How to update EBT card number on connectEBT website (not BenefitsCal) - lost all access!

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

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

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.

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??

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.

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.

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.

So glad you got this figured out! This is such a common issue and your thread will definitely help other people who run into the same problem. It's really frustrating that they don't include any instructions with replacement cards about updating your online account. The fact that ConnectEBT and BenefitsCal are separate systems managed by different companies makes everything so confusing. Hopefully they'll improve this process in the future, but at least now there's a clear step-by-step guide here for anyone else dealing with a stolen/replaced EBT card!

This whole thread is so helpful! I've been putting off dealing with my own EBT card replacement for weeks because I was dreading the hassle. My card got damaged and I need to request a new one, but I was worried about losing access to the ConnectEBT website. Now I know exactly what to expect and have the step-by-step process to follow once I get my replacement card. It's honestly ridiculous that this isn't explained anywhere officially - like you'd think they'd at least put a FAQ on the website or include instructions with new cards. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, this is going to save me so much time and stress!

This is such a valuable thread! I'm bookmarking this for future reference. It's honestly shocking how many hoops you have to jump through just to access your own benefit information online when you get a replacement card. The fact that ConnectEBT doesn't automatically sync with new card numbers or provide ANY guidance about this process is really poor system design. I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my card got demagnetized and won't swipe anywhere, so I need to request a replacement. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here, especially the detailed step-by-step instructions. It's frustrating that we have to figure this stuff out through trial and error and community forums instead of having proper documentation from the agencies themselves!

Just wanted to add another tip for anyone dealing with this in the future - if you're having trouble with the ConnectEBT website even after following the User ID/password reset steps, try clearing your browser cache and cookies completely before attempting the process. I had a similar issue last year and kept getting error messages until I cleared everything and started fresh. Also, I noticed the site works better on Chrome or Firefox rather than Safari or Edge. It's ridiculous that we need these workarounds, but at least there are solutions! Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here - this thread is going to help so many people avoid the frustration of being stuck without online access to their benefits.