EBT deposit tomorrow but confused about PIN change requirements for CalFresh

No, you dont need to change your PIN regularly. Thats NOT a calfresh requirement. Your neighbor is probably confising it with something else. Your deposit will come through fine with your current PIN!

Your benefits will deposit as scheduled and your current PIN will work just fine. There is no mandatory PIN change requirement for CalFresh EBT cards in California. The only times you need to change your PIN are: 1. If you believe your PIN has been compromised 2. If you forgot your PIN 3. If you received a new EBT card The CalFresh program will never require regular PIN changes as a standard policy. Your neighbor might be confusing this with bank card security recommendations or perhaps another program's requirements. You can keep the same PIN indefinitely as long as you feel it's secure.

This same rumor went around my apartment complex a few months ago! Everyone was panicking about changing PINs. I think it started because the county offices were sending out new EBT cards to some people (mine was expiring) and those people DID need new PINs. Got everyone confused!

I HATE how these rumors spread and cause unnecessary stress!!! The EBT system is frustrating enough without false information making the rounds. Last month, someone in my building was saying benefits were getting cut by 40% across the board - had me panicking for days until I found out it wasn't true. The county needs to communicate better!!!!

Just to add some clarity - I work with a community organization that helps people with CalFresh issues. There is absolutely NO requirement to change your PIN regularly. Your benefits will deposit on schedule and your current PIN will work fine. If you ever do want to change your PIN or have issues accessing your benefits, you can: 1. Call the EBT customer service number (though as you experienced, wait times can be long) 2. Visit your county office in person 3. Use the BenefitsCal website for some account management features If you're having trouble getting through on the phone lines for any CalFresh issues, I've had clients have success with a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They hold your place in line and call you back when a representative is available. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8

Yes, it's legitimate. Many of our clients use it when they need to reach CalFresh representatives but can't stay on hold for hours or visit an office during business hours. It essentially holds your place in the phone queue and calls you when it's your turn to speak with someone. The service is especially helpful for people who work during the day or have childcare responsibilities that make long hold times impossible.

Hey just wanted to update - my CalFresh came through today and I didn't change my PIN (been the same for like 2 years lol). So def just a rumor!

BTW if u ever DO need to change your PIN, u can do it at the ATM where u check your balance. Not many people know this but its way easier than calling!

Thanks everyone for your help! My benefits did load today and my regular PIN worked perfectly fine. Such a relief! I'm going to let my neighbor know too so she doesn't keep spreading wrong information. I appreciate all of you taking the time to clear this up for me.

So glad everything worked out for you! It's really frustrating how these false rumors spread and cause so much unnecessary anxiety, especially when people are already stressed about making ends meet. You did the right thing asking here - this community is great for getting accurate information. Maybe we should pin a post about common CalFresh myths to help prevent this kind of confusion in the future?