How to reset my EBT card portal password? CalFresh account locked out

same thing happen to me last month ugh so frustrating! had to call them but got hung up on twice

To reset your BenefitsCal/EBT portal password you need to: 1. Go to the main login page (benefitscal.com or connectebt.com depending on which portal you're using) 2. Click on "Forgot Password" or "Reset Password" (should be under the login fields) 3. Enter your User ID/EBT card number 4. You'll need to verify your identity with security questions or the last 4 digits of your SSN 5. Follow the prompts to create a new password If the online reset isn't working, you'll need to call the EBT Customer Service line at 877-328-9677 for the card issues. For BenefitsCal account problems, you would need to contact your county directly. Make sure you're calling during their business hours (usually 8am-5pm weekdays).

one time my account was locked and i had to wait 24 hours before it let me reset anyting just fyi

The EBT customer service is THE WORST!!! I spent literally 2 HOURS on hold last month trying to fix my account access. They kept transferring me back and forth between departments and nobody could help. Then they hung up on me! What kind of system punishes people who NEED FOOD by making it impossible to access their own accounts? I swear they do this on purpose to discourage people from using their benefits. My kids were hungry and I couldn't even check if I had money on my card!

If you're having trouble with the automated system, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. It helped me get through to a real person at CalFresh when I was locked out of my account too. Their system basically waits on hold for you and calls you back when they get a real person. Saved me hours of frustration. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 or check out claimyr.com. The representative I got was able to verify my identity and reset my access on the spot.

I had this issue too! The problem is there's actually TWO different portals - one for your EBT card balance (connectEBT) and another for your CalFresh case management (BenefitsCal). Make sure you're trying to reset the right one! For your EBT card balance, use the card customer service. For your actual CalFresh account where you submit recertification and SAR7, you need to contact your county office.

I had a similar problem with my account last year. I found that if you call exactly when the office opens (usually 8:00am), the wait times are much shorter. Also, if you're worried about your recertification, you can actually check the status without logging in by calling your county office and using the automated system - just have your case number ready. Sometimes the website has maintenance periods too where reset functions don't work properly. You might want to try again during business hours if you were attempting it on a weekend or evening.

Update to my previous advice: If you've been locked out due to too many password attempts, there is typically a 24-hour automatic lockout period for security reasons. This is why sometimes the reset function doesn't work immediately. If you need immediate access to check your balance, you can always call the EBT customer service automated line at 877-328-9677 - you don't need your online password for that, just your card number and PIN. For checking if your SAR7 was properly processed, you'll need to contact your county office directly.

I've been through this exact same situation! One thing that helped me was making sure I was using the right website - sometimes people get confused between the different CalFresh portals. Also, if you're still having trouble after the 24-hour lockout period, try clearing your browser cache and cookies before attempting the reset again. Sometimes old session data can interfere with the reset process. And definitely keep your case number handy when you call - it speeds up the verification process a lot. Good luck with your recertification next month!

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble with the phone system, another option is to visit your local county office in person if possible. I know it's not convenient for everyone, but when I had a similar lockout issue, the caseworker was able to reset my online access right there on the spot. They can also help you check your SAR7 status and make sure everything is on track for your recertification. Some offices have walk-in hours or you can schedule an appointment. It might save you the frustration of dealing with the phone system!

I went through this exact same lockout situation about 3 months ago and it was so stressful! Here's what worked for me: First, I had to wait the full 24 hours before the reset would actually work (even though it was frustrating). Then I used the "Forgot Password" link on the BenefitsCal site, not the EBT card site - make sure you're on the right portal! When it asked for verification, I used my case number instead of trying to remember which email I originally used. The whole process took about 10 minutes once the lockout period was over. For checking your balance in the meantime, definitely use the phone number on the back of your card - you just need your card number and PIN, no online password required. And don't stress too much about your upcoming recertification - as long as you get back in within the next week or two, you should have plenty of time to check everything and submit what you need!