How to change EBT PIN for CalFresh? Lost card and need urgent access

same thing happen to me last month!! so annoying right? u dont need to go in person, just call the EBT customer service number not the county office. its usually printed on back of card. but ya the wait times can be crazy

omg this system is literally DESIGNED to make us fail!!!! i had same issue and called TWELVE times before someone picked up. they make it impossible on purpose so people give up on benefits they deserve. the county workers are all sitting there laughing while we cant feed our kids!!!

You don't need to visit the office in person to change your EBT PIN. Here's what you need to do: 1. Call the EBT Customer Service number (1-877-328-9677) 2. When the automated system answers, select the option for "PIN change" 3. You'll need your 16-digit EBT card number, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your SSN to verify your identity 4. Then you can select a new PIN If you can't get through by phone, you can also change your PIN online through the cardholder portal at www.ebt.ca.gov. You'll need to create an account first if you don't already have one. The best times to call are usually early morning (right when they open) or later in the evening before they close. Mid-day tends to have the longest wait times.

I had similar issues with the EBT customer service line... endless waiting and disconnects. I discovered a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to a real person without the wait. I just went to claimyr.com and they had the system call me back when it was my turn instead of waiting on hold. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 It worked for me when I needed to get my PIN reset after my card was stolen. Might be worth checking out if you keep getting disconnected.

When my mom had this issue, she went to the ATM and it let her create a new pin right there! Have you tried just going to an ATM and seeing if it prompts you to create a new PIN? Sometimes the simplest solution works. Anyway, she did this at a Bank of America ATM, but I think any ATM that accepts EBT cards might work.

To clarify some of the advice here: 1. Yes, you can change your PIN by calling the EBT Customer Service line (1-877-328-9677) 2. Yes, you can also change it online at www.ebt.ca.gov (fastest option usually) 3. No, ATMs do NOT let you reset forgotten PINs for EBT cards - you can only change your PIN at an ATM if you already know your current PIN If you keep getting disconnected when calling, try entering your card number immediately when the automated system answers. Sometimes this bypasses the initial menu and gets you to a representative faster. Also, make sure you're calling during their business hours (24/7 for the EBT line). If all else fails, you can visit any county office and they can help reset it, but as you mentioned, that's difficult with your work schedule.

btw did u know u can use ur EBT card at farmers markets?? i just found this out last weekend and they give u extra $$ to spend there. like if u spend $10 they give u $20 in fruits and veggies. its called market match i think

UPDATE: I got it fixed! I ended up using the website (www.ebt.ca.gov) like a few of you suggested. Had to create an account first but it was pretty easy. Once I logged in, there was an option to change/reset PIN. My new card works fine now. Thanks everyone for your help! Special thanks to those who gave me the website option - saved me hours of frustration!