EBT card suddenly locked due to 'compromise' even though I use security measures - new chipped card coming?

the same exact thing happened to me last month!!! i was at the grocery store and my card got declined and i had NO IDEA why. called the number on the back and they said it was "compromised" whatever that means. never got any notification before they just shut it down. took 7 business days to get the new card and we were STRUGGLING that week. the county doesn't care that we have kids to feed they just lock accounts without warning

This is actually happening quite a bit lately across California. The EBT system detected a pattern of fraud attempts, so they're being extra cautious. The new chipped cards are part of the 2025 security upgrade for all CalFresh/EBT systems. They work the same way but have better encryption and are harder to clone. For replacement timeframes: standard delivery is 5-7 business days, but you can request expedited delivery (3 business days) by calling your county office directly. If you're facing an emergency food situation, ask specifically for an "emergency replacement" which can sometimes be handled at the county office in person. Regarding the app updates: yes, the EBT Edge app should automatically update with your new card info within 24-48 hours after the new card is activated. Just make sure you're using the latest version of the app.

THIS IS ALL BECAUSE OF THE NEW SYSTEM ROLLOUT!!! The county workers wont tell you but they've been having MASSIVE issues with the security system that was supposed to "protect us" 🙄 My cousin works at the county office and said there have been thousands of false compromise flags because their new software is garbage. They're blaming us for security issues when ITS THEIR SYSTEM thats broken!!! The new chipped cards are just another way for them to TRACK US and our purchases. Notice how they're coming out right when the government is pushing those digital IDs too?? WAKE UP!!

I've dealt with this issue several times with clients (I'm an eligibility advocate). Here's what you need to know: 1. Replacement timing: In most counties, it takes 5-7 business days. Some counties are faster. 2. Emergency access: If you need food immediately, call your county worker and request emergency food assistance while waiting for your replacement card. They can sometimes issue emergency vouchers. 3. New chip cards: Yes, these are being rolled out gradually through 2025. They have EMV chip technology like regular credit cards. They're not a hassle - they work exactly the same but with better security against skimming. 4. Security measures: Despite your best efforts, card numbers can be compromised even without physical access to your card. Skimming devices at stores are increasingly sophisticated. FYI - the automatic app update doesn't always work perfectly. If your new card arrives and you don't see it updated in the app within 48 hours, you may need to call to link it manually.

I got one of the new chip cards!! They started giving them in my county last month. It's literally exactly the same as using the old one - you just insert instead of swipe at most places. Some stores still make you swipe tho. The only annoying thing was I had to go through and update any automatic payments I had set up (like my kids school lunch account).

@original poster - Have you tried using Claimyr to reach your worker? It saved me hours of waiting when I had a similar emergency situation. They basically wait on hold with the county for you and call you back when they reach a person. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 For EBT card emergencies, getting through to an actual worker (not just the EBT customer service) is important because they can sometimes expedite the replacement or provide emergency alternatives. Regular EBT customer service can't do much beyond telling you the card is coming.

Just to add some clarity on the compromised card issue - it often has nothing to do with your personal security practices. What commonly happens is stores have their payment systems breached, affecting hundreds or thousands of cards at once. The system then flags all potentially affected cards and automatically issues replacements. If you've shopped at certain larger grocery chains recently, there was a known breach about 2 weeks ago that affected EBT processing systems. This is likely why you're getting a replacement despite your careful security measures.

when my card got locked i called the main EBT customer service # (not the county) and they told me i could go to the county office in person to get a temporary card same day. might be worth trying if ur really stuck. just bring ur ID and they can look up ur case

yes they can give u temp card at the office BUT not all counties do this!!! i tried in alameda county and they said they stopped doing it after covid and never started again. had to wait for mail. ask on phone first b4 u go all the way there

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress! I went through something similar about 3 months ago and it's awful when you have kids depending on those benefits. In my case, I called every morning around 8:30am when the county office first opened and finally got through on the third day. The worker was actually really helpful once I reached her - she expedited my replacement and I got it in 4 days instead of the usual week. One thing that helped me was asking specifically about "emergency food assistance" while waiting for the new card. They don't always offer it automatically but some counties can provide temporary vouchers or direct you to emergency food programs that work with EBT families. Also, if you have any family or friends who can spot you groceries, the replacement process really does work - my new card came with all my remaining benefits intact. Hang in there, and definitely try calling first thing in the morning when their phone lines are less busy!

This is so frustrating and unfortunately becoming way too common! I had my card locked twice last year for "suspicious activity" even though I'm super careful too. The first time took almost 8 days to get the replacement and I was panicking with two kids at home. What really helped me was calling the EBT customer service line (the number on the back of your old card) and asking them to put a rush on the replacement. They can sometimes expedite it to 3-5 days instead of the full week. Also, while you're waiting, check if your county has any emergency food pantries that work specifically with CalFresh families - some can help bridge the gap. The chip cards are actually pretty good from what I've heard from friends who got them early. Same process as using a regular credit card with a chip. Just remember to bring your ID when you first use the new card since some stores require it for the initial transaction after a replacement. Hope your new card comes quickly! This system really needs to do better about notifying people BEFORE they lock accounts.