Is the EBT Edge app reliable for checking CalFresh balance? Reviews needed

I've been using the EBT Edge app for about 8 months now with my CalFresh benefits. It's definitely legitimate - it's the official app supported by the state. It shows your current balance, transaction history (which is super helpful for budgeting), and you can see when your benefits get deposited. You can also find nearby stores that accept EBT. The security seems good - you need a PIN to log in after you set up your account. I haven't had any issues with unauthorized access or anything like that. The only downside is sometimes it can be a bit slow to update after you make purchases. There's been times where it took a few hours to show a transaction. But overall, it's way more convenient than calling that phone number!

its ok i guess. crashes alot on my phone tho. beter then the phone # but still not great. u can see when benfits come in but sometimes its wrong by a day.

I HATE that app with a passion! It constantly logs me out, sometimes shows incorrect balances (which is terrifying when grocery shopping), and once it even showed my account was empty when I had just received my benefits! Had to call the actual EBT customer service line which took FOREVER. The reviews in the app store tell the real story - lots of 1-star reviews from frustrated people. Save yourself the headache and just keep using the phone number.

I've worked with CalFresh recipients for several years, and the EBT Edge app is definitely legitimate - it's developed by Conduent, the same company that handles the EBT card processing system for most states. That said, the app quality varies a lot depending on your phone type and sometimes even your location. Key features that are useful: 1. Real-time balance checking (though sometimes delayed by 15-30 minutes) 2. Transaction history for the past 3 months 3. Deposit date notifications 4. Store locator with EBT retailers 5. Ability to freeze your card if lost The app is generally secure, but as with any financial app, use a strong password and don't share your login details. Make sure you're downloading the official app - there have been some fake EBT apps in the past. The official one is called "ebtEDGE" developed by Conduent. If you're having trouble getting through to a CalFresh representative by phone to ask questions, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you skip the phone queues and connect directly to a live person at your county office. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. I've recommended it to several clients who were struggling to get through on the CalFresh hotlines.

I've had a mixed experience with the EBT Edge app for my CalFresh benefits. Some months it works perfectly, other times it's frustrating. A few things to know: - When you first set it up, sometimes it takes 24 hours to show your correct balance - If you use it at farmers markets with the Market Match program, those transactions sometimes show up weird - The notifications about deposits are actually really helpful - It works WAY better on newer phones (my old phone constantly crashed with it) Overall, I think it's worth having even with the occasional glitches. It's saved me from embarrassment at the checkout a few times when I wasn't sure if I had enough benefits left. And it's nice to check your balance before going shopping without having to call that annoying phone system.

Wow, thanks everyone for all the feedback! Seems like a real mix of experiences. I think I'll give it a try but maybe not rely on it 100%. And @MediationMaster that Claimyr service sounds helpful too - I've definitely had issues reaching my worker. I'll check out that video. One last question - for those who use the app, does it show both your CalFresh AND Cash Aid if you get both? Or just the food benefits?

i used it for like a month but it was always wrong. tried to buy groceries and the app said i had $212 but then my card got declined!! the cashier had to void everything and i had to put stuff back. so embarassing 😡 then i called the number on the back and it said i only had $14 left! deleted the app after that.

FOR ANYONE READING THIS WHO TRIES THE APP: Make sure you check your benefits using the PHONE NUMBER before you go shopping, even if the app shows a balance! Don't trust the app alone! I learned this the hard way when I was standing at the register with a cart full of groceries and two screaming kids. Trust me on this one!

I downloaded the EBT Edge app about 6 months ago and have found it pretty useful overall, though like others mentioned it definitely has some quirks. A few tips that might help: - Download it from the official app store and make sure it's the "ebtEDGE" app by Conduent - Give it 24-48 hours after your first setup to sync properly - I always refresh the app before checking my balance (pull down on the main screen) - Keep using the phone number as backup for important shopping trips The transaction history feature is actually my favorite part - it's helped me track my spending patterns and budget better. And being able to see exactly when my next deposit comes in is super convenient for meal planning. One thing I noticed is that it works much better on WiFi than on cellular data. If you're having issues, try connecting to WiFi first. The app isn't perfect but it's definitely more convenient than calling that automated system every time!