it again right there in line. Takes like 10 seconds. I've been doing this for months and my cashiers don't even notice the tiny delay. BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY!! My friend had $1200 stolen and they only replaced half of it!!!
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Amina Bah
•That's exactly what I'll do! Just set it up and the app seems pretty fast to unlock/lock. Thanks everyone for the help! Feeling much better about keeping our benefits safe.
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