Easiest apps/websites to check CalFresh EBT balance in 2025? Getting tired of calling

There are actually 3 main ways to check your CalFresh balance without calling: 1) The official ConnectEBT app (available on Apple/Android) - this is what I use and it's pretty reliable 2) The BenefitsCal website (www.benefitscal.com) - log in with the same info you use for managing your case 3) The EBT Edge mobile app (some counties prefer this one) All three will show your current balance, transaction history, and when your next benefits will be deposited. The apps will send you notifications for deposits too if you enable them. Hope this helps!

i just text myself the balance after i buy something lol takes 2 seconds

Those apps are GARBAGE!!!! I downloaded the ConnectEBT app and half the time it crashes or says "system unavailable" when I need it most!!! And the BenefitsCal website is even WORSE - it logged me out 3 times while I was trying to check my balance last month and then locked my account!!!! The ONLY reliable way is to call but you're right it takes FOREVER to get through all those stupid prompts. Why can't they make ANYTHING work right for us?!?!?

Besides the apps others mentioned, one overlooked option is signing up for text alerts. You can register your phone number to receive automatic texts whenever: - Benefits are deposited - Your balance falls below a certain amount you choose - Transactions over a certain amount occur To set this up, you need to go to the EBT cardholder portal (www.ebt.ca.gov) and register for an account using your card number. Once registered, go to "Communication Preferences" to enable text notifications. I find this more reliable than depending on the apps, which can sometimes have outages during system maintenance.

I was having the same frustration trying to reach someone at my county office for CalFresh balance issues (their regular phone system was a nightmare). Someone on here recommended I try Claimyr.com and it actually worked! They connected me directly to a real person at my county's CalFresh office in about 10 minutes instead of the usual hour+ wait. The worker walked me through setting up the EBT Edge app correctly and fixing an issue with my online account. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 Not sure if you need to talk to your county about anything else, but thought I'd mention it since it saved me so much time.

one trick i learned for quickly checking ur balance is to just start a purchase at self checkout, hit the EBT button, swipe ur card & it'll show ur balance on screen. then u can just cancel the transaction if u dont wanna buy anything yet. sounds weird but it's actually faster than opening apps sometimes lol

Just a heads-up that California is rolling out the new CalFresh Connect system by end of summer 2025 that's supposed to integrate all these functions into one better app. Until then, your best options are: 1. ConnectEBT app (most reliable) 2. EBT Edge app (good backup) 3. Text BAL to 42265 (works without internet) 4. BenefitsCal website (for full account management) 5. Self-checkout balance check (the trick someone mentioned) And remember that your balance automatically resets on your designated day each month (based on the last digit of your case number). The new benefits should appear by 6am on that day.

i use the grocery store atm machine thing to check. u know those cash back machines in the store just press EBT BALANCE CHECK instead of WITHDRAWAL

As someone who's been on CalFresh for about 6 months now, I can relate to your frustration! I started with the same problem - calling that number was such a pain. Here's what I've learned works best: The ConnectEBT app is definitely your best bet. It took me a few tries to get it set up right, but once I did, it's been pretty reliable. You'll need your EBT card number and create a PIN when you first register. One thing nobody told me at first - you can also check your balance at any ATM that accepts EBT cards (look for the Quest logo). Just insert your card, enter your PIN, and select "Balance Inquiry." Most grocery stores and banks have these. Also, pro tip: your benefits load between midnight and 8am on your benefit day (which is based on the last digit of your case number). The apps usually update faster than calling the phone line on deposit days. Hope this helps make things easier for you!

@Anita George mentioned something super helpful about benefit loading schedules! Your CalFresh benefits load on a specific day each month based on the last digit of your case number. You can find this info on your EBT card or by logging into BenefitsCal - it should show your "issuance date" somewhere in your case details. For reference: - Case numbers ending in 1 = benefits load on the 1st - Case numbers ending in 2 = benefits load on the 2nd - And so on... This schedule helps spread out the system load so the apps and phone lines aren't completely overwhelmed on just one day. Once you know your day, you can plan your grocery trips accordingly!

Just wanted to add another option that's been a lifesaver for me - if you have an iPhone, you can add your EBT balance as a widget to your home screen using the ConnectEBT app. Once you're logged in, go to your widgets and add the ConnectEBT widget. It shows your current balance right on your phone's home screen without even having to open the app! Super convenient when you're at the store and need a quick glance at your balance. Android might have something similar but I'm not sure since I use iPhone. Has anyone tried setting this up on Android?

Another quick tip that's saved me tons of time - most major grocery chains now have their own apps that let you check your EBT balance if you link your card. I use the Safeway app and it shows my balance right in there along with digital coupons and store deals. Target's app does this too if you have a Target nearby. The nice thing about using the store apps is you can check your balance AND browse deals/plan your shopping all in one place. Plus they usually load faster than the dedicated EBT apps since the stores have better servers. Worth checking if your regular grocery store has this feature!