EBT website login suddenly rejecting password - can't check CalFresh balance

same thing happening to me!! tried like 10 times already. think the website might be down or something

This happened to me last month. There are 3 possible things going on: 1. The EBT website is having technical issues (happens more often than they admit) 2. Your account got locked after too many incorrect attempts (even if you're sure you used the right password) 3. There might be an issue with your benefits that triggered an account freeze You can check your balance by calling the EBT customer service number on the back of your card. That IVR system still works even when the website is down. If you want to talk to an actual person about why you can't log in, you'll need to call your county CalFresh office directly.

I work with clients having this exact issue right now. The EBT website is experiencing technical problems across multiple counties in California. Their IT team is aware and working on it, but no official timeline for a fix. In the meantime: 1. Call the EBT customer service number (877-328-9677) to check your balance 2. You can also check at any store with a point-of-sale terminal before shopping 3. Download the ConnectEBT mobile app - it's sometimes working when the website isn't Don't keep trying to reset your password right now as it might further complicate things once the system is back online. This is unfortunately a recurring issue with the EBT portal system.

I'm having the same problem but for OVER A WEEK!!! This system is completely broken. I called the county and waited 2 HOURS only to be told they "don't handle the EBT website" and to "call the EBT number" - which is just that stupid automated system. How are we supposed to manage our benefits when nothing WORKS??!?

There's actually a scheduled maintenance happening with the EBT portal system that wasn't well-communicated to beneficiaries. According to the notice posted on the BenefitsCal site (which most people don't check regularly), the EBT site maintenance was supposed to end yesterday but is apparently running longer than expected. For now, the most reliable methods are: 1. Call the toll-free number on your EBT card 2. Check your balance at an ATM or store terminal 3. If you need to report a lost/stolen card, you'll need to speak with a county representative I recommend calling your county CalFresh office directly about this issue rather than using the general EBT customer service line. Make sure to have your case number ready when you call.

mines working now!!!! just got in to check my balance. maybe try again??

I had this exact same issue last week! Turns out there was a glitch where the system was case-sensitive for passwords even though it normally isn't. Try typing your password in all lowercase first, then try all uppercase if that doesn't work. Also clear your browser cache completely before trying again - that fixed it for me when nothing else worked. The EBT system is so finicky sometimes. If you're still having trouble after the site maintenance is done, you might need to call and have them manually reset your account on their end.

This is such a widespread issue! I work at a community food bank and we've been getting calls all week from folks having the exact same problem. The EBT website outages seem to be happening more frequently lately. For anyone still having trouble, here are a few additional options that have worked for our clients: 1. Try using a different browser or incognito mode - sometimes cached login data gets corrupted 2. The ConnectEBT app mentioned earlier is usually more stable than the website 3. Many grocery stores can do a balance inquiry at customer service even if you're not making a purchase 4. If you have a smartphone, you can text your EBT card number to 69906 for balance info (standard text rates apply) Really hope the state invests in better IT infrastructure for these critical systems. People shouldn't have to jump through hoops just to access their food benefits!

I just want to add that if you're still having issues after trying all these great suggestions, you can also check your balance at most ATMs that accept EBT cards - even if you don't make a withdrawal, the balance inquiry is usually free. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most credit union ATMs work for this. I've found this super helpful during website outages since ATMs connect to a different system than the web portal. Also, if you shop at stores like Walmart or Target, you can ask customer service to do a balance check without making a purchase - most are happy to help. It's really frustrating that we need all these workarounds for something that should just work consistently!

I'm a new CalFresh recipient and was panicking when this happened to me yesterday! I thought my benefits had been cut off or something. Reading through all these responses is so reassuring - it's clearly a system-wide issue, not individual account problems. I tried the ConnectEBT app like Ana suggested and it worked perfectly! Also used the ATM balance check at my bank which was super convenient. It's honestly pretty concerning that these technical issues happen so frequently with such an essential service. Thank you everyone for sharing all these alternative methods - I'm bookmarking this thread in case it happens again. Really appreciate this community having each other's backs!

This thread is so helpful! I just started receiving CalFresh benefits last month and had no idea there were so many backup ways to check your balance. I was getting really worried when the website wouldn't accept my login yesterday, but after reading everyone's suggestions I tried the ConnectEBT app and it worked right away. It's honestly pretty frustrating that such an important system has these issues so regularly - people depend on knowing their benefit balance to plan grocery trips and meals. I'm definitely saving all these alternative methods (phone number, ATM checks, text option) for future reference. Thank you to everyone who shared solutions instead of just complaining - this is exactly the kind of community support that makes dealing with government systems a little easier!

As someone who's been on CalFresh for about 6 months now, I can totally relate to that panic when the system doesn't work! This exact same thing happened to me around Christmas and I was convinced my benefits got cut off. Turns out it was just another one of their frequent technical glitches. What I've learned is to always have multiple backup methods ready: - Keep the EBT customer service number (877-328-9677) saved in your phone - Download the ConnectEBT app as a backup to the website - Remember you can check balances at most grocery store customer service counters - The text option (text your card number to 69906) is super convenient for quick checks It's honestly ridiculous that such a critical system for food security has these issues so regularly, but at least we can help each other navigate around the problems. The good news is that these are almost always temporary technical issues, not actual problems with your benefits. Glad to see the website is working again for most people!