How to change EBT PIN for new CalFresh card without receiving a PIN number

Your old PIN should still work with the new card. When they issue replacement cards, they typically keep the same PIN. Try using your old PIN first at an ATM or store. If that doesn't work, you'll need to call the EBT customer service line at 1-877-328-9677 to set up a new PIN. Just wait until you get the option to speak to a representative instead of trying to use the automated system.

this happened to me last yr, u can also go to the website ebcpmobile.ca.gov and reset ur pin there if u remember ur card # and security code, way easier than calling!!

The same thing happened to me and I tried EVERYTHING. My old PIN didn't work, the website kept giving me errors, and I could NEVER get through on that EBT phone line. I kept getting disconnected after waiting forever. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to a real person at the CalFresh office. They have this service where they wait on hold for you and call you when they get a real person. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 that shows how it works. It saved me from waiting on hold for hours and the worker was able to reset my PIN over the phone. Just needed to verify my identity first.

When you get a replacement EBT card for CalFresh benefits, your PIN remains the same as your previous card. This is standard procedure throughout California's EBT system. If you truly can't remember your PIN, you have several options: 1. Call the EBT Customer Service line (1-877-328-9677) - press 0 repeatedly to bypass the automated system and reach a representative 2. Use the EBT cardholder portal at ebcpmobile.ca.gov 3. Visit your county CalFresh office in person with identification 4. Use the BenefitsCal app if you have it set up Remember that for security reasons, PINs are never included with mailed cards. Your county worker can also help reset your PIN if you can verify your identity to them.

i had this EXACT issue last month and it was so frustrating!!! turns out my benefits were actually on hold because of some paperwork issue that had NOTHING to do with the card or pin!!! make sure you check your actual benefit status too and not just focus on the pin!

Try your old PIN first, it should work! But here's the thing NOBODY tells you - if you enter the wrong PIN 4 times, your card will lock until midnight. So don't just keep guessing if you can't remember. I learned that the hard way and had to wait until the next day to use my benefits. So annoying, especially with hungry kids at home.

so did u get it working??

That's awesome that it worked out! For future reference, you can also check your PIN status and change it through the MyEBT app if you have a smartphone. It's really convenient and you don't have to wait on hold or worry about getting locked out. Just download it from your app store and register with your card number. Super helpful for checking your balance too without having to call or go to an ATM.

Just wanted to add that if you're ever in this situation again, most grocery stores can actually help you check if your PIN is working without locking your card. You can ask customer service to do a small test transaction (like $1) and they'll know right away if it's a PIN issue or something else. Way less stressful than guessing at the ATM! Also, I keep my PIN written down in a secure place now after going through this same nightmare last year.

Great to hear everything worked out! Just adding another quick tip for anyone else who might face this - if you're ever at a store and your PIN isn't working, you can also ask the cashier to run it as credit instead of debit. With EBT cards, you don't need a PIN for credit transactions, you just sign the receipt. It's a good backup option if you're stuck and need groceries right away while you sort out the PIN issue. Not all stores advertise this option but most accept it!

This whole thread is so helpful! I'm bookmarking this for future reference. I had no idea about so many of these options - the MyEBT app, running as credit, asking stores to do test transactions, pressing 0 to bypass phone menus. It's frustrating that they don't give you this information upfront when you first get benefits. Having your EBT card not work when you need groceries is such a stressful situation, especially when you have kids to feed. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and tips - this is exactly the kind of community support that makes a real difference!

This is such a valuable thread! As someone who recently started receiving CalFresh benefits, I had no idea about most of these backup options. I'm definitely downloading the MyEBT app and writing down all these tips in case I ever run into this issue. It's really unfortunate that they don't provide a comprehensive guide with all these workarounds when you first get your benefits - knowing about things like running transactions as credit or asking stores to do test transactions could save so much stress and anxiety. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and creating such a helpful resource for the community!

This thread is absolutely gold! I just joined this community and wish I had found it months ago when I was struggling with my EBT card. The amount of practical, real-world advice here is incredible - from the MyEBT app to running transactions as credit to the test transaction tip. It's amazing how these simple workarounds can prevent so much stress and frustration. I'm definitely bookmarking this and sharing it with friends who receive benefits. It really highlights how much more support and clear information should be provided upfront to CalFresh recipients. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences - this kind of community help is invaluable!

This thread is such a lifesaver! I'm relatively new to CalFresh and had no idea about half of these solutions. The MyEBT app alone sounds like it would have saved me so much hassle - I've been calling that customer service line every time I need to check my balance. And I never knew you could run EBT transactions as credit! That's such a useful backup. It really shows how much helpful information isn't shared upfront when you first get benefits. Reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel so much more prepared to handle any issues that might come up. This community is amazing for sharing real, practical advice that actually works in the real world. Thank you all!

This is such an incredibly helpful thread! As someone who just started receiving CalFresh benefits last month, I'm blown away by all the practical tips shared here. I had no idea about the MyEBT app, the credit transaction option, or even that you could ask stores to do test transactions. When I got my EBT card, they basically just handed it to me with a pamphlet about eligible foods - none of these crucial workarounds were mentioned! It's honestly frustrating that new recipients aren't given this kind of essential information upfront. Having your card not work when you need groceries is such a stressful situation, especially when you're already dealing with food insecurity. I'm definitely downloading the MyEBT app right now and bookmarking this entire discussion. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of community support that makes navigating these systems so much easier!

This entire thread is such a goldmine of information! I just joined this community after struggling with my own EBT issues last week, and reading through everyone's experiences and solutions has been incredibly reassuring. I had no idea about so many of these options - especially the MyEBT app and being able to run transactions as credit. When I first got my CalFresh benefits, they literally just mailed me the card with a basic pamphlet about what you can buy, but nothing about all these practical workarounds that can save you when things go wrong. It's really disappointing that they don't provide better guidance upfront, but I'm so grateful for communities like this where people share their real experiences and solutions. I'm definitely bookmarking this discussion and downloading that app right now. Thank you to everyone who took the time to help - this kind of peer support makes all the difference when you're trying to navigate these systems!