Help accessing BenefitsCal Edge app for CalFresh account - keeps showing error!
I've been trying to log into the BenefitsCal Edge app to check my CalFresh balance and upload my SAR7 form but keep getting stuck at the login screen. It either freezes or says 'authentication error' when I put in the same username/password that works fine on the website. I need to report my new part-time job before hitting my IRT limit, and the county office said I should use the app because it's faster than mailing forms. Has anyone else had trouble with the Edge app login? Any tricks to make it work? My recertification is coming up in 3 months and I'm worried about losing benefits if I can't figure this out.
20 comments


Declan Ramirez
The Edge app is terrible!!! I had the same problem last month. Try deleting the app completely and reinstalling. Then make sure your using THE EXACT SAME email as your benefitscal account (not case sensitive but has to be the same email).
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A Man D Mortal
•Thanks, I'll try that. Do you remember if you had to verify your identity again after reinstalling? I don't have my original verification documents handy right now.
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Emma Morales
Edge app login issues are common right now. Here's what usually works: 1. Make sure your BenefitsCal account password doesn't have special characters (the app doesn't handle them well even though the website does) 2. If you're using face/fingerprint ID, turn it off and manually enter credentials 3. Check that your phone's operating system is updated 4. Try using a different device if possible Also, you mentioned reporting a new job - make sure you report this within 10 days if it puts you over the Income Reporting Threshold (IRT). For job changes, you can actually call the CalFresh customer service line directly rather than waiting for the app to work.
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A Man D Mortal
•I didn't know about the special characters issue! My password definitely has those. I'll try changing it on the website first. And thanks for the reminder about the 10-day reporting - my new job only gives me about $620 extra per month, and I think my IRT is around $2,400 for a household of 3.
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Katherine Hunter
when i got locked out of my account i just went to the office in person and they reset everything for me
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Declan Ramirez
•That works but took me HOURS of waiting last time I went. Not worth it if u can fix it urself!
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Lucas Parker
Have you tried clearing your cache and cookies? Sometimes that works. Also if your phone is older the app might just not be compatible. My phone is from 2020 and the Edge app crashes constantly, but works fine on my boyfriend's newer phone.
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Katherine Hunter
•this is so true!! the app only works good on newer phones. my old android couldnt even download it
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Donna Cline
I work with a lot of CalFresh recipients and this is actually a super common problem right now. BenefitsCal did an update in February 2025 and it's been causing login issues for many people. If the tips others shared don't work, I'd recommend using Claimyr to get through to a real person at the county office. It's a service that gets you past the hold times - I've had clients wait 3+ hours on regular lines but get through in minutes with Claimyr. You can check out how it works at claimyr.com or see their demo video: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. They can reset your account on their end which sometimes fixes the app issues.
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A Man D Mortal
•Thanks for this recommendation! I've seriously been on hold for over an hour multiple times. I'll check out that service. Definitely worth it if I can get this resolved quickly since I need to report my income change.
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Harper Collins
To specifically address your Edge app login issue: 1) The app requires you to create a separate PIN after you've logged in with your regular credentials the first time. Many people forget this two-step process. 2) If you've already set up the PIN but it's still not working, check your BenefitsCal account recovery email to see if they sent you a verification code. 3) Some counties require additional security verification through the app that isn't required on the website. Regarding your income reporting: even if you can't access the app, you can still report income changes through the website (BenefitsCal.com), by calling the county office, or by mailing/faxing the SAR 3 form. As long as you report before hitting your IRT, you'll be fine. The $620 extra income is definitely something you should report, but it shouldn't disqualify you if your household meets other eligibility requirements.
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A Man D Mortal
•I completely forgot about the PIN! I think that might be my problem. I vaguely remember setting one up months ago when I first downloaded the app but then I ended up just using the website instead. I'll try resetting that. And thanks for confirming about the income reporting - I was worried because my caseworker made it sound super urgent to report through the app specifically.
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Kelsey Hawkins
try login with a computer instead of phone. my phone never works with calfresh stuff but computer always better. libraries have free computers if u dont have 1.
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Declan Ramirez
•thats wat i did b4 the app started working again! the website is WAY more reliable
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Emma Morales
Just wanted to add that if you need to report your job change quickly and can't access the app or website, you can also call the IVR (Interactive Voice Response) system in many counties. The number should be on your last approval notice. When prompted, select the option for 'Report Changes' and follow the automated system. Make sure you have your case number handy. For your SAR7, remember those are due by the 5th of your SAR month, and you can request a paper form be mailed to you if the electronic submission isn't working. Don't wait until the last minute as processing can take time.
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A Man D Mortal
•Update: I got it working! It was definitely the PIN issue that @helpful_guidance mentioned. I had to call the county (used that Claimyr service which was super quick) and they reset my PIN access. Then I created a new one and now I can log in fine. Thanks everyone for all the help! Already uploaded my paystubs for the new job and got confirmation they received it.
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Jade Lopez
Great to see you got it resolved! For anyone else having similar issues, I'd also recommend checking if your county has text message alerts for CalFresh. Mine sends reminders about reporting deadlines and sometimes includes backup phone numbers when the app is down. You can usually sign up through your BenefitsCal account under notification preferences. It's been a lifesaver when I've had tech issues with both the website and app at the same time.
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Zainab Ismail
•That's a great tip about text alerts! I had no idea counties offered that. I'm definitely going to set that up now that I have my account working again. Would have saved me so much stress if I'd known about backup phone numbers during outages. Thanks for sharing that - I'm sure other people reading this thread will find it helpful too!
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Dylan Cooper
Another thing that helped me when I had Edge app issues was making sure I had a strong internet connection. The app seems really sensitive to weak WiFi or cellular data. If you're on WiFi, try switching to cellular data or vice versa. Also, some people have reported that logging out of ALL apps on your phone and then restarting before trying Edge works better - something about memory allocation. And if you're still having trouble after trying all these fixes, you can always fax your SAR7 to your county office. Most county fax numbers are on their websites and it's usually processed just as fast as the app uploads.
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Fatima Al-Maktoum
•Thanks for the internet connection tip! I never thought about that but it makes sense - government apps always seem extra picky about connectivity. I've definitely noticed my banking apps work better on cellular vs WiFi sometimes. Good to know about the fax option too as a backup. It's really helpful seeing all these different solutions in one thread since the Edge app seems to have so many different issues depending on your phone/setup.
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