How to update EBT card number on connectEBT website (not BenefitsCal) - lost all access!
I'm seriously losing my mind trying to figure out how to update my EBT card number on the ConnectEBT website (not BenefitsCal). Last week my wallet was stolen so I got a new EBT card with a different number. Now I can't access my account online to check my balance or transaction history! I tried completely reregistering with the new card number but the system says my personal info is already associated with an account. Called the EBT customer service line FOUR times but kept getting disconnected after 20+ minutes on hold. Has anyone dealt with this recently? The county office said they can't help with the website stuff and to contact EBT directly, but I CAN'T GET THROUGH!!! I need to check if my CalFresh benefits hit my account for April since I'm totally broke right now.
15 comments
Cedric Chung
the connectEBT website is soooo frustrating!! when i got a replacement card last year i had the same problem. what worked for me was going to the "forgot login/password" option and entering my new card info there. it asked for ssn and zip code to verify then let me reset everything with the new card #. don't try to create a brand new acct because like you found out, your info is already in the system
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Hailey O'Leary
•THANK YOU!! I'll try that right now. I was going in circles with the regular login page. Did you have to wait for them to mail you anything or was it all online?
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Talia Klein
this happened to me 2. its stupid they dont send instructions with the new card!! have u tried clicking forgot password?? thats how i got back in
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Hailey O'Leary
•Just tried that based on the other comment, but it's asking for my old card number which I don't remember anymore since it was stolen 😭
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Maxwell St. Laurent
The ConnectEBT website (not BenefitsCal) requires you to follow a specific process for updating card numbers. Here's what you need to do: 1. Don't try to register a new account - that won't work as your personal information is already in the system 2. Use the "Forgot User ID" option first (not password) 3. When prompted, enter your NEW card number, last 4 of SSN, and ZIP code 4. After retrieving your User ID, then use "Forgot Password" 5. Complete the password reset using your NEW card information This two-step process should update your account to recognize the new card. If it still doesn't work, you may need to call the EBT Customer Service number directly at the specific time when they're less busy - typically early morning (right when they open) or late afternoon on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
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Hailey O'Leary
•Thank you SO MUCH for these detailed steps! I was totally skipping the User ID reset part and going straight to password. I'm going to try this exact sequence now. I really appreciate you breaking it down!
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PaulineW
i had same issue but different reason - my card was all bent and stop working at stores. the ebt people mailed me new one with different numbers. i couldnt log in for like 2 weeks!!! the website is terrible and i ended up using the phone number on back of card to check my balance until i could fix the website stuff. maybe just use the phone for now??
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Hailey O'Leary
•That's what I've been doing but the phone system doesn't show me transaction history, just the balance. I'm trying to figure out if someone used my card before I reported it stolen. But you're right, at least the phone line works for basic balance checks.
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Annabel Kimball
When I changed my EBT card number recently, I had a nightmare trying to get through to anyone for help. After getting disconnected multiple times like you, I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a CalFresh rep in under 10 minutes. It basically holds your place in line and calls you when a real person is available. Saved me hours of frustration! Check out their video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8 or their website at claimyr.com. The rep I spoke with walked me through the exact steps to update my card on ConnectEBT while I was on the phone with them.
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Hailey O'Leary
•Omg thank you!! I'll definitely check this out. If the steps from the comment above don't work, I'll need to talk to someone directly. I've wasted SO MUCH time being on hold just to get disconnected.
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Chris Elmeda
•I was skeptical about this Claimyr thing when someone recommended it, but it actually worked for me too when I had issues with my recertification. Saves a lot of time when you're dealing with urgent benefit issues.
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Jean Claude
The ConnectEBT website is completely separate from the BenefitsCal system, which confuses a lot of people. ConnectEBT is operated by Conduent (the EBT processor), not by the state or county offices. That's why your county worker couldn't help - they literally don't have access to the ConnectEBT site administration. One thing to be aware of: after you get your account updated with the new card, make sure you check all your transactions carefully. If your old card was stolen rather than just lost, someone may have used it before you reported it. If you see unauthorized transactions, you'll need to file a formal dispute through the EBT Customer Service line. Unfortunately, unlike regular credit cards, the process for getting funds restored for fraudulent EBT transactions is more complicated and can take 7-10 business days.
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Hailey O'Leary
•This is really helpful context - I didn't realize they were completely different systems run by different organizations. No wonder the county office couldn't help! And yes, that's exactly why I'm trying to check my transaction history. I reported the card stolen the same day but there were a few hours where someone could have used it. I'll definitely check everything once I get back in.
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Jean Claude
Did you get this resolved? The process everyone described usually works, but sometimes the ConnectEBT system has a delay in recognizing new cards. If you try the steps above and still can't get in, you might need to wait 24-48 hours after activating your new card before the system fully updates. This happened to me last year - couldn't get in immediately but it started working two days later without me doing anything different.
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Hailey O'Leary
•UPDATE: I got it working!!! The instructions from profile 2 worked perfectly. Had to do the User ID reset first, then the password reset. Now I'm back in and can see all my transactions. Looks like nobody used my old card before I reported it stolen, so that's a huge relief. THANK YOU everyone for your help!!!
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